Nepal to prioritize climate justice, Himalayan protection at COP-31

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

The conference is scheduled to take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20. Although Nepal contributes minimally to global climate change, the Ministry of Forests and Environment is preparing to highlight the risks and losses the country has suffered due to its impacts and call for climate justice on the international stage.

Ministry Secretary Rajendra Prasad Mishra said climate change has heightened risks in the Himalayan region, while recent disasters have further exposed its vulnerability. He said Nepal would draw international attention to the need to protect the region and address the losses suffered by vulnerable communities.

Mishra said preparations were underway to ensure Nepal’s delegation to COP-31 would be organized, effective and inclusive.

“We want the delegation to be systematic, effective and inclusive. Discussions are underway to form an effective delegation by including representatives of all concerned ministries and civil society,” he said.

Nepal is preparing to participate in the conference under the leadership of Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. Minister for Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary will also attend the conference.

Nepal has consistently highlighted the Himalayan region’s vulnerability to climate change at previous COP meetings. According to Mishra, recent disasters have further underscored the urgency of addressing the region’s growing risks.

“We have been raising the issue of the Himalayan region being at high risk due to climate change for some time. Recent disasters have reinforced the need to view this region from a different perspective,” he said.

He added that Nepal would seek to link the risks facing the Himalayan region with climate adaptation, loss and damage, and climate justice through effective implementation mechanisms.