ANTALYA: The Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal inaugurated the Nepal Pavilion at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkiye, on Monday, highlighting the country’s climate priorities, biodiversity conservation efforts and community-based adaptation initiatives.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Khanal drew attention to the growing vulnerability of fragile mountain ecosystems to climate change, particularly the escalating risks associated with the melting cryosphere and other climate-induced hazards.
Referring to the recent Bhote Koshi disaster, which he described as a “Himalayan tsunami,” Khanal underscored the disproportionate climate risks faced by countries such as Nepal, despite their limited contribution to global emissions.
He reiterated Nepal’s call for climate justice, accessible and adequate loss and damage financing, and stronger international partnerships to strengthen climate resilience across the Himalayan region and protect downstream communities and ecosystems.
The Nepal Pavilion is intended to present the country’s climate ambitions, showcase achievements in biodiversity conservation and highlight adaptation initiatives led by local communities.
Minister of Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta, House of Representatives member Sagar Dhakal and other representatives also addressed the inaugural ceremony.
