Nepal has called for stronger international action to address the growing impacts of climate change on mountain regions, with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urging countries to translate global commitments into concrete measures to protect the Himalayas.
Addressing the opening plenary of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Antalya, Türkiye, Khanal called for a dedicated work programme on mountains and climate change.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Nepal seeks a dedicated global work programme on mountains and climate change.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal raised the issue at the COP31 opening plenary.
Nepal urged countries to keep the 1.5°C global warming target within reach.
Nepal, Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan jointly sought formal attention to mountain climate issues.
Khanal highlighted the August 26 disaster, citing more than 1,400 deaths and over 5,000 missing.
Nepal called for accessible climate finance and mountain-specific adaptation measures.
He emphasised the need to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius global warming target within reach and incorporate mountain-specific indicators into international climate adaptation and finance frameworks.
Highlighting the devastating disaster of August 26 in Nepal, Khanal described it as a "Himalayan Tsunami". He told delegates that more than 1,400 people had lost their lives and over 5,000 remained missing. He also highlighted extensive damage to critical infrastructure and the economic challenges involved in rebuilding affected areas.
Khanal said Nepal, along with Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan, had formally sought the inclusion of mountain and climate change as an agenda item in the COP31 process.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The Himalayas support ecosystems, water resources and livelihoods across South Asia and beyond. Climate-related risks affecting mountain glaciers, rivers and settlements have consequences for communities, infrastructure and downstream populations. Nepal's proposal seeks stronger international recognition and support for these vulnerabilities.
He acknowledged progress in discussions but said the outcome remained below Nepal's expectations. He urged the conference presidencies and participating countries to ensure that mountain-related concerns receive adequate attention in consultations and final decisions.
The Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of predictable and accessible climate finance, particularly for vulnerable mountain communities facing increasing climate-related risks.
Nepal reiterated its commitment to international cooperation and climate justice, calling for practical action to strengthen mountain resilience and protect communities and ecosystems across the Himalayan region.
