Minister Pariyar represents Nepal in COP30, efforts on to establish Himalayan agenda

Kathmandu, Nov 18: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Madan Prasad Pariyar is representing Nepal in the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), being held in Brazil from 10–21 November 2025. He attended the event on Sunday, according to Brazil time.     

The Ministerial Segment of COP30 officially opened Sunday morning, featuring statements by the Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, the President of COP30, André Corrêa do Lago, as well as ministers and senior UN officials.     

In his address as the leader of the Nepali delegation, Minister Dr Pariyar reaffirmed Nepal’s strong commitment to climate justice.     

Highlighting the major climate challenges the country faces—which range from retreating glaciers and severe drought to unseasonal floods and impacts on agriculture—he briefed participants on Nepal’s ambitious NDC 3.0, which sets a pathway toward achieving zero emissions by 2045, according to the Ministry of Forest and Environment.     

“As one of the world’s most nature-connected nations, our forest cover now exceeds 46 percent,” the Minister said.     

In his address as the leader of the Nepali delegation, Minister Dr Pariyar reaffirmed Nepal’s strong commitment to climate justice. Highlighting the major climate challenges the country faces which range from retreating glaciers and severe drought to unseasonal floods and impacts on agriculture, briefed participants on Nepal’s ambitious NDC 3.0, which sets a pathway toward achieving zero emissions by 2045. “As one of the world’s most nature-connected nations, our forest cover now exceeds 46 percent."     

Urging developed countries to fulfill their past commitments on climate finance, the Minister emphasized that every country must submit ambitious NDCs, fulfill treaty obligations, and respect the ICJ Advisory Opinion on climate justice. He stressed that all Parties, including emerging economies, must engage constructively to keep the 1.5-degree target within reach. He also highlighted the urgent need to integrate a dedicated mountain agenda into UNFCCC processes, referring to the Sagarmatha Sambaad held in Kathmandu in May this year.     

Prior to his speech, the Minister interacted with stakeholders—both in Belém and online—on the progress achieved so far and the road ahead. Participants were briefed on Nepal’s engagement in various agenda areas, including climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, transparency, the Global Stocktake, gender, and mountain issues.     

In addition to his plenary intervention, Minister Dr Pariyar has been participating in important side events and engaging at both bilateral and multilateral levels.     

He also attended an event organized by the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, which aims to advance a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister outlined Nepal’s plans to expand clean-energy practices, including increasing the use of electric vehicles and electric cooking appliances. Later, Dr Pariyar joined the Ministerial Meeting of LDCs, which marked the handover of the presidency of the LDC Group on climate change. He praised Malawi’s contributions as the outgoing Chair and expressed Nepal’s solidarity with and support for the incoming presidency of Timor-Leste.     

In the afternoon, the Minister joined his counterparts from member countries of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) to strengthen collective efforts to protect biodiversity and the climate by safeguarding big cats. As a founding member of IBCA, Nepal reiterated its firm commitment to advancing the Alliance’s objectives.     

As part of his bilateral engagements, Dr Pariyar met on Saturday with Ibrahim Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The two discussed opportunities for Nepal to access financing from the Fund for suitable national projects. The Minister is scheduled to meet Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, tomorrow on the sidelines of the conference.     

Also today, Nepal hosted a side event entitled “Sagarmatha to Belém: Advancing Climate Action”, aimed at reviewing progress since the adoption of the Sagarmatha Call for Action and developing strategies to advance the mountain agenda within UNFCCC processes. Ministers and senior officials from mountainous countries participated.     

Nepal makes efforts to establish Himalayan Agenda     

The Ministry of Forests has stated that at COP30, Nepal is actively working through various platforms to integrate mountain-related issues into the UNFCCC process, guided by the conclusions of the Sagarmatha Dialogue.     

Amid the growing impacts of climate change, Nepal has witnessed significant changes in rainfall patterns, volume, and timing, which have triggered climate-related disasters and caused major losses and damages. This year alone, more than 300 people have lost their lives to floods, landslides, droughts, glacial lake outburst floods, and forest fires, with economic losses running into the billions.     

Minister Pariyar arrived in Belém on November 15, leading a Nepali delegation that includes senior government officials. Upon arrival in Brazil, the delegation was welcomed by Nepal’s Ambassador to Brazil, Nirmal Raj Kafle. The Minister is scheduled to return home on November 19.(RSS)