Priority is on climate adaptation

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 25: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasised the need to address the problem of climate change.

Speaking at an event organised on Thursday in Kathmandu on the occasion of the 79th United Nations Day at the Nepali Army Headquarters, Prime Minister Oli said that Nepal has suffered significant loss of life and property due to the melting of glaciers, unexpected changes in monsoon patterns, and an increase in natural disasters.

He highlighted the recent disasters in Nepal and emphasised the need for financial assistance to countries like Nepal, which are facing challenges due to climate change.

The Prime Minister said it is time for humanity to collectively fight against this common threat.

He expressed Nepal’s readiness to play its role in combating climate disasters and stated that the country is prepared to collaborate with global partnerships that prioritise climate resilience and sustainability.

He reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations, emphasising the country’s dedication to supporting global efforts to promote peace, security, sustainable development, and environmental protection.

Prime Minister Oli expressed confidence that the United Nations General Assembly will prioritise the growing impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

He mentioned that although countries like Nepal contribute minimally to global carbon emissions, they are disproportionately affected. He reiterated Nepal’s foreign policy principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference, emphasising Nepal’s stance of “friendship with all and enmity with none,” particularly as a country located between two major neighbors.

Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Ashok Raj Sigdel said that the government of Nepal and the Nepali Army greatly acknowledged the vital role being played by the United Nations for promoting, peace and security and international cooperation.

“UN continues to play a symbol of hope for millions worldwide by promoting peace and playing supportive role in needs,” said General Sigdel.

“Our nation has consistently providing skilled peacekeepers earning reputation as reliable troops to the UN since 1958 and ever after for maintaining global peace in the world,” said General Sigdel.

Currently, Nepali Army has its peacekeepers deployment in 14 nations with 14 missions with deployment of 5,918 at present. Similarly, there is a deployment of 195 Armed Police Force Nepal and 28 of Nepal Police in different missions.

Of the Nepali Army, the latest and the largest contingent is in UNMISS in South Sudan with deployment of 1,700 forces.  Since the first deployment of Nepali Army in peacekeeping mission in 1958, the Nepali Army has so far completed 52 missions in 41 countries of the four continents. So far, during the course of maintaining global peace, 84 Nepali Army had sacrificed their lives and 74 others got injured.