Climate Diplomacy COP31

Nepal said it would press COP31 for easier and faster access to the Loss and Damage Fund, including more grants and direct budget support for recovery. Officials said the US$216 million allocated after the Bhote Koshi flood remained undisbursed and insufficient compared with total losses.

Nepal said it would push for a permanent mountain agenda at COP31, including a dedicated UNFCCC work programme on mountain ecosystems and an annual high-level dialogue. It also sought faster and more predictable loss-and-damage funding and formal recognition of mountain-specific climate risks.

Nepal said it was preparing organized participation at COP31 in Türkiye and planned a national climate summit to unveil the Living Sagarmatha strategy and its position paper. Officials also outlined expected funding needs for flood recovery and adaptation projects.

The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage approved US$20 million in grant assistance for Nepal for rehabilitation and reconstruction after the Bhotekoshi flood. Nepal called it a breakthrough, though the amount was far below the estimated recovery needs and the allocation remained tied to broader climate justice demands.

Nepal said its main COP31 agenda would be climate justice, Himalayan protection, adaptation and loss and damage. The government also planned a national conference on October 29 to finalize its position paper and delegation.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal was reported likely to lead Nepal’s delegation to COP31, with Agriculture, Forest and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary also expected to attend. Nepal said its ministry was leading preparations on climate change ahead of the summit.