Climate Conference Concludes with Release of 9-Point Goksho Declaration
April 23, Goksho, Solukhumbu – A climate conference held in the Khumbu region has concluded with the release of a 9-point Goksho declaration emphasizing Nepal’s leadership role among Himalayan and mountain nations in climate justice. The declaration was issued following the conference held on Wednesday to mark World Earth Day, highlighting the need to strengthen climate diplomacy and prioritize Himalayan issues in international forums.
The Goksho Climate Conference was organized collaboratively by Solukhumbu’s Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality and organizations actively involved in climate justice and tourism development. Experts and delegates traveled from Kathmandu to Gokyo via Lukla, Namche, Khumjung, and Machermo to attend the event. Indira Rana, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and current parliamentarian, read the declaration and expressed gratitude to the organizers for their role in pressuring the government on climate justice from the citizen level.
“The government alone cannot halt the problems caused by climate change. It must collaborate directly with citizens from affected areas,” she said. “Both the government and parliament should carefully consider the recommendations outlined in this declaration.” Arunbhakta Shrestha, a glaciologist, highlighted the importance of the conference in addressing the risks associated with glacier melting. Youth leader Tasi Lazum, renewable energy researcher Kushal Gurung, rights activist Sama Shrestha, lawyer Saroj Ghimire, and journalist Babita Basnet also read out the declaration points and affirmed their consensus during the meeting.
The delegation conducted community dialogues and household surveys with women in Khumjung and observed glaciers in Goksho to assess threats posed by climate change. The declaration recommends adopting gender-sensitive and environmentally sustainable energy solutions to resolve the ongoing energy crisis. Organizer Bal Krishna Basnet informed that the accompanying study report will be submitted to local governments, provincial and federal authorities, as well as the federal parliament for policy formulation and management.
“Working closely with local authorities enabled us to gain a direct understanding of the impacts of climate change. Experts have indicated increasing risks posed by glaciers in the Goksho area,” Basnet remarked. The declaration underscores a commitment to making climate action just, inclusive, and rights-based, advocating for meaningful participation of women, indigenous peoples, youth, and marginalized communities at all levels. The conference was held in partnership with organizations including the Nepal Mountaineering Association, BYD electric vehicles, NCL, Nepal Airlines, and TAHAN.