Kathmandu:Nepal will focus on the mountain agenda, climate finance, and climate justice at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP-31) under the United Nations Framework on Climate Change, as stated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal.
According to National News Agency RSS, Minister Khanal, addressing the National Climate Summit 2026, emphasized Nepal’s commitment to raising issues such as the mountain agenda and climate-induced loss and damage at the upcoming COP-31 in Antalya, Turkey. He highlighted the risks to the Himalayan region’s ecological system due to climate change.
The Minister outlined the challenges faced by the country following the recent Himalayan Tsunami and subsequent floods and landslides, which caused significant human suffering and infrastructure damage. The reconstruction from these events is estimated to require approximately 4.7 billion USD. He stressed the importance of safeguarding mountain ecosystems for the security of water, food, energy, and the economy, not just for Nepal but globally.
At the Pre-COP Leaders’ Event in Fiji, Minister Khanal reiterated Nepal’s urgent call for global climate action and the need to elevate the mountain agenda within international climate negotiations. He stated that Nepal will advocate for high-level dialogues on mountains and the integration of mountain-specific vulnerabilities into global climate frameworks at COP-31.
He also noted the significance of addressing loss and damage as a measure of international climate solidarity, citing the recent allocation of 21.6 million USD to Nepal for recovery and reconstruction as a milestone in international climate cooperation.
Minister Khanal highlighted Nepal’s dedication to adaptation financing, estimating a requirement of 18 to 20 billion USD between 2025 and 2035. He emphasized the need for predictable, grant-based financing to enable vulnerable countries to pursue climate resilience.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of climate justice, noting Nepal’s low emissions compared to its climate losses, and called for a global climate framework that recognizes the environmental contributions and costs borne by vulnerable nations.
On the occasion, Minister Khanal, along with Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, launched the Mountain Strategy and Climate-related Policy Documents, reflecting Nepal’s ongoing commitment to enhancing climate resilience.
Source National News Agency RSS