Nepal Gears Up for COP-30 with a Strong Focus on Climate Finance and Himalayan Conservation
17th August 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal has officially commenced its preparations for the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-30), a pivotal global climate summit organized under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Nepal COP-30 preparations
The conference, set to take place from November 10–21 in Belém, Brazil, is a critical platform for nations to negotiate and advance global climate action. For Nepal, a country disproportionately affected by climate change despite its negligible emissions, COP-30 represents a crucial opportunity to amplify its voice and advocate for the unique needs of mountain communities.
The Ministry of Forests and Environment has taken the lead in coordinating the nation’s strategy, holding a preparatory meeting with the Brazilian ambassador, government officials, non-governmental organizations, and key development partners. This multi-stakeholder approach is designed to ensure a unified and effective presence on the international stage.
Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, emphasized that a comprehensive action plan has been drafted based on lessons learned from past COP experiences. “We will engage with a coordinated team, taking all stakeholders’ voices into account,” he stated. “Key topics like climate finance, carbon trading, adaptation and mitigation measures, and loss and damage will be raised strongly.”
This clear focus on financial and technical support is central to Nepal’s agenda, as it seeks to secure the resources needed to combat the devastating effects of global warming.
The Himalayan Agenda: A Call to Action from Sagarmatha Sambaad
A significant part of Nepal’s strategy for COP-30 will be to highlight the outcomes of the recent Sagarmatha Sambaad. This international dialogue brought together experts and leaders to discuss the critical threats to mountain ecosystems and their far-reaching consequences.
The discussions, which centered on the theme of “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity,” culminated in the “Sagarmatha Call for Action.” This call specifically recognizes the urgency to protect mountain glaciers and cryosphere, which are receding at an alarming rate, threatening water security for billions living downstream.
Nepal’s delegation will use this momentum to draw global attention to the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers, which are projected to experience temperature rises 0.3–0.7°C above global averages. This phenomenon is a direct cause of increased climate-induced disasters such as landslides, droughts, and floods, particularly in the hilly and Terai regions.
The impact is most severe on the most vulnerable populations, including poor, smallholder farmers, marginalized communities, women, children, and the elderly. By leveraging the outcomes of the Sambaad, Nepal aims to position itself as a key advocate for mountain agendas and climate justice on the global stage.
High-Level Representation and Strategic Objectives
To maximize its influence, the government is planning to send a high-level delegation to COP-30, likely led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. This is a strategic move, reflecting a historical precedent where Nepal has sent heads of state or government to five previous COP sessions to enhance its decision-making influence.
The presence of high-level leadership signals a serious commitment to global climate diplomacy and ensures Nepal’s voice is heard in crucial negotiations.
According to Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, head of the Climate Change Management Division, preparations are extensive and multifaceted. The ministry is working on planning Nepal’s official pavilion and side events, developing a national concept paper, and ensuring seamless inter-ministerial coordination.
Additionally, the delegation will actively engage with discussions on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement related to carbon markets and will push for high-level representation to update the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Youth representatives have also voiced their expectations, urging the government to use the platform to highlight the concerns of young people, advocate for more accessible climate finance through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund, and emphasize the importance of effective loss and damage mechanisms and best practices in climate action.
As the world looks towards Brazil for COP-30, Nepal’s proactive preparations underscore its determination to not just be a victim of climate change, but a leader in advocating for climate justice and equitable solutions.
The focus on securing climate finance, protecting the Himalayas, and representing the most vulnerable communities demonstrates a clear and impactful strategy to navigate the complex landscape of global climate negotiations.
For more: Nepal COP-30 preparations
