Ways Forward For Nepal

At the heart of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to UNFCCC, the mountain agenda secured a pivotal role, shifting from the sidelines to become a core focus of climate change discussions. This reposition is crucial for countries like Nepal, where the Prime Minister’s strong advocacy highlighted the profound impact of climate change on delicate mountain ecosystems and livelihoods of communities. Nepal’s unique challenges, underscored by Nepal's leadership insights, bring a critical perspective to the fore, emphasising the urgency of integrating mountain resilience into the global climate action network. As the international community contemplates the way forward, Nepal’s efforts and progress made thus far in championing mountain issues at the COP28 will be instrumental in shaping sustainable strategies to counter the environmental crisis faced by the least developed and mountainous countries.   

In the lead-up to COP28, mountain agenda garnered significant momentum during the pre-COP consultations, underpinned by Nepal’s comprehensive position paper which called for the international community to acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by mountainous countries. The paper highlighted the vital ecological and cultural services provided by the Himalayas, and the dire impacts of climate change on these fragile ecosystems and the livelihoods they support. 

This groundwork was further reinforced by the visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres  to Nepal between 29 October to   1 November, 2023, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change in the Everest and Annapurna regions. His subsequent address to Nepal’s federal parliament resonated with urgency, employing the poignant phrase ‘stop war against the nature’ and advocating for committed international financial support for climate action.

Consultations

CAs part of its roadmap to COP28, Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment orchestrated comprehensive series of consultations, culminating in the first ever National Climate Summit in Nepal- a testament to the country’s proactive and strategic approach. This meticulous planning facilitated Nepal’s exemplary participation in COP28, marked by Prime Minister’s impactful address and the debut of Nepal’s Pavilion, setting a precedent for the nation’s climate diplomacy.

At COP28, the global spotlight was turned towards the climate emergency facing mountainous regions, with a powerful opening remark from the UN Secretary General, who drew a striking parallel between his visits to the melting expanses of Antarctica and the retreating glaciers of Nepal. This set the stage for a series of high-level discussions emphasising the urgent need for climate action in these fragile environments. The Prime Minister of Nepal clutched the moment to elevate the mountain agenda, showcasing Nepal’s leadership in advocating for ecosystems that are as interconnected globally as they are vulnerable.  

The Prime Minister was a prominent figure at the COP28, participating in the high-level key sessions and events including the High-Level Leaders Event on Adaptation, High Level Roundtable on “Call of the Mountains and a side event on “Early Warning for All” on behalf of the group of the Least Developed Countries as well as his national capacity. Notably, his leadership during the “Call of the Mountains: Who Saves us from the Climate Crisis” roundtable exemplified Nepal’s central role in driving the discourse on mountain climate crisis and ways forward. This session, which observed the gracious engagement of international dignitaries, including Prime Minister of Andorra, Foreign Minister of Kyrgyz Republic, UN Secretary General as well as representatives of Bhutan, international development and science based partners, underscored Nepal’s capacity and commitment to steering the global mountain agenda. The Prime Minister’s interactions with international leaders, including Prime Minister of India, President of Cuba, President of G77 and China, further reinforced Nepal’s diplomatic endeavors in climate change advocacy.

In summary, the Prime Minister’s strategic focus during COP28 was clear: to advocate for developed countries to urgently fulfil their financial commitments, to demand scaling up of climate finance to make up for the US $100 billion shortfall and double the adaptation finance by 2025 and to insist on fair and unconditional financial arrangements. His emphasis on climate finace as climate justice, a predictable loss and damage funds, and a clear roadmap from the Global Stocktake report underscored a strong stance on justice for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and mountainous regions. Beyond high-level dialogues, Nepal’s engagement was multifaceted, with its delegation participating in numerous side events and the Nepal Pavilion hosting around 40 critical discussions, illustrating the nation’s holistic and proactive approach to tackling the climate crisis.

COP28 concluded with a bittersweet mix of achievements and ongoing challenges, reflecting the intricate dance of global climate negotiations. A significant victory of Nepal was the formal acknowledgement of the mountain agenda, setting a precedent for future discourses. The Global Stocktake (GST) outcomes from COP28 underpinned the criticality of mountain ecosystems, leading to an agreement to initiate an expert dialogue on the intersection of mountains and climate change at the upcoming sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA). This acknowledgement serves as a testament of Nepal’s persistent advocacy and represents a leap forward in ensuring that the unique needs of mountain regions are addressed within the broader climate action framework.

This pivotal conference also witnessed the introduction of the ‘presidency youth climate champion’ initiative, a nod to the vital role of youth in the climate movement, and the establishment of gender-responsive adaptation goals. These strides signify a growing recognition of inclusivity in climate action, embracing a more diverse range of voices and perspectives. Additionally, COP28 succeeded in setting thematic and dimensional targets under the global goal of adaptation, with a commitment to develop clear indicators and support the formulation and implementation of national adaptation plans. 

The crowning achievement of COP28, however, was the operationalisation of loss and damage fund, a critical step towards financial justice for countries bearing the brunt of climate impacts. With some nations stepping forward with pledges, this fund represents a beacon of hope for vulnerable countries, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to recover from and adapt to the detrimental effects of a warming planet. This development marks a monumental step in the fight against climate change, offering tangible support to those who need it most.

As Nepal forges ahead following COP28, the most important ways forward hinges on solidifying its mountain agenda in global climate policy. The impending UNFCCC June conference presents a prime opportunity for Nepal to clarify and bolster the mountain agenda through focused dialogue. With Nepal’s impending transition from an LDC to a developing country status in 2026, it is imperative to foster new alliances, as current affiliations like G77 and China may not fully align with it priorities. Establishing a dedicated mountain forum could offer a platform better tailored to representing Nepal’s climate interests on the global stage.

Adaptation strategies

The operational details of the newly established Loss and Damage Fund may not be a simple and linear process for Nepal. Building its capacity to navigate, access and effectively utilise this mechanism is crucial. This effort extends to understanding the nuances of a just energy transition and revising adaptation targets in line with global goals. Moreover, a nuanced and skilled negotiation team, well-versed in Nepal’s sectoral priorities, is essential to influence future climate dialogues effectively. For adaptation strategies, a focus on locally led principles is key, demanding enhanced decentralisation, tackling structural inequalities, and boosting local capacities. Despite Nepal’s policy to allocate significant adaptation resources at the local level, institutional mechanisms and capacities currently fall short. The path to effective local adaptation relies on governmental reform and a genuine commitment to devolution. 

Building on its proactive role in COP28, Nepal’s future impact will be measured by its ability to refine its negotiation strategies and to secure and manage climate finance, enhanced capacity in effectively utilising resources and driving sustainable and resilient development for its people and the delicate mountain ecosystem they depend on. 

(The author is the environmental and development expert to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”.)