Foreign Minister calls for climate aid for mountain nations at FAO conference

KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has called on the international community to provide grant-based climate finance and support for sustainable agriculture systems, especially in mountainous regions like Nepal that are facing severe impacts from climate change.

Addressing the 44th Session of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Conference in Rome on Monday, Minister Rana highlighted the urgency of securing international climate financing for vulnerable countries like Nepal.

“Mountain regions in Nepal and similar countries are among the hardest hit by the climate crisis,” she said. “Yet, these areas are often neglected in climate finance and adaptation efforts. This needs urgent attention.”

Minister Rana underlined the critical importance of agriculture to Nepal’s economy, noting that it contributes 23% to the national GDP and remains the primary livelihood for nearly two-thirds of the population. She also highlighted its vital role in food security, nutrition, poverty reduction, and rural development.

She pointed out that the global goal of zero hunger by 2030 remains out of reach, as challenges such as climate change, pandemics, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions continue to threaten progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Calling for the promotion of resilient and sustainable mountain agriculture, Rana stressed that such systems are not only essential for livelihoods but also for protecting biodiversity, global food security, and the planet’s ecological balance.

Reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to innovation in agriculture, she said, “We are keen to scale up successful and innovative agricultural practices under the ‘Four Betters’ approach. We seek collaboration to expand farmers’ access to early warning systems and promote climate-resilient mountain agriculture in partnership with the FAO.”

She further highlighted the importance of increasing the participation and leadership of women and youth farmers, and expressed Nepal’s willingness to share and learn from successful practices around the world.