Nepal Prepares for COP30, Emphasizing Climate Finance

Nepal has started preparing for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference will be held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10 to 21, 2025 (Kartik 24 to Mangsir 5, Nepali calendar).

The conference will focus on reducing fossil fuel use, protecting forests, oceans, and biodiversity, transforming agriculture and food systems, promoting social development, and enhancing technology and capacity.

Nepal plans to highlight the outcomes of the Sagarmatha Dialogue, especially the “Sagarmatha Call” for Himalayan conservation. The Ministry of Forests and Environment held a meeting with Brazil’s ambassador, government officials, NGOs, and development partners to begin preparations.

Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri said the ministry has made an action plan for the conference. He emphasized involving all stakeholders and building a strong team. Nepal will address climate finance, carbon trading, adaptation, mitigation, and climate-related loss and damage at the conference.

Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate change, with impacts like melting glaciers, landslides in hilly areas, droughts, and floods in the Terai region. Poor farmers, marginalized communities, women, children, and the elderly are most affected.

Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division, said preparations include pavilion and side events, national concept papers, inter-ministerial coordination, coordination with Nepal’s Permanent Mission in New York, and discussions on the Sagarmatha Call.

Youth Alliance for Environment (UAE) President Sanot Adhikari urged Nepal to raise issues on youth, climate finance, the Green Climate Fund, loss and damage fund, carbon trading, and climate adaptation and mitigation. He also suggested highlighting Nepal’s good practices and the Sagarmatha Dialogue outcomes at COP30.