Nepal has called for increased global climate action in response to the severe impacts of recent floods and landslides, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced climate finance, support for loss and damage, and greater focus on mountain vulnerabilities. The country faces reconstruction costs estimated at nearly US$4.7 billion—approximately 10 percent of its national gross domestic product—following the devastating flood on August 26 that caused widespread human suffering and extensive damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and the economy.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal made these remarks on October 29 during the National Climate Summit 2026, held in Kathmandu ahead of the 31st Conference of Parties (COP 31) scheduled for November 9-20 in Antalya, Turkiye. Khanal described the recent catastrophe as not only a setback for development but also a humanitarian crisis impacting families and communities across Nepal.

At a recent Pre-COP Leaders’ Event in Fiji, Khanal outlined Nepal’s priorities for COP 31, highlighting the need for regular high-level dialogues on mountain issues, a dedicated mountain work programme, and the integration of mountain-specific vulnerabilities into global climate strategies. Nepal has been active in advancing mountain concerns through international platforms such as the International Expert Dialogue on Mountains, People and Climate Change in 2024 and the Sagarmatha Sambaad in 2025, with plans to continue this momentum into the next Sagarmatha Sambaad scheduled for 2027.

A significant development in international climate cooperation was the provisional allocation of US$20 million from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, with Nepal becoming the first country to receive such funding. The government intends to press for predictable, grant-based climate finance and rapid-response mechanisms to aid recovery and support resilient reconstruction efforts. Khanal stressed that climate financing must be accessible, equitable, and aligned with national priorities.

Nepal’s commitments include its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, a National Adaptation Plan, and a long-term low-emission development strategy. To strengthen climate diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a dedicated Climate Diplomacy Section aimed at advancing Nepal’s agenda through bilateral engagement, regional partnerships, and multilateral cooperation.

At the summit, Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Geeta Chaudhary underscored the necessity of translating the principle of climate justice from policy rhetoric into concrete actions, emphasizing that international commitments must result in tangible support for vulnerable communities.