The two-day ‘International Dialogue on Mountains, People and Climate Change’ is taking place in Kathmandu today (May 22) to draw the international community’s attention to the negative effects of climate change in the mountains.
Experts from 25 countries are participating in the international dialogue to be concluded tomorrow. More than 200 people, including representatives from mountainous and small island countries, the international community, development partners, international NGOs, the private sector and civil society are participating in the dialogue. This expert dialogue on climate change aims to strengthen action based on mountain ecosystems.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Dr Maheshwor Dhakal, informed that the dialogue aims to increase the capacity of climate change talks and put pressure on the international community to raise the resources needed for climate adaptation and mitigation.
The summit also aims to create an environment for mountainous countries and stakeholders to collaborate for programmes under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has inaugurated the ‘Mountains, People and Climate: International Dialogue of Experts’ in Kathmandu today by watering a plant. After the inauguration, 9 sessions of different disciplines will be conducted focusing on three major thematic areas.
Nepal plans to link its findings from this dialogue to the 60th session of Scientific and Technical Advice on Climate Change (SABTA) to be held in Bonn, Germany in June and then institutionalise the agenda by entering the upcoming COP-29 agenda.
Addressing the August gathering, PM Prachanda said that the urgency of limiting warming to 1.5 Degree Celsius must be complemented by a focus on regional and global cooperation to enhance mountain peoples’ well-being, boost ecosystem diversity, stability, and sustainability, and identify sustainable development options that consider local requirements. He added “Due to an appalling injustice inflicted on us, our people and mountain ecosystems are severely affected by climate-induced disasters. And we strongly demand justice. Delivery of adequate, predictable and accessible funds and technology is urgent to support science-based locally-led climate actions. The full operationalisation of loss and damage funds transparently and equitably should be the foremost priority. “
The dialogue is organized to draw the attention of the international community to the impact of climate change on the mountains. Also, it is to strengthen action based on mountain ecosystems.
Experts from 25 countries, mountainous and small island countries, international community, development partners, international NGOs, private sector and civil society representatives are participating in the dialogue.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Bhutan’s Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Bangladesh’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hussain Chaudhary, President of the UN Assistant Agency for Scientific and Technical Advice on Climate Change (SABTA) Harry Bhireu, Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, chiefs and officials of diplomatic missions here as well as high-ranking officials of Nepal government are present.
By Sweta Singh, Kathmandu