Nepal to Raise Himalayan Climate Concerns at COP31
Nepal plans to highlight the effects of climate change on the Himalayas and seek greater climate finance, support for disaster recovery and climate justice at the upcoming COP31 conference.
KATHMANDU: Oct 29, 2026
Nepal plans to give greater attention to the problems facing the Himalayan region at the upcoming United Nations climate conference, COP31.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal outlined the country's priorities while speaking at the National Climate Summit 2026 in Kathmandu on Thursday.
He said Nepal would focus on climate-related damage and losses, climate finance and climate justice. The country wants the international community to recognise that climate change in the mountains affects more than the countries where the mountains are located.
Changes in the Himalayan environment can affect water supplies, food production, energy generation and economic activities. Nepal is particularly concerned about the risks of floods and landslides, which can damage roads, homes, farms and hydropower projects.
The minister referred to the devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi corridor on August 26 and other major flood and landslide incidents that followed in the region.
Nepal is among the countries that face serious climate risks despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The government is expected to use COP31 to call for stronger international cooperation, financial support for affected communities and better measures to prepare for climate-related disasters.
The conference is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20.
Nepal's challenge will be to turn its demands into practical commitments that help protect vulnerable communities and support long-term recovery.