Kathmandu, Nov 21: The 28th Conference of Parties (COP-28) of the state parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is taking place in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Preparation for the conference to be held from November 30 to December 12 has been over.
In connection with the preparation of the conference, a National Climate Change Summit was organized in Kathmandu today.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was the chief guest of the Summit hosted by the Ministry of Forest and Environment.
The conference was attended by the government ministers, chief ministers, National Planning Commission members, chief secretary, secretaries, office-bearers of the concerned government agencies and representatives of the development partners.
On the occasions, the speakers said Nepal has been adversely affected by the climate change impacts despite its negligible share in green house gas emission.
They stressed the need for the government to claim compensation of the impacts climate change have incurred to Nepal.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said Nepal has implemented its commitment made at international level for minimizing effects of climate change.
“The world community should applaud Nepal for its commitment for implementation, Nepal should put its perspectives in COP-28 clearly”, he noted.
Likewise, Forest Minister Birendra Prasad Mahato informed that the government has made necessary preparation in regard to the agenda Nepal will raise in COP-28.
Noting that Nepal will make high-level and effective participation in the conference this time with full-fledged preparation, he said Nepal will claim compensation to the loss and damage incurred by climate change impacts.
Chief Minister of Gandaki province, Surendra Raj Pandey said climate change has profoundly impacted Himalayan region and vulnerable communities in Nepal while noting, “We should not ask for assistance in global forums but fight for our right”.
He said Nepal should take lead in raising the issue of compensation of the climate change effects.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal unveiled the National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) implementation plan.
Forest Secretary Dr Deepak Kumar Kharal shared Nepal’s preparation of participation in COP-28 and the documents the country is preparing for the global conclave.
Also on the occasion, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal Hanna Fikre Ahmed Singer, UAE Ambassador to Nepal Abdulla Ul Shamshi, Municipalities Association of Nepal (MUAN) Chair Bhim Prasad Dhungana, among others put their views on the effects of climate change in the globe, the issues and preparation Nepal needs to make in COP-28.
A high-level delegation headed by Prime Minster Dahal is scheduled to attend the COP-28. PM Dahal is leaving for UAE on November 29 to take part in the conference and return home on December 4.
As informed, PM Dahal will address the high-level session of the COP-28 on December 2. The heads of the states and governments attending the conference will address the high-level session on December 1-2.
Nepal has laid emphasis on climate finance, adaptation, funds for climate-induced loss and damage, Himalayan and mountainous issues, emission cut and inclusion, among others agendas in the summit. RSS
