KATHMANDU, Oct 28: Government agencies have stated that Nepal is making rapid preparations to ensure effective presence at the upcoming global climate change conference (COP-29).
A detailed discussion on the necessary preparations to ensure Nepal's participation in COP-29 took place during a meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee of the National Assembly on Sunday.
During the meeting, the secretaries and representatives of the concerned ministries highlighted that preparations are underway for important agenda items to be raised regarding climate change, emphasizing the need for a strong presentation at the conference.
Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, said that special preparations are being made to present factual details of the damages suffered by Nepal due to climate change and to emotionally highlight the impact on those affected.
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He emphasized the need to strongly inform the international community about the impacts of climate change in the mountainous region and expressed the view that Nepal should focus on grants.
"We must clearly and factually present the impact of climate change on human life," Ghimire said. "It is essential to provide evidence that Nepal has developed the necessary capacity to recover from climate impacts and mobilize resources."
Secretary Rajendra Prasad Mishra of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development stated that the agenda should include compensation for the losses faced by Nepali farmers due to climate change. He emphasized the need to prioritize the mountainous and hilly regions and to increase international investment for adaptation.
Similarly, Secretary Madhu Marasini of the National Planning Commission mentioned that the lack of capacity in fund management is making it difficult to seek assistance from international donors. He also emphasized the need to use climate diplomacy with neighboring countries.
Buddi Sagar Poudel, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the need to create a collaborative platform among mountainous countries to present a strong agenda focused on climate justice, gender and inclusivity.
Sushil Chandra Acharya, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, stated that the process for accessing climate finance needs to be simplified and emphasized the necessity of investment in Nepal's hydropower sector through climate finance.
During the meeting, all participants agreed on the need to prepare relief measures for areas affected by climate change and to present strong policies and plans for this purpose.
