KATHMANDU, May 18: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Achim Steiner has hailed Nepal’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, calling it “an inspirational example for the world.”
In a video message to the ongoing Sagarmatha Sambaad (Everest Dialogue) in Kathmandu, Steiner praised Nepal's leadership in confronting the global climate crisis. “It is a great honour to address the Sagarmatha Sambaad,” he said. “Nepal’s bold and ambitious goals exemplify the kind of transformational action the world urgently needs.”
Referring to the dialogue’s symbolic name—Sagarmatha, the Nepali name for Mount Everest—Steiner noted that the event reflects resilience and the spirit of global cooperation. He stressed that Nepal and the broader Himalayan region are on the frontlines of the climate emergency.
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“This unique ecological system—home to glaciers, rivers, and a rich array of biodiversity—is a lifeline for nearly two billion people across South Asia,” he said. “It supports water security, food systems, and livelihoods. But this extraordinary region is under existential threat.”
Citing alarming data, Steiner said glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region are melting 65 percent faster than they were a decade ago. “The winter of 2024–2025 recorded historically low snowfall, pointing to an impending water crisis for millions.”
“These are not new findings—they are urgent warnings,” he emphasized. “They demand swift, unified global action to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.”
Steiner also highlighted UNDP’s regional efforts to build resilience and reduce disaster risks. In Nepal, he said, the UNDP is working closely with the government and local communities to protect fragile mountain ecosystems and support vulnerable populations.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Steiner concluded: “We are proud to stand with Nepal—and more than 140 other countries—on the journey toward a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future.”
