As the annual world climate conference, COP29, approaches, Nepal has completed its agenda for the event, scheduled to take place in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. President Ram Chandra Paudel will represent Nepal at this pivotal UN climate conference.
Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, Chief of the Climate Change Division at the Ministry of Forest and Environment, has outlined that the key issues to be raised include loss and damage, climate finance, and the challenges facing mountain regions. These priorities were determined following a national status paper that incorporated suggestions from various stakeholder groups focused on carbon trade, mitigation and adaptation strategies, capacity building, gender equality, transparency, and good governance.
To emphasize the impacts of climate change in Nepal, a high-level session will be chaired by President Paudel on November 13. This session, which has received approval from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held separately during COP29, will specifically address “Loss and Damage in Mountain Regions.” It is anticipated that UN officials, representatives from mountainous countries, and development partners will participate, discussing urgent issues faced by Nepal, including those affecting areas such as Melamchi, Mustang, Kanchanpur, Thame, and the Kathmandu Valley.
Minister for Forest and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, highlighted the importance of this session in drawing global attention to the climate challenges Nepal faces.
In preparation for COP29, discussions among Least Developed Countries (LDCs) will occur on November 5-6, followed by a meeting of the G77 + China on November 9-10, both of which Nepal will attend. Bimal Regmi, a member of the Environment Conservation and Climate Change Management Council, stressed the importance of raising issues of national interest, particularly those concerning the Himalayas.
As a party to the UNFCCC, Nepal has actively participated in COP events, developed national adaptation plans, and highlighted the urgent needs of LDCs and resource-strapped countries, urging industrialized nations to take action on climate change.
Ministry Secretary Dr. Dipak Kumar Kharal noted that COP29 is particularly significant for Nepal, focusing on critical issues such as climate finance and carbon credit. As the conference approaches, Nepal is poised to advocate for the needs of its vulnerable populations while contributing to the global dialogue on climate action.
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