Nepal amplifies climate justice agenda in int’l platform

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Oct. 11: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said his visit to Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu was important for highlighting Nepal’s climate vulnerability on international platforms, mobilising climate finance on a just and equitable basis. 

"It also helped to further strengthening bilateral relations with Australia," he said upon his arrival in Kathmandu after participating in the high-level 'Pre-COP Leaders' Event' on climate change in Fiji and Tuvalu, and completing an official visit to Australia. 

FM Khanal undertook the visit at the invitation of the governments of Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu to help build political consensus ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November, and to advance the global climate agenda. During his visit, Australia announced an additional grant of AUD15 million for relief, recovery and reconstruction in areas affected by the recent devastating floods in Nepal. With the additional assistance, Australia’s total support announced for Nepal’s flood disaster response has reached A$26 million. 

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Khanal addressed the ‘Pre-COP Leaders’ Plenary’ in Nadi, Fiji, on October 6, where he noted that mountainous countries and Pacific-island states face similar risks from climate change.