Kathmandu, 26 September (H.S.): Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said that climate justice can be truly meaningful only when assistance provided to countries takes into account their responsibilities, capacities and vulnerability to climate change.

Addressing the high-level special event, “Sagarmatha to the Sea: A Call to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future,” hosted by Nepal at the United Nations Headquarters, Khanal outlined several priorities for addressing climate change.

He said science, policymaking and investment should take into account the ecological interconnections among mountains, freshwater systems and oceans. He also highlighted the need to accord greater importance to mountain regions in global climate-related processes.

The Foreign Minister said it is critically important to keep the 1.5°C target within reach in efforts to address climate change. To this end, he stressed the need for stronger preparedness, robust early-warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, anticipatory action and enhanced scientific cooperation.

Khanal also emphasized the need for adequate, predictable and accessible climate finance for developing countries. He called for stronger technology transfer and capacity-building efforts as well. He said it is essential to provide the Loss and Damage Fund with sufficient financial resources and make it more accessible to countries affected by climate-related impacts.

The Foreign Minister of Nepal stressed the need for concrete international action to address the climate crisis through an integrated approach that recognizes the interconnected ecosystems stretching from mountains to the sea.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar