Why Nepal’s bid for a global Himalayan climate agenda failed at COP31
Summary
Nepal’s bid to place mountains and climate change on the formal COP31 agenda failed after major negotiating blocs withheld support. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the country will keep pushing for recognition of Himalayan risks, even as consultations and research dialogues continue.
Key Points
- Nepal, Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan sought formal COP31 recognition for mountains and climate change, including a dedicated work programme and annual high-level dialogue.
- The proposal did not become a formal agenda item because major blocs did not support it, according to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.
- Nepal argues that Himalayan climate risks such as glacier loss, landslides and flooding have global consequences and need sustained international attention.
- The government wants scientific monitoring, early-warning systems and grant-based climate finance to respond to rising mountain disasters.
