Nepal and Bhutan propose mountain agenda for COP-31 climate conference

Nepal and Bhutan have submitted a joint proposal to include a specific focus on temperature rises in mountain regions during the upcoming climate conference, scheduled to take place in Antalya from 9 to 20 November. Minister Geeta Chaudhary presented the proposal under rule 12, outlining risks such as melting glaciers and mounting water insecurity driven by temperature increases. The joint submission asks the conference to incorporate a dedicated agenda item addressing a 1.5-degree temperature rise in mountain areas. Furthermore, the two nations propose establishing an annual high-level dialogue on mountains and climate change, alongside launching a process to formulate a work plan for mountain ecosystems under the relevant framework. Additional elements of the submission call for incorporating regional priorities into adaptation, climate finance, and loss and damage discussions. The document builds upon past milestones, including decisions from previous climate summits, a dialogue held under SB-64 on 12 June 2026, and the Sagarmatha call.