Kathmandu: The Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE) has begun preparations for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-29), scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, 2024. In a meeting held on Monday, the Ministry discussed the forthcoming conference's agenda with various stakeholders, including intergovernmental ministries, experts, journalists, non-governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.

Representatives from 198 countries, which have ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), will gather at COP-29 to discuss climate-related issues and formulate strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation. As part of these preparations, the MoFE has developed a draft roadmap for the conference.

Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri emphasized that the agenda for COP-29 will be decided through consensus among stakeholders. He assured that Nepal will highlight climate change-induced natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, at the conference. Minister Thakuri also stressed the importance of pressuring signatory parties to implement the Paris Agreement during the international forum.

Additionally, State Minister for Health and Population Rupa BK called for coordinated climate actions to address the challenges posed by climate change. Secretary at the MoFE, Dr. Govinda Sharma, highlighted the need for Nepal to increase its access to the Climate Loss and Damage Fund, a resource designed to support vulnerable countries like Nepal in coping with the impacts of climate change.

Dr. Buddhi Sagar Poudel, who heads the Climate Change Management Division under the MoFE, mentioned that Nepal will prioritize climate finance as a key agenda at COP-29. He also emphasized the need for coordination among intergovernmental agencies, three-tier governments, and stakeholders to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.