Foreign Minister Khanal calls for climate justice, stronger global cooperation

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Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has called for climate justice, stronger international cooperation and adequate climate financing for vulnerable countries while inaugurating Nepal’s pavilion at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Monday.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Khanal highlighted the growing vulnerability of fragile mountain ecosystems to climate change, particularly the increasing risks posed by the melting cryosphere and other climate-induced disasters.

Referring to the recent Bhote Koshi disaster, which he described as a “Himalayan tsunami,” Khanal stressed that countries like Nepal are bearing disproportionate climate impacts despite making minimal contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions.

He reiterated Nepal’s call for climate justice, accessible and adequate loss and damage financing, and stronger international partnerships to enhance climate resilience across the Himalayan region and protect downstream communities and ecosystems.

The Nepal Pavilion has been established to showcase the country’s climate priorities and commitments, highlight achievements in biodiversity conservation, and present adaptation initiatives driven by local communities.

Minister of Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta, House of Representatives member Sagar Dhakal and other representatives also addressed the inaugural ceremony.