Kathmandu, 24 October (H.S.): Former Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called on the international community to take Nepal’s demand for climate justice seriously, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable Himalayan nations.

Addressing the Global Governance Forum 2026 in China, Bhandari drew attention to the natural disasters Nepal has experienced in recent years and stressed the urgent need to protect the Himalayan ecosystem. She underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate-related challenges and safeguarding the region’s fragile environment.

Bhandari called for closer cooperation among China, Nepal and India in sharing meteorological data, monitoring glaciers, strengthening early-warning systems and improving disaster-management mechanisms. She emphasised that coordinated regional efforts were essential to mitigate the risks posed by climate change and protect communities vulnerable to natural disasters.

She also urged the United Nations and international financial institutions to provide reliable and sustained support to countries facing the consequences of climate change. According to her, climate justice must remain a central consideration in global efforts to address environmental challenges, particularly for developing countries that bear a disproportionate burden despite contributing relatively little to global emissions.

Bhandari further stressed that global governance should be guided by international law and shared principles rather than the exercise of power. She advocated reforms to the United Nations and called for greater international commitment to tackling poverty and hunger, promoting development, expanding access to education and healthcare, creating employment opportunities, and advancing social justice and environmental protection.

She maintained that meaningful international cooperation, equitable development and stronger global institutions were essential to building a fairer and more sustainable future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar