Nepal Urges UN Climate Summit to Institutionalize Mountain Issues

Nepal has urged that mountainous regions and associated climate challenges be integrated as a permanent, institutional agenda within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations. The country emphasized that a dedicated action plan, regular dialogue, and elevated political dedication are essential to counter escalating risks in elevated landscapes. During a presidential-level and high-level consultation on mountain regions and climate change held on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal presented Nepal's official position. Speaking also on behalf of Bhutan, the official noted that establishing a separate agenda item for mountains stems from severe humanitarian and environmental crises rather than theoretical debate. The proposals put forward by Nepal encompass a dedicated work program covering climate change mitigation, adaptation measures, loss and damage, and means of implementation. Officials stressed that continuous global engagement is necessary to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and communities from disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods. The discussions in Antalya highlighted how rising temperatures and environmental shifts disproportionately affect high-altitude territories, causing property destruction and loss of life. By pushing for formal recognition within the international framework, the delegation aims to secure structured mechanisms to address these specific geographical vulnerabilities.