Foreign Minister Khanal inaugurates Nepal Pavilion at COP31 in Antalya

ANTALYA — Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal inaugurated the official Nepal Pavilion on Monday at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

The pavilion serves as an international platform to showcase Nepal’s climate ambitions, biodiversity achievements, and community-led adaptation initiatives.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister Khanal urged global action over fragile Himalayan ecosystems, warning that rapid changes to the mountain cryosphere threaten millions downstream. Citing recent devastating floods along the BhoteKoshi river as a “Himalayan Tsunami,” he stressed that vulnerable nations carry a disproportionate burden of climate-induced disasters.

Khanal called for global solidarity, direct access to the Loss and Damage Fund, and enhanced partnerships for regional climate resilience.

The inauguration was attended by Health and Food Security Minister Nisha Mehta, House of Representatives Member Sagar Dhakal, and international delegates.