Nepal urges global support for sustainable agriculture and climate Finance at FAO assembly

July 1, 2025: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has called on the international community to bolster sustainable agricultural systems and provide grant-based climate finance for Nepal and other mountainous regions severely impacted by climate change.

Speaking at the 44th General Assembly of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome on Monday, she emphasised the urgent need for targeted support to address the vulnerabilities of Himalayan regions.

“The mountainous areas of Nepal and similar countries are highly vulnerable to the climate crisis, yet they remain overlooked in global climate finance and adaptation efforts,” Dr. Rana stated. She highlighted agriculture’s critical role in Nepal, where it accounts for 23% of GDP and supports nearly two-thirds of the population. The sector is vital for food security, nutrition, poverty reduction, and rural development.

The Foreign Minister underscored the global challenge of achieving a hunger-free world by 2030, citing obstacles like pandemics, climate crises, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions. She advocated for sustainable and resilient mountain agriculture to protect livelihoods, biodiversity, and global ecological balance. Seeking stronger collaboration with the FAO, she called for expanded access to early warning systems for farmers and greater support for women and youth in agriculture.

Minister Dr. Rana also expressed Nepal’s interest in sharing successful practices and adopting the FAO’s ‘four betters’ approach—better production, nutrition, environment, and life—to advance innovative agricultural solutions.