Preparations afoot for Sagarmatha Sambad: Foreign Minister Rana

Kathmandu, Dec 26: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, has informed that the government was making preparations to hold the Sagarmatha Sambad soon, ensuring the participation of national and international representatives and experts on climate change.

Minister Dr. Rana said it during a review meeting of the 29th UN Climate Conference (COP29) organized by the Ministry of Forest and Environment on Thursday. She also asserted that Nepal fulfilled its commitment made in the international forums. “A recent study has shown that the Himalayas will see the depletion of 80 percent of its snow cap by the end of this century.

So, it is imperative for us and all to move towards the journey of climate justice in collaboration,” she explained. According to her, the developed countries had committed in the COP29 to providing 300 billion US dollars every year for the least developed countries. If a small amount of such a pledge is brought to Nepal, it would be a huge relief to those suffering from the climate change impact.

Some weeks back, Foreign Minister Dr. Rana had voiced for climate justice for Nepal by sharing Nepal’s experience in the International Court of Justice’s climate change hearing in The Hague, the Netherlands. On a different note, Minister Dr. Rana argued that two large parties—the Nepali Congress and CPN UML—joined together to form the present coalition to realize good governance and people’s aspiration for prosperity.

So, the bureaucracy needs to work with this spirit. On the occasion, Minister for Forest and Environment, Rupa BK, said it is imperative to work for the people suffering much from the impacts of climate change. Cooperation from all sides is essential for it, she added.

Secretary at the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Dr. Dipak Kumar Kharal, shared the information on Nepal’s presence, address, and engagements during the COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan. —RSS