As the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) approaches, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has asserted that it is high time for the nation to claim its rights rather than resort to supplication in the global fight against climate change. In a recent address at the base camp of Sagarmatha during a program organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, PM Dahal emphasized the need for genuine recognition of Nepal's concerns and the necessity for responsible actions from those contributing to carbon emissions. The core of Nepal's stance lies in the assertion that the country, despite not being a major contributor to carbon emissions, should not bear the brunt of the consequences. Prime Minister Dahal aptly pointed out that Nepal does not pay the price for anything it is not involved in. Instead, he urged that those responsible for carbon emissions must shoulder their responsibility and be adequately compensated through the climate fund.
Nepal deserves rights not supplication at COP28: PM Dahal
Nepal's demands are not mere pleas for assistance; they are rooted in the pursuit of justice. Climate finance, management of loss and damage fund, mountaineering issues, emission reduction, and inclusion are highlighted as top priorities by the Nepalese government. PM Dahal's commitment to raising these issues at COP28 underscores the gravity of Nepal's concerns in the face of climate change. In his upcoming address at COP28, Prime Minister Dahal plans to address significant issues such as climate finance, adaptation, transfer of mountaineering technology and capacity building, loss and damage, and climate empowerment. These issues, crucial to Nepal's sustainable development and environmental preservation, deserve attention and action on the global stage. The recent visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the Khumbu region serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address climate change issues faced by Nepal. Guterres's inspection of the impacts of climate change and interactions with local communities contribute significantly to globalizing the problems faced by this region. It amplifies Nepal's call for recognition and support in the international community's efforts to combat climate change. Prime Minister Dahal also reflected on his address at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he highlighted the profound impacts of climate change in Nepal. This reiteration underscores the government's dedication to addressing climate-related challenges and implementing initiatives for the development of tourism infrastructure in vulnerable regions such as Khumbu.
The Prime Minister's commitment to formulating necessary work procedures for the development and expansion of the Khumbu region, as well as ensuring the security of the Sagarmatha area, reflects the government's proactive approach. The emphasis on the construction of roads, from Chatara to Lukla, and the support for the development of systematic tourism in the Khumbu region further demonstrate Nepal's commitment to sustainable practices. Nepal's demands at COP28 are not merely requests for assistance; they are a call for genuine recognition and action. As a nation disproportionately impacted by the consequences of climate change, Nepal deserves more than supplication. The international community must acknowledge the legitimacy of Nepal's concerns and work collaboratively to address the pressing issues outlined by Prime Minister Dahal. The upcoming COP28 provides a crucial platform for global cooperation, and Nepal's rightful place in these discussions must be acknowledged and respected.
