Nepali negotiators at COP31 cling to hope for mountain agenda
Summary
Nepal and Bhutan’s bid to secure a dedicated mountain agenda at COP31 has met resistance from rich countries, leaving mountain nations uncertain about stronger recognition and finance commitments. Nepali negotiators in Antalya say they will keep pushing for loss-and-damage support, adaptation funding and glacier-related action in the final outcome document.
Key Points
- Nepal and Bhutan’s proposal for a dedicated mountain agenda at COP31 has failed to win backing from major negotiating blocs, especially developed countries.
- Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal will continue pushing for recognition of mountain vulnerabilities, loss and damage finance, and adaptation support.
- A joint mountain-focused event was held in Antalya with Nepal, Bhutan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Pakistan to press for greater attention to glaciers and cryosphere issues.
- Nepali officials and lawmakers warned that climate finance, early warning systems and other demands remain difficult to secure without stronger support from rich nations.
