KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana has called for collective cooperation to address the impacts of climate change, particularly in developing countries.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, India, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Minister Rana highlighted the urgent need to minimize the adverse effects of climate change through joint efforts.
In her address, Minister Rana highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, noting that the country is at the forefront of its consequences. She reiterated Nepal’s commitment to advocating for climate justice on international platforms and stressed that the impacts of climate change are not confined to mountainous countries but affect the entire world.
The Foreign Minister underscored the need for a comprehensive discussion on climate financing mechanisms.
She pointed to the devastating effects of climate change witnessed in Nepal in September last year when heavy rains claimed the lives of more than 250 people and caused damage worth approximately Rs 45 billion. The disaster severely impacted critical sectors, including drinking water, roads, energy, irrigation, and agricultural infrastructure.
Calling for a shift in the traditional approach to climate financing, Minister Rana said that conventional aid is no longer sufficient, and it is essential to explore alternative funding strategies, such as public-private partnerships.
She stressed the importance of additional compensation for Nepal as one of the most vulnerable countries and called for technical assistance, particularly in developing early warning systems for rains, floods, and landslides, to enhance disaster preparedness.
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