The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has signed two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with mountaineering organisations from Indonesia and Pakistan to strengthen international cooperation and promote mountain tourism. The agreements were signed during the 2026 General Assembly of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) in Kathmandu. The partnerships establish a framework for cooperation in mountaineering development, technical knowledge exchange, human resource development and the international promotion of mountain destinations. The initiative marks another step towards strengthening Nepal’s relationships with regional mountaineering organisations.
The two agreements involve the Indonesian Mountaineering Federation (IMF) and the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP). Through these partnerships, NMA aims to build stronger institutional relationships and create opportunities for sharing expertise among mountaineering communities. The collaboration also reflects the association’s commitment to supporting the sustainable development of mountain tourism. By working with international organisations, Nepal aims to strengthen its position in the global mountaineering sector and encourage greater cooperation in mountain related activities.
NMA Establishes Partnerships with Indonesia and Pakistan
The first agreement was signed between NMA and the Indonesian Mountaineering Federation, creating a framework for cooperation in mountaineering and mountain tourism. The partnership focuses on developing skilled human resources, exchanging technical knowledge and sharing professional expertise. It also aims to strengthen connections between the two organisations and encourage collaboration in areas related to mountain activities. The agreement provides an opportunity for both sides to learn from each other’s experience and institutional practices.
The second MoU was signed with the Alpine Club of Pakistan, another prominent organisation representing the mountaineering sector in the region. The agreement similarly focuses on strengthening institutional cooperation, improving mountaineering expertise and promoting mountain tourism internationally. Through this partnership, the organisations aim to establish closer professional relationships and support the exchange of knowledge and experience. Together, the two agreements expand NMA’s international cooperation network with organisations in neighbouring and regional countries.
Mountaineering Skills and Knowledge Exchange in Focus
One of the key areas covered by the agreements is the development of skilled human resources in mountaineering. Professional training and the exchange of technical expertise are important for strengthening the capabilities of people working in mountain related activities. Cooperation between the organisations could provide opportunities to share practical knowledge, professional experience and institutional practices. Such exchanges can contribute to improving mountaineering skills and strengthening the overall capacity of the sector.
The MoUs also provide a framework for sharing knowledge and expertise between the participating organisations. Mountaineering involves technical skills, specialized experience and an understanding of mountain environments, making professional cooperation particularly valuable. By encouraging collaboration, NMA aims to strengthen institutional ties and support the development of mountaineering in the participating countries. The partnerships are intended to create a foundation for continued cooperation rather than being limited to the signing of formal agreements.
NMA Officials and International Representatives Sign Agreements
On behalf of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, both MoUs were signed by NMA President Phur Gelje Sherpa in the presence of General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama. The agreements were signed during the UIAA General Assembly, which brought international mountaineering representatives together in Kathmandu. The participation of the NMA leadership highlighted the association’s role in developing international institutional partnerships. The signing ceremony also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with the participating organisations.
Representing the Indonesian Mountaineering Federation, its President Major General TNI (Ret.) Buyung Lalana S. E. signed the agreement with NMA. The MoU with the Alpine Club of Pakistan was signed by its General Secretary, Ayaz Ahmed Shigri. The involvement of senior representatives from all three organizations reflects their commitment to establishing formal channels of cooperation. These agreements are expected to support future exchanges and strengthen professional relationships within the regional mountaineering community.
International Cooperation to Support Sustainable Mountain Tourism
The partnerships are intended to contribute to the international promotion of mountain tourism in Nepal, Indonesia and Pakistan. All three countries have mountain related tourism opportunities and established mountaineering communities, making cooperation valuable for sharing experiences and promoting their destinations. Stronger institutional connections can also help create opportunities for professional exchanges and joint promotional efforts. For Nepal, such collaboration provides another platform to highlight its mountain destinations and mountaineering expertise to international audiences.
NMA has expressed its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration, improving mountaineering knowledge and supporting the sustainable development of mountain tourism through these agreements. The partnerships with Indonesia and Pakistan represent an effort to expand international relationships within the mountaineering sector. Their long term contribution will depend on how the organisations implement the cooperation framework and develop practical activities. Nevertheless, the agreements provide a foundation for stronger regional engagement and the wider promotion of Nepal’s mountain tourism internationally.
