Forest minister, UN coordinator discuss raising climate justice at COP31

Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary and UN Resident Coordinator Leila Peters Yahya held discussions on COP31 preparations and climate-induced disasters.

At a meeting at the ministry on Tuesday, the two sides discussed effectively raising Nepal's climate agenda at international forums and strengthening cooperation with UN bodies, the ministry said.

According to Minister Chaudhary, the "Living Sagarmatha: Mountain Agenda" has already been approved. It will be made public at the national climate summit to be held in Kathmandu this Thursday, Kartik 12.

Preparations are underway for a separate pavilion to present Nepal's experiences, impacts and challenges related to climate-induced disasters at COP31. Minister Chaudhary said support from UN bodies is expected for the cost of running the pavilion.

Meanwhile, the NGO Federation of Nepal held an interaction on Tuesday on Nepal's position at COP31, citing the Bhotekoshi and Budhigandaki disasters. Federation chairman Arjun Bhattarai submitted a joint concept paper and suggestions to Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, chief of the ministry's Climate Change Management Division.

The concept paper prioritizes climate justice, climate finance, conservation, and the rights of at-risk communities. Civil society has suggested that the government prioritize raising the demand for climate justice at COP31.