Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, emphasized that least developed and mountainous countries like Nepal are bearing severe and disproportionate impacts of climate change, despite minimal contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions. Speaking at the New York Times-Nepal Republic Media Climate Conclave, she noted the theme "The Call of Mt. Everest for Global Climate Action" as apt, highlighting Nepal’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Minister Deuba underscored the recent catastrophic floods and landslides in Nepal, which claimed over 250 lives, as evidence of extreme weather events driven by global warming. She called for climate justice, urging developed nations to provide resources, technology, and support to help countries like Nepal build resilience.

She also stressed the need for accessible climate finance and adequate capitalization of climate funds, including the loss and damage fund established at COP28. In anticipation of COP29 in Baku, Nepal plans to emphasize the importance of securing smooth and predictable access to climate finance for vulnerable nations.

The Foreign Minister lauded the role of media in raising awareness about climate issues and reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, promoting hydropower for clean energy, and increasing forest cover. She also mentioned plans to revive the Sagarmatha Sambad dialogue, delayed due to the pandemic, for addressing global environmental and socio-economic issues.