The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) extended a warm welcome to the Presidents of the Union of Asian Alpine Associations (UAAA) and the Korean Alpine Federation (KAF) during an official ceremony held today at the NMA Secretariat in Nagpokhari, Naxal. The event marked a significant moment of camaraderie and partnership among leading Asian mountaineering institutions.
UAAA and KAF Leaders Receive Traditional Welcome
Upon their arrival, UAAA President Dr. In-Jeong Lee and KAF President Mr. Cho Jwa-Jin were received by NMA President Mr. Fur Gelje Sherpa along with NMA office bearers and board members. The guests were honored with the traditional NMA Khada, symbolizing respect, goodwill, and longstanding friendship.
During the ceremony, NMA presented a Letter of Congratulations to Mr. Cho on his recent election as the President of KAF. Likewise, a Letter of Appreciation was awarded to Dr. Lee in recognition of his consistent support and invaluable contributions to the growth of Nepal’s mountain tourism and the institutional development of NMA. Both distinguished leaders and the organizations they represent have played crucial roles in strengthening Nepal’s prominence in the global mountaineering community.
Strengthening Decades-Long Cooperation
In his welcome address, NMA President Mr. Sherpa highlighted the deep-rooted partnership among NMA, KAF, and UAAA. “We have a long history of collaboration. It is our privilege to welcome you to the NMA Secretariat,” he said. “I believe our relationship, cooperation, and joint efforts will continue in the days ahead.”
Dr. Lee expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to Nepal and NMA. “Nepal has always felt like home to me, and you are like my family,” he shared. “Nepal and NMA will always remain my home, and you will remain my friends for as long as I live.”
Echoing similar sentiments, KAF President Mr. Cho thanked NMA for the hospitality and pledged to work closely for the betterment of Nepal’s mountain tourism sector. “It is a great pleasure to be here and meet such remarkable personalities,” he said. “We will surely take our collaborations to the next level.”
NMA Seeks Greater Asian Participation in UIAA GA 2026
President Sherpa used the occasion to request increased support from UAAA and KAF to enhance Asian participation in the upcoming International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) General Assembly, which NMA is set to host in Nepal next year.
“Participation from Asian countries was very low during this year’s UIAA GA in Peja, Kosovo,” he noted. “I hope UAAA and KAF will support us in increasing these numbers for the 2026 UIAA GA in Nepal.” The appeal underscores NMA’s commitment to reinforcing Asia’s representation and engagement in the global mountaineering sphere.
Event Graced by Prominent Mountaineering Leaders
The program was attended by several renowned personalities from Nepal’s mountaineering and tourism sectors. Among them were Immediate Past President Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, former NMA Presidents Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa, Mr. Tashi Jangbu Sherpa, and Mr. Santa Bir Lama.
Also present were Mr. Danbar Parajuli, President of the Expedition Operators’ Association Nepal (EOA-Nepal) and the Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal (HRA); Mr. Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa, General Secretary of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN); Mr. Tshering Sherpa, CEO of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC); and Mr. Ngawa Ngima Sherpa, International Liaison Director of the Korean Alpine Federation. Their presence reflected the strong collective commitment to advancing mountaineering safety, tourism development, and international cooperation.
