Kathmandu: On the occasion of International Mountain Day 2025, UNDP Nepal has highlighted the remarkable contributions of its Climate Influencer, Nima Rinji Sherpa the youngest human ever to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, an extraordinary feat he achieved at just 18 years of age.
Nima’s transformational journey from a young mountaineer to a global climate voice has earned international recognition, including a feature in National Geographic for his advocacy in climate resilience and mountain protection. His work is inspiring a new generation of climate champions and drawing global attention to the rapidly changing Himalayan landscapes.
During an interaction with YECAP Fellows and students of Vishwa Niketan School, Nima shared powerful firsthand accounts of melting glaciers, shifting weather patterns, and the environmental transformations he has witnessed across the Himalayas. He also introduced rock climbing to students from Nepal’s Terai region many of whom had never seen mountains up close helping them build a deeper connection with the country’s diverse geographies.
Nima further contributed to a high-level briefing on Nepal’s GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) proposal to the Green Climate Fund, offering valuable insights from the frontlines. His perspective supported ongoing discussions between government representatives, development partners, and climate experts.
As a mountaineer who has experienced the impacts of climate change firsthand, Nima continues to advocate for improved early warning systems, community-based resilience measures, and stronger collective action to protect fragile mountain ecosystems. On #InternationalMountainDay, UNDP Nepal honours Nima Rinji Sherpa’s leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our mountains and our shared future.
