KATHMANDU: Chief Secretary Eaknaryan Aryal has emphasized that there is no justification for delaying action against the climate crisis, urging for strengthened international cooperation through collective partnerships.
Speaking at the closing session of the three-day Sagarmatha Sambaad on the theme Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity, Aryal expressed confidence that the dialogue had helped forge broader collaboration to tackle the climate emergency.
He highlighted the significant participation of senior figures from neighboring and friendly countries, along with representatives from regional and international organizations and other stakeholders, as key to making the multi-stakeholder platform successful.
“Sagarmatha Sambaad proved to be a memorable forum that allowed us to amplify our calls for swift and effective action to counter the climate crisis,” he said. “We have no excuse to delay any longer. Dialogue and collaboration should inspire us to implement collective actions.”
Aryal said the forum brought important attention to pressing issues such as water resources, biodiversity, food and health insecurity, disasters in mountain regions, and the rapidly changing status of glaciers. He noted that mountain and indigenous communities are being disproportionately affected by climate impacts.
Highlighting glacial melt in the Himalayas as one of the most visible consequences of climate change, Aryal stressed that its effects are now spreading to the hills, plains, and coastal regions, necessitating immediate response measures backed by scientific evidence.
He further stated that the dialogue had underlined the importance of climate science, improved access to technology, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices. He also called for simplified and equitable access to climate finance, along with increased support for vulnerable countries and communities.
Nepal, he said, used the platform to clearly articulate the need to enhance climate resilience, investment, and innovative financing mechanisms. He also underscored the importance of advancing clean energy transitions, promoting green energy, and achieving sustainable development.
Chief Secretary Aryal added that shifting to clean energy would not only support nature-based solutions but also enable investments in robust early warning systems for disaster risk reduction in mountainous areas.
“We once again urge the establishment of a dedicated fund for mountain nations and the creation of a global platform focused on mountain-specific climate challenges,” he said. “From the Himalayas to the seas, from the hills to the islands, we have raised a united voice on the global stage for a just, resilient, and sustainable future.”
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