Parliamentary Committee Chair Directs Nepal’s Participation in COP31 to Deliver Tangible Results

Kathmandu : The Parliamentary Special Committee on Climate Change Impacts in the Himalayas, Climate Justice, and the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Disasters has emphasized the need to ensure that Nepal’s participation in the upcoming COP31 climate conference delivers concrete and measurable outcomes.

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Speaking at a committee meeting held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday, Committee Chair Ganesh Parajuli directed that Nepal’s participation in the conference should not be limited to a formal diplomatic visit but should instead prioritize climate diplomacy and national interests. He stressed that representatives participating in international negotiations must have relevant expertise, adequate preparation, and the ability to effectively present Nepal’s priorities.

Parajuli, who is also Deputy Leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Parliamentary Party, emphasized the need to use Nepal’s pavilion and documentary presentations to effectively communicate the damage caused by recent floods, landslides, and other climate-induced disasters to the international community.

He also highlighted the importance of balancing the presentation of disaster-related losses with a positive message that Nepal remains a safe and attractive destination for tourism.

The meeting held discussions with the concerned minister, ministry secretaries, and the chief of the Environment Division on Nepal’s key priorities and strategies for COP31. The committee emphasized that negotiations should advance Nepal’s national interests while taking into account the positions expressed by the Prime Minister at the United Nations and by the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The meeting also discussed a proposal to divide the committee’s 15 members into five groups covering nine thematic areas, with three members in each group. Further discussions will determine responsibilities based on members’ interests and subject-matter expertise.

The committee concluded that Nepal must use COP31 as an opportunity to effectively advance climate justice, address loss and damage caused by climate-induced disasters, and safeguard national interests, ensuring that the country’s participation translates into tangible outcomes.