United States Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers delivered the keynote address at Ascent Summit 2026 in Kathmandu on May 31, joining more than 1,400 participants from Nepal’s mountaineering, tourism, and adventure sectors, along with international expedition leaders, innovators, and outdoor industry representatives.
In her address, Rogers highlighted the strong partnership between the United States and Nepal, emphasizing how adventure tourism, entrepreneurship, and people-to-people connections are expanding bilateral cooperation and creating new opportunities for American businesses in Nepal. She also stressed the importance of technology, safety standards, and international collaboration in enhancing Himalayan expedition experiences.
The summit was organized by the US Embassy in Nepal in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board and Seven Summit Treks. The event brought together climbers, expedition operators, outdoor brands, community leaders, and tourism professionals to discuss how Nepal’s rich mountaineering heritage and American innovation can contribute to safer expeditions and the sustainable growth of Nepal’s adventure tourism industry.
Other notable participants included Sumnima Udas, Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the International Relations and Tourism Committee, and renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker.
On the sidelines of the summit, Rogers met with senior government officials, members of the American Chamber of Commerce, and alumni of US government-sponsored exchange and education programs. According to the embassy, the visit reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to strengthening the US–Nepal partnership through economic cooperation, innovation, and people-to-people engagement.
