Nepal's Himalayan climate agenda falls short at COP31
Summary
Nepal’s push for a dedicated UN climate agenda on mountains fell short at COP31, where the presidency opted for consultations and research dialogues instead of adopting the proposed mountain-related items. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal pressed for stronger recognition of mountain vulnerabilities, citing Nepal’s recent Himalayan disaster and the need for climate finance and adaptation support.
Key Points
- Nepal’s proposal for a dedicated mountain and climate change agenda was not included in the COP31 agenda, despite support from Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan.
- COP31 President Murat Kurum said the issue would instead be handled through consultations and research dialogues, with outcomes reported to future COP meetings.
- Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal urged the international community to recognize mountain regions as a critical climate concern and to back a dedicated work programme and finance framework.
- The proposal highlighted recent Himalayan disasters, including Nepal’s Bhotekoshi event, as evidence of rising climate-related risks in mountain regions.
