Prime Minister says - Nepal suffers disproportionately from climate change
KATHMANDU, Oct 18: A delegation led by Nepal Republic Media (NRM) Chairman Binod Raj Gyawali called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to brief him on the Climate Conclave that NRM hosted on Thursday.
Chief Executive Officer of NRM Sambridhi Gyawali briefed him on the Climate Conclave—The Call of Mount Everest for Global Climate Action. Gyawali apprised the Head of Government about a range of issues, including the loss and damage fund, mitigation and adaptation, as well as discussions on climate justice for Nepal and the role of media. The briefing followed Wednesday's launch by NRM of its new digital subscription offering to new Republica and Nagarik subscribers, providing unlimited access to The New York Times.
Two-day Huawei Digital Nepal Conclave 2022
"The delegation was very happy to learn that the Prime Minister accords top priority to climate change," she said. "It is heartening to learn that PM Oli has an in-depth knowledge of climate change. We look forward to working with the Nepal government and the global community to address the issue."
Later, PM Oli posted a group photo with the delegates on his personal website, in which he recalled his address to the 79th UN General Assembly in New York last month. The delegation included Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, President of International for The New York Times; Shova Gyawali, NRM Director; Harjeet Singh, Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty; and Helena Phua, Executive Vice President of The New York Times for Asia Pacific.
The Prime Minister had told the UNGA that even though Nepal had no role in carbon dioxide emissions, the country was reeling under the effects of climate change, adding that Nepal deserves compensation for climate justice. "Sea temperatures will continue to rise if we fail to protect Nepal's high mountains," Oli said, recalling his address.
He urged global leaders and advocates to come together and work on the agenda collectively. Nepal has not only been raising its voice for the protection of Planet Earth and global humanity but also acting, he said, citing Nepal's efforts in hydropower development and hydro-energy.
The Prime Minister also expressed his concerns about climate change and the government's plan to host the Sagarmatha Sambad 2025 next year, according to CEO Gyawali. During their meeting, the delegates discussed with Prime Minister Oli how communication could impact climate change, education, and economic growth. He emphasized that protecting Nepal's mountains is critical to preventing rising sea levels.
"We are raising our voices for the safety of the earth and its people, and we are taking practical steps. This work benefits not just Nepal but also helps protect the environment globally," PM Oli said. He highlighted the importance of hydropower and stressed the media's role in sharing this information with the public.
“Prime Minister Oli has a strong understanding of climate justice and I consider him a champion of the issue in South Asia,” Singh, Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, said after the meeting.
