Kathmandu- In the face of accelerating climate change, the Sathsathai Foundation is on the pathway of the fight for climate justice, gender equity, and sustainable tourism. Under the leadership of Chairperson Prajeeta Karki, the foundation has been instrumental in ensuring that women and marginalized communities, who are disproportionately affected by climate disasters, are not only included in climate discussions but are leading them.
Summiteers Summit: Amplifying Women’s Voices in the Climate Crisis
One of the foundation’s key initiatives, the Summiteers Summit, is an annual event that brings together women mountaineers, climate activists, policymakers, and global leaders to highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change in the communities of the Himalayan region. The event focuses on the urgent need for the climate-adaptation strategies in Nepal’s mountain regions, where glacial melt and unpredictable weather patterns threaten both the livelihoods of people and natural ecosystems.
The 2025 edition of the Summiteers Summit will focus on the aftermath of the recent glacial lake outburst in the Khumbu Rural Municipality, a stark reminder of the Himalayan climate crisis. Sathsathai is working to ensure that local women, children, youth, and indigenous groups are active participants in climate policy discussions, not just spectators. The foundation will facilitate expert-led panels, community-driven solutions, and cross-sector collaborations to drive immediate action.
Annual Flagship Events: Driving Global Climate Advocacy
SathSathai Foundation has established several high-impact flagship events that bring national and international attention to Nepal’s climate challenges:
Global Women’s Summit at Kala Patthar- Held annually on International Women’s Day, this summit unites women leaders from Nepal and worldwide to amplify the voices on climate justice, gender equity, and the future of sustainable mountain tourism.
Green Teej Program- Chairperson Karki shared about the green teej festival that was conducted, focusing on environmental sustainability advocacy. The activists came from various fields, including politics, education, health, law, sports, banking and financial institutions, tourism, agriculture, art, and journalism. We collectively signed a five-point commitment to reduce carbon emissions during an event, said Ms. Karki.
Karnali Conclave: Bridging Karnali to the Globe - A major event at Rara designed to connect Nepal’s climate justice agenda with global policy-making platforms such as COP-29.
World Tourism Day Conference – A collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, highlighting how sustainable tourism can be a tool for climate resilience and economic empowerment.
Sustainable Tourism: A Pathway to Climate Resilience
The Sathsathai Foundation views sustainable tourism as a crucial component of climate justice. With Nepal’s economy deeply tied to eco-tourism and mountaineering, the foundation is advocating for climate-conscious travel policies that benefit both the environment and local communities.
By engaging women entrepreneurs, indigenous guides, and local tourism operators, Sathsathai is working to create a tourism model that promotes conservation, cultural preservation, and economic equity. The foundation calls for:
- Regenerative tourism practices restore ecosystems rather than exploit them.
- Women-led eco-tourism initiatives that provide financial independence and leadership opportunities.
- Climate adaptation policies in the tourism sector to protect communities from the risks of unpredictable climate events.
Looking forward to 2025
Chairperson Prajeeta Karki says, "The recent glacial lake outburst in Khumbu is a wake up call for urgent climate action. Women, children, youth, and the indigenous community are at the forefront of this crisis, yet their struggles are often overlooked.
In 2025, through the Summiteers Summit in Thame, we will bring together government leaders, climate experts, provincial government, and local communities to discuss real solutions. This disaster has devastated livelihoods, and we cannot wait another 49 years for change. SathSathai Foundation remains committed to amplifying voices, driving policy reforms, and ensuring that those most affected lead the fight for climate justice."
Aastika Bhujel
