Kathmandu, May 31: America was founded by people who looked at a new continent, literally a new world of mountains and rivers and forests that nobody in their known world had mapped, and they walked into it. That spirit of curiosity and courage that compels you to see what’s beyond the next ridge, even if it might kill you, is one of the best parts of the American tradition and the American character.
Great Americans like George Washington and Franklin Roosevelt, who were outdoorsmen and statesmen both, knew the secret that a strenuous life isn’t the opposite of a civilized one. The rigor and the bravery to conquer new expanses and build new things, even when it isn’t comfortable, is the foundation of civilization.
And that spirit has a special connection to Nepal. It is the reason why climbing the highest mountain is a recurring metaphor in American songs and American arts. But to really climb the highest mountain, you’ve got to come to Nepal. And 67 Americans did this year when they attempted to summit Everest.
The first of those Americans was James Whittaker on May 1, 1963, when he reached the summit along with Nawang Gombu Sherpa. He was the first American to stand on the world’s highest peak, and he inspired generations of American climbers, outdoor leaders, and innovators. This also deepens the powerful connection between the U.S. exploratory spirit and Nepal’s extraordinary mountaineering heritage.
Six decades later, six decades after the first American summited Everest, that connection continues stronger than ever. This Ascent Summit focuses on more than just mountains. It is about innovation, enterprise, trust, and technology. It’s about the future of adventure tourism in one of the most demanding environments on Earth.
Few places test people and technology like the Himalayas. High altitude, extreme weather, remote terrain, and complex logistics. These conditions demand skill, preparation, teamwork, and reliable equipment.
They also demand innovation, and that’s a place where U.S. companies lead. For 250 years, the United States has been a nation of builders, explorers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. We pushed boundaries in science, aviation, medicine, communications, computing, and space.
We turned bold ideas into practical tools that improve lives and expand opportunity. That same spirit is on display here in adventure, outdoor gear, safety systems, logistics solutions, drone technologies, communications tools, and innovations. These technologies matter for search and rescue, weather planning, expedition management, logistics, connectivity, and safety.
These technologies matter for Nepal’s tourism sector and economic growth too. And they matter for American workers and businesses because jobs are created when we innovate in the outdoor space.
When Nepali expedition leaders choose American safety equipment, logistics platforms, or communications systems, Nepalis benefit from the highest quality and most reliable products available, contributing to their safety and success. In 2025, Nepal welcomed 1.15 million international visitors. The United States was Nepal’s second-largest source market, with 112,000 visitors to Nepal from the United States alone.
That’s 112,000 Americans choosing Nepal for trekking, climbing, exploring, and spending that supports Nepali guides, porters, hotels, and communities. They’re choosing American gear, services, and technology to make those expeditions possible.
They come because Nepal is a great adventure destination, and Americans have always loved a great adventure. Those numbers represent people, friendships, and a long history of Americans coming to Nepal with respect for the mountains and respect for local expertise.
Today’s summit celebrates and builds upon that history. Local expertise at this summit will connect with trusted technology and forge new commercial relationships. This is important for Nepal. When Nepal’s tourism sector grows, opportunity grows with it.
As we mark America’s 250th anniversary, this summit celebrates the best of the American spirit: the explorers who crossed new frontiers, the entrepreneurs who built new industries, the engineers and innovators who solved hard problems, and the companies and people who continue to move the world forward.
That spirit is also deeply familiar here in Nepal. The Himalayas inspire the world. They remind us that great achievements need courage, endurance, and teamwork. Those same qualities define our partnership. We’re proud of what our countries have built together and what comes next.
We are committed to being Nepal’s trusted partner of choice in innovation, enterprise, and secure technology solutions. In the Himalayas, success isn’t just about reaching the summit. It depends on who you climb with. And for 79 years, the United States has been proud to scale new heights with Nepal. And we see great summits ahead in our partnership.
Thank you so much for welcoming me today, and thank you for inspiring the world.
[Ms Rogers is U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Trump administration. She was delivering a public speech on The Ascent Summit, 2026 in Kathmandu)
