The climate conference in the Khumbu region has concluded with the issuance of a 9-point 'Gokyo Declaration', including Nepal's leadership of Himalayan and mountain nations for climate justice. The declaration was issued after the conference organized in Gokyo on Wednesday on the occasion of World Earth Day.

The conference mentioned that climate diplomacy should be strengthened through the declaration and Himalayan issues should be raised with priority in international forums. The declaration was issued after the Gokyo Climate Conference organized by Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu and 'Sath Sath', an organization active in climate justice and tourism development.

The team, including subject matter experts, reached Gokyo from Kathmandu via Lukla-Namche-Khumjung-Machermo and issued the declaration. Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and MP Indira Rana Magar, while reading the declaration, expressed happiness with the organizers for their work to push the government for climate justice from the citizen level.

She said, 'The government alone cannot cope with the problems brought about by climate change, so we must reach out to the affected areas and join hands with the citizens.' She pointed out the need for the government and parliament to also listen to the suggestions mentioned in this declaration.

Glacier expert Arun Bhakta Shrestha, who reached the Gokyo region to participate in the interaction, claimed that this conference is important to address the risk of glacial lake bursting.

At the conference, youth leader Tashi Lajum, renewable energy researcher Kushal Gurung, human rights activist Sama Shrestha, advocate Saroj Ghimire, journalist Bijay Poudel and others read out the points of the declaration and agreed, informed Prajita Karki, chairperson of the organizer 'Sath Sath'.

The team conducted community dialogues and household surveys with women in Khumjung and observed various glacial lakes in Gokyo on the risks brought about by climate change.

The declaration suggests that the government adopt gender-sensitive and environmentally friendly sustainable energy solutions to prevent and solve the current energy crisis.

The study report along with this declaration will be submitted to the local rural municipality, state and federal governments as well as the federal parliament for policy management, informed Balkrishna Basnet, a founding member of the organizer 'Sathsathai'. He said,  'Work has been done to directly understand the impact of climate change by collaborating with the local level. Experts have pointed out that the risk has increased from the glacial lakes in the Gokyo region.'

The declaration states a commitment to making climate action just, inclusive and rights-based. It has been suggested that meaningful participation of women, indigenous people, youth and marginalized communities should be ensured at all levels.