Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has returned to Nepal after representing the country at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Antalya, Türkiye.
“We worked hard to bring attention to the issues facing Himalayan and mountain countries,” Khanal told reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday.
“We are hopeful that this COP will address the concerns of mountain nations,” he stated.
Nepal Calls for Greater Attention to Himalayan Climate Issues
During the conference, Khanal participated in various high level meetings, emphasizing the unique challenges mountain countries face.
He advocated for a dedicated program focused on mountains and climate change, urging the inclusion of mountain indicators in the Global Goal on Adaptation and the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance.
Nepal Hosts High Level Event on Mountain Resilience
Nepal, along with Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and the Joy Environment Network, hosted a high level event on adaptation finance for mountain resilience, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event aimed to secure funding for adaptation efforts in mountainous regions.
The Nepalese delegation also addressed issues such as equitable access to climate finance, responses to loss and damage, science based monitoring in the Himalayas, technology transfer, capacity building, and early warning systems.
Nepal Highlights Climate Justice Through Global Partnerships
“Nepal has raised the unique climate challenges of Himalayan countries on the international stage,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the minister’s return.
“We have also worked to integrate climate risks faced by mountain nations, advocate for climate justice, and forge partnerships with the global community,” it added.
The delegation emphasized the need to protect Himalayan ecosystems, limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, develop multi hazard early warning systems, and seek international funding for climate adaptation.
Nepal Calls for International Cooperation to Rebuild Communities Affected by Climate Disasters
Nepal called for increased international collaboration to help rebuild communities impacted by climate related disasters.
The delegation underscored the necessity for funding to tackle loss and damage, enhance adaptation capacity, and boost resilience.
Numerous bilateral and high level meetings took place during COP31, showcasing Nepal’s commitment to ensuring the concerns of mountain countries are acknowledged and to increasing international commitments.