Foreign Minister Khanal demands accessible climate grants and rapid Loss and Damage funding
Summary
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has called for accessible, grant-based climate financing and the swift operationalization of the international Loss and Damage Fund, saying climate shocks are a major barrier to Nepal’s development. He also announced a dedicated Climate Diplomacy Section in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of COP31.
Key Points
- Shisir Khanal urged international donors to provide direct, non-debt climate grants and quickly activate the Loss and Damage Fund.
- He said climate shocks are forcing Nepal to divert money from development priorities like healthcare, schools and infrastructure into disaster recovery.
- Nepal’s vulnerability is severe despite contributing under 0.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, he said at Kathmandu Climate Week 2026.
- The Foreign Ministry has created a Climate Diplomacy Section to link local climate needs with international negotiations ahead of COP31.
