Standing in the shadows of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, Qatari Princess and Everest summiteer Sheikha Asma Al Thani has expressed grave concern over the rapid environmental changes unfolding in the Himalayan region.
Addressing the Himalayan Climbers’ Conference organized by Sathsathai Foundation in Thame a small village in Solukhumbu severely affected by climate change Princess Al Thani stated, “The diminishing snow on mountains like Everest is not just a threat to Nepal but to the entire global community.”
Al Thani, who first visited Nepal in 2019 and successfully summited Everest that year, reflected on her current visit with a sense of sorrow. “When I first came, the mountains appeared bright, majestic, and full of life. But this time, I feel the life is gone. The snow is vanishing, rocks are exposed and dark, and the weather has changed. These changes are alarming,” she said.
Thame Village: A Community at the Frontline of Climate Crisis
The village of Thame has borne the brunt of climate-induced disasters. Last year, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in the Everest region caused widespread destruction, displacing dozens of families, collapsing power infrastructure, damaging roads, and even disrupting children’s education.
Princess Al Thani emphasized that such incidents are direct consequences of climate change and called for global cooperation. “Rebuilding such Himalayan settlements cannot rest on the shoulders of the Nepali government alone. The international community must join hands in this fight,” she urged.
She also highlighted the need for installing early warning systems in sensitive Himalayan zones to mitigate disasters like avalanches, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts. “These systems can provide timely alerts and save lives. We must make better use of technology,” she added.
Mount Everest: A Global Responsibility
Describing Everest as more than just Nepal’s treasure, Princess Al Thani stressed its importance as a shared heritage of humanity. “For climbers like us, Everest is not just a summit of pride it is also our responsibility to protect it. Every development plan must prioritize the preservation of these mountains. If not, Everest will one day exist only in photographs,” she warned.
Her statement resonated deeply with conference participants, which included environmental experts, mountaineers, and local representatives, all of whom unanimously agreed on the necessity of global cooperation to preserve the Himalayas.
National and International Call for Action
The conference called for strengthened collaboration between the Government of Nepal, local authorities, NGOs, and the international mountaineering community. Far beyond being a gathering of climbers, the event became a platform for climate awareness and critical dialogue on Himalayan challenges and solutions.
Data presented at the conference revealed that the average temperature in the Everest region has been steadily rising every decade, directly impacting the region’s glaciers. Princess Al Thani’s poignant appeal, personal experiences, and heartfelt messages left a profound impact on attendees.
“Himalayas are our crown, our soul. If the snow disappears, we lose the future of our planet. Saving Everest is our shared responsibility,” she concluded.
As part of the event, a goodwill message from former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was also read, in which he emphasized the importance of raising awareness about environmental crises. He expressed hope that the conference would contribute to the formal preparations for the upcoming Sagarmatha Dialogue to be held on Jestha 2 (mid-May), for which the Government of Nepal has officially recognized this conference as a prelude.
