Nepal–Egypt Friendship Run Held in Cairo to Mark Everest, Int'l Wellness Days

A 5-kilometer friendship run celebrating shared environmental and wellness values brought together diplomats, athletes, and community members in Cairo on Friday, as the Embassy of Nepal marked Everest Day and the International Day of Wellness.

Organized in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Environment and hosted in the scenic Wadi Degla Protectorate, the event was held under the slogan: “From the Himalayas to the Nile: Run for a Greener Future.” The run was officially inaugurated by Nepal’s Ambassador to Egypt, Sushil Kumar Lamsal, alongside guest of honor Mohamed Youssef, head of the Central Administration of Nature Reserves.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Lamsal highlighted the symbolic importance of Everest Day, which commemorates the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, a milestone representing human determination and international cooperation. He also emphasized the broader meaning of wellness as a holistic concept encompassing physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental well-being.

The ambassador pointed to climate change as a shared global challenge, noting its visible consequences in both Nepal and Egypt, from melting glaciers in the Himalayas to increasing water scarcity and environmental pressures on the Nile Delta. He called for collective action and solidarity to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

“Nepal’s traditions of yoga, meditation, and harmony with nature reflect the deep connection between environmental protection and human health,” Lamsal said. “Today, we run together in solidarity to highlight that a healthy planet is the foundation of a healthy life.”

For his part, Youssef praised the initiative for promoting environmental awareness and sustainability, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to ecological preservation and green development. He also encouraged greater public engagement in conservation efforts.

The event also underscored the longstanding friendship between Nepal and Egypt. Participants ran through the distinctive desert terrain of Wadi Degla Protectorate, a 30-kilometer valley known for its diverse ecosystems, offering a vivid reminder of the importance of protecting fragile natural habitats.

More than 200 participants took part in the run, including diplomats, students, local athletes, and members of the Nepalese community in Egypt, turning the occasion into both a celebration of international friendship and a call to action for environmental stewardship.