Prioritizing rights over aid at COP 28: PM Prachanda

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Nov.18 Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said that he will clearly put forward the impact of global warming in Nepal at the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Addressing a peace lamp handover and flog hoisting program organized Nepal Mountaineering Association at Kalapatthar Everest Base Camp, Solukhumbu, PM Prachanda said that rather than asking for aid for reducing global warming, the right for a good environment will be raised in the conference.

PM Prachanda said, "We cannot pay the price for things we did not consume. Those who are responsible for carbon splurge should compensate for it. Rather than seeking aid to reduce the impact of global climate change in Nepal, we will strengthen our voice for our rights at the COP28 conference ."

The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference will convene from 30 November to 12 December in DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The detailed description of the National Adaption Planning and Implementation Plan based on the National Determined Contribution and Agenda on COP28 will be discussed in a program where PM Prachanda will be the chief guest.

 PM will address the high-level session on December 2.

PM said that the six points in regard to finance in climate, customization, climate-related losses and damages, gender, youths, children, strengthening climate, and reduction on global climate change, have been forth as a suggestion by a team of experts to raise in COP 28 by Nepal.

Management of funds regarding finance on climate, customization, and climate-related losses and damages, issues of hills and mountains and emission reduction and inclusivity have been prioritized by Nepal for the COP28 conference.

Saying that United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres himself observed the effect of global climate change, PM said that the interaction with denizens and people's representatives has helped to globalize the issues faced by people in the climatic region

PM said that the government is serious about building the infrastructure in the Khumbu area. The government will work tirelessly for the preservation and promotion of Sagarmatha and Lumbini, which can mark the name of Nepal in the world.  

"I have seriously considered building road infrastructure in Khumbu area. The budget has been distributed by the Ministry of Finance to build a road from Chatara to Lukla, and the government will work to expediate the construction work.

While showing appreciation to the local government for starting tracks in the area, PM said that the government will support to upgrade of the road infrastructure there.