Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing climate justice and addressing the unique vulnerabilities of mountain regions ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Speaking at a recent program, officials emphasized the need for international cooperation and inclusive policy frameworks to mitigate the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, particularly those living in the Himalayas.
Dimpal Kumari Chaudhary, a leading advocate involved in the initiative, highlighted the ethical imperative underscoring climate justice. She noted that those contributing least to global greenhouse gas emissions are among the hardest hit by climate-related disasters. Chaudhary called for the concept of climate justice to move beyond rhetoric and be translated into tangible actions. She stressed that responsibility for protecting the Himalayan ecosystem and managing the increasing risks from floods should be shared among the global community.
Chaudhary also underscored the importance of involving vulnerable groups—including women, children, young people, senior citizens, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized populations—in climate policymaking. These communities often bear disproportionate burdens from climate change, and their inclusion is critical to effective and equitable adaptation strategies.
On governance, she emphasized that climate change response cannot be confined to a single ministry or administrative level. Coordinated efforts across federal, provincial, and local governments are essential. Adaptation initiatives must be strengthened at the grassroots level, with Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPA) playing a central role in community-based resilience building.
Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, spokesperson and chief of the Climate Change Section at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment, presented Nepal’s strategic roadmap for COP31. He identified mountain ecology as a key priority, citing the heightened risks posed by global warming surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius in mountainous regions. Climate adaptation, addressing loss and damage, and securing accessible financial support for disaster-affected communities are also central elements of Nepal’s agenda.
Dr. Dhakal highlighted additional priorities, including ensuring predictable climate finance, advancing technology development and transfer, and establishing effective carbon market mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Strengthening mitigation efforts, enhancing transparency, refining Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and participating actively in the global stocktake process were also noted as key focus areas.
Issues such as agriculture, food security, health, and achieving a just transition further frame Nepal’s comprehensive approach to climate action. The agenda explicitly promotes inclusive climate justice by advocating for gender equality and encouraging the participation of children, youth, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, and Indigenous groups.
The program also featured the unveiling of several important documents and initiatives, including the Living Sagarmatha Mountain Strategy, National Carbon Finance Handbook, Sectoral Opportunities for Carbon Projects in Nepal, and a Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action. Additionally, a Gender Responsive Assessment of Climate Induced Economic and Non-Economic Loss and Damage was released, drawing on experiences from the 2021 Melamchi flood disaster and the 2025 Rasuwa event.
As Nepal prepares to contribute these positions and materials to COP31 in Antalya, the government reiterates its dedication to elevating mountain concerns and advancing climate justice on the global stage.