Nepal prepares for COP 29 with focus on Climate Action

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 7: Nepal’s preparations for the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, are in the final stages. The Ministry of Forests and Environment has completed the necessary groundwork for the event. A team of three joint secretaries and experts from the Ministry arrived in Baku a week ago to attend meetings ahead of the conference and finalize preparations.

The Ministry has outlined key priorities for Nepal’s participation in the conference. Forests and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri stated that climate adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity development will be Nepal’s main focus.

A national status paper has been prepared, reflecting issues raised in previous conferences and other international forums, as well as input from parliamentary committees and stakeholders. The paper emphasizes the urgency of addressing loss and damage, the challenges faced by mountain regions, and the need for climate finance.

Nepal is participating in COP 29 under the leadership of President Ramchandra Paudel, who will address the ‘World Leaders Climate Action Summit.’ On November 13, Nepal will hold a high-level session on "Addressing Climate Loss and Damage in Mountainous Regions," under President Paudel’s leadership, to draw global attention to these critical issues.

The session will include UN representatives, mountain country leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders. Nepal plans to highlight the impact of unusual monsoon-related hazards in areas like Melamchi, Mustang, Kanchanpur, Thame, and the Kathmandu Valley. These events, including Glacier Lake outbursts, landslides, and flooding, have resulted in significant loss of life and property, which Nepal attributes to the effects of climate change.

Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate change and has voiced its concerns in international forums. The country has committed to reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change through various strategies, including the presentation of its second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) in 2020 and its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in 2022.

Nepal has also implemented several key reports and frameworks, including the Third National Communications Report, the National Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Report, and the Long-term Low Emission Development Strategy, all of which emphasize climate adaptation, resilience, and a green economy. The 16th Periodic Plan also prioritizes these goals.

At COP26, Nepal announced ambitious targets, including increasing forest cover to 45% by 2030 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. In terms of afforestation, Nepal has already met its target ahead of schedule. To achieve its green and resilient development goals, Nepal expects easy access to climate finance and support from the international community.