Nepal to prioritize climate justice, adaptation and loss and damage at COP-31

Kathmandu, Oct 19: Nepal is preparing to prioritize climate justice, protection of the Himalayan region, climate adaptation, and climate-related loss and damage at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP-31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).     

COP-31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20.     

The Ministry of Forests and Environment said Nepal would draw the international community's attention to the risks and damages the country has suffered from climate change despite its negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.     

Ministry Secretary Rajendra Prasad Mishra said climate change was increasing risks in the Himalayan region, with recent disasters highlighting the vulnerability of mountain communities.     

He said Nepal was focusing on protecting the Himalayan region and drawing international attention to the losses suffered by vulnerable communities. Preparations were also underway to make Nepal's delegation to COP-31 organized, effective and inclusive, he added.     

"We want the delegation to be organized, effective and inclusive. Discussions are underway to form an effective delegation with representatives from all concerned ministries and civil society," Secretary Mishra said.     

Nepal will participate in COP-31 under the leadership of Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. Forests and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary will also attend the conference.     

Nepal has consistently highlighted the climate-related risks facing the Himalayan region at international climate conferences. Secretary Mishra said recent disasters had further underscored the region's vulnerability and the need for greater international attention.     

"Since the beginning, we have been raising the issue that the Himalayan region is at high risk from climate change. Recent disasters have reinforced the need to view the region from a different perspective. Our efforts are focused on linking the risks facing the Himalayan region, climate adaptation, loss and damage, and climate justice with an effective implementation mechanism," he said.     

As part of preparations for COP-31, the government plans to organize a national conference on October 29, bringing together representatives of sectoral ministries, foreign diplomatic missions in Nepal, development partners, civil society and the private sector.