COP-31 climate conference begins today in Turkey

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP-31, is beginning today in Antalya of Turkey, with Nepal set to highlight climate justice, mountain-related issues, loss and damage, and climate finance as its key priorities.

The conference will continue until November 20.

Nepal has scheduled three major programmes for the opening day to draw international attention to the impacts of climate change on mountain regions and the need for increased climate finance.

The programmes will focus on scaling up climate finance, strengthening climate action from the mountains to the seas, and mobilising financial resources to build the resilience of mountain communities.

Foreign Affairs Minister Shishir Khanal, who is leading the Nepali delegation, arrived in Antalya yesterday. He is scheduled to address the opening session of the conference today.

During the conference, Minister Khanal will also participate in a high-level programme on advancing the mountain agenda, focusing on glaciers, the cryosphere and climate resilience.

Likewise, Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary will lead the Nepali delegation during the second week of the conference, from November 15 to 20.

Nepal will also highlight the human, economic and non-economic losses caused by the devastating floods and landslides in Rasuwa and surrounding districts.

Although Nepal contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

This year, Nepal has established its own national pavilion at the conference, where more than 40 side events are scheduled to showcase the country’s climate challenges and the experiences of affected communities.

A bilateral memorandum of understanding on carbon trading between Nepal and South Korea is also scheduled to be signed during the conference.

The conference will bring together world leaders, government representatives and climate experts to discuss global climate action, adaptation, climate finance and other pressing environmental challenges.

The World Leaders Summit is scheduled for November 11 and 12.