Visiting U.S. Under Secretary Stresses Innovation at Ascent Summit

Visiting United States Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers addressed the Ascent Summit 2026 in Kathmandu on Saturday, emphasizing innovation, adventure tourism and safer expedition experiences in the Himalayas.

Delivering keynote remarks at the summit, Rogers spoke about opportunities to expand innovation and economic cooperation benefiting both U.S. and Nepali businesses. She also highlighted the role of leadership, technology, safety and international collaboration in supporting sustainable mountain tourism.

The summit brought together Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the International Relations and Tourism Committee Sumnima Udas, renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, expedition leaders, innovators, climbers, rescue professionals, outdoor brands, journalists and tourism stakeholders from Nepal and abroad.

Organized by the U.S. Embassy Nepal in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board and Seven Summit Treks, the event drew more than 1,400 participants connected to Everest and the future of mountain exploration.

Participants discussed how Nepal’s mountaineering heritage and innovation can help improve expedition safety and strengthen Nepal’s adventure tourism sector.

During her Nepal visit, Rogers is also scheduled to meet senior government officials, members of the American Chamber of Commerce and alumni of U.S. government exchange and education programmes.

According to the U.S. Embassy, Rogers’ visit reflects the United States’ continued engagement with Nepal through economic cooperation, innovation and people-to-people ties.

The summit brought together Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the International Relations and Tourism Committee Sumnima Udas, renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, expedition leaders, innovators, climbers, rescue professionals, outdoor brands, journalists and tourism stakeholders from Nepal and abroad.

Rogers noted that Nepal’s mountaineering heritage combined with American innovation could help strengthen Nepal’s adventure tourism sector and create broader economic opportunities.

Organized by the U.S. Embassy in Nepal in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board and Seven Summit Treks, the Ascent Summit 2026 drew more than 1,400 participants connected to Everest and the future of mountain exploration.

The event focused on improving expedition safety, promoting innovation in mountain tourism and strengthening Nepal’s position as a global adventure tourism destination.

During her visit, Rogers is also scheduled to hold meetings with senior government officials, members of the American Chamber of Commerce and alumni of U.S. government exchange and education programmes.

According to the U.S. Embassy, the visit reflects Washington’s continued commitment to strengthening the longstanding Nepal-U.S. partnership through economic cooperation, innovation and stronger people-to-people relations.