Finance Minister Wagle named in Time's 100 most influential people in climate

Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has been included in Time magazine's 2026 list of the world's 100 most influential people in climate, titled "Time 100 Climate." His name appears in the Leaders category.

Time has cited his advocacy at international forums for climate justice following the devastating floods in the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi area, his initiative to mobilize climate finance, and his views on reforming the global system as the main basis for his inclusion.

Time's profile notes that Wagle played an important role in internationalizing the climate issue after last Bhadau's floods. Following the floods, the Government of Nepal had formally sought compensation from China, the United States and India — the countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions.

According to Time, a proposal to provide Nepal around $21.6 million from the United Nations' climate fund has received initial approval.

Although Nepal's share of global greenhouse gas emissions is very small, he has consistently raised the issue that developing countries like Nepal are bearing a disproportionate impact of climate change.

Wagle, who has been active in the study of sustainable economic development, policymaking and politics for about 28 years, appears on the list alongside Britain's Prince William, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.