Nepal, a landlocked and mountainous country in South Asia, situated between India and China – largest carbon-emitting countries, has been an active player in global climate diplomacy, particularly within the United Nations (UN). As a nation highly vulnerable to climate change, Nepal has consistently advocated for stronger international commitments to combat environmental degradation, protect fragile ecosystems, and support climate resilience in developing nations. Through its participation in UN climate summits and collaborations with UN-backed initiatives, Nepal has played a significant role in shaping climate discourse on a global scale.
Nepal’s climate vulnerabilities and global advocacy
Nepal’s geographic and topographic features make it particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change as it lies between China, the world’s largest carbon emitter and India, a growing emitter. China is the largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO₂) globally, accounting for approximately 27% of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to its massive population, rapid industrialization, and heavy reliance on coal for energy production. India is the third-largest emitter of CO₂, after China and the United States, contributing around 7% of global emissions. Because of its location and growing impact of climate change globally, Nepal has faced rapid melting of glaciers, increased frequency of natural disasters, erratic weather patterns, and threats to biodiversity that pose significant challenges to the country's sustainable development. These vulnerabilities have compelled Nepal to be at the forefront of climate diplomacy, advocating for urgent global action.
Nepal’s advocacy at UN climate summits
Nepal has been an active participant in major UN climate conferences, including the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). At these summits, Nepal has consistently pushed for greater financial and technical assistance for vulnerable mountain nations, arguing that they bear the disproportionate impacts of climate change despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions.
At COP26 in Glasgow (2021), Nepal pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, a significant commitment for a developing country with limited resources. Nepal also called for the recognition of mountain-specific climate challenges and urged the international community to support adaptation measures for high-altitude ecosystems and communities.
During COP27 in Egypt (2022), Nepal reinforced its advocacy for climate justice, emphasizing the need for developed nations to fulfill their commitments to climate finance. It highlighted the pressing issue of glacial melt, which threatens the livelihoods of millions downstream, and urged global cooperation to address this crisis.
Leaders in mountain agenda
One of Nepal’s core contributions to global climate diplomacy has been its emphasis on mountain resilience. As home to the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Nepal has led international discussions on preserving fragile mountain ecosystems and ensuring sustainable development for mountain communities. Similarly, Nepal is an active member of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), a coalition of nations most affected by climate change. Within this platform, Nepal has advocated for increased global attention to the challenges faced by mountainous countries, including glacial retreat, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity. Nepal is going to host the Sagarmatha Dialogue on May 16-18, 2025, an international forum aimed at fostering discussions on climate change and mountain sustainability. Even though the idea of Sagarmatha Dialogue was conceived in 2019, it was delayed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will bring together global leaders, scientists, and policymakers to emphasize the importance of protecting high-altitude environments and securing climate finance for vulnerable communities.
Moreover, recognizing the shared challenges of Himalayan nations, Nepal has been instrumental in pushing the Hindu Kush Himalaya Call to Action at UN platforms. This initiative seeks to promote regional cooperation among South Asian and Southeast Asian nations to address the transboundary impacts of climate change on glaciers, water resources, and biodiversity. At the UN General Assembly, Nepal has consistently raised the issue of the Himalayas’ deteriorating ecosystem, calling for a “mountain-specific climate adaptation fund” to address the unique challenges faced by high-altitude regions. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has partnered with Nepal on several environmental conservation projects. The Himalayan Climate Adaptation, Water, and Resilience (HiCAWR) Program, supported by UNEP, has facilitated research on glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and climate-induced water shortages, helping policymakers develop targeted adaptation strategies.
UN-backed climate initiatives in Nepal
The UN has been a crucial partner in Nepal’s efforts to combat climate change and build resilience. Various UN agencies, including the UNDP, UNEP, and FAO, have supported Nepal through financial aid, capacity-building programs, and sustainable development projects. Nepal has benefited from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), a UN-backed initiative that finances climate mitigation and adaptation projects in developing countries. The GCF has supported Nepal in implementing early warning systems for floods, promoting climate-smart agricultures, and improving forest management. One notable project funded by the GCF is the Building Resilient Communities in Nepal (BRCN) initiative, which focuses on enhancing local adaptation strategies in flood-prone regions. This program has improved community-based disaster risk management and infrastructure resilience in vulnerable areas. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has played a significant role in supporting Nepal’s climate agenda. Through initiatives like the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA) Program, UNDP has helped restore degraded ecosystems, promote sustainable farming practices, and enhance local climate governance. Furthermore, UNDP’s Climate Promise Initiative has assisted Nepal in strengthening its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, ensuring that the country remains committed to its long-term sustainability goals.
Challenges and the way forward
Despite Nepal’s active engagement in global climate diplomacy and its participation in UN-backed initiatives, several challenges persist. Limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability often hinder the effective implementation of climate policies. Additionally, Nepal faces difficulties in accessing sufficient climate finance due to bureaucratic hurdles and complex funding mechanisms.
To address these challenges, Nepal must continue to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with the UN and advocate for simplified climate finance mechanisms tailored to the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It should also enhance regional cooperation with other mountain nations to create a unified voice on the international stage.
Moreover, greater investments in climate education, technology transfer, and local capacity-building will be crucial in ensuring long-term sustainability. Engaging the private sector and civil society in climate action can further enhance Nepal’s ability to implement effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Conclusion
Nepal’s role in global climate diplomacy at the United Nations has been instrumental in highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of mountainous nations. Through persistent advocacy at UN climate summits, Nepal has championed the cause of climate resilience, securing international support for high-altitude ecosystems and communities. With continued collaboration with UN-backed initiatives and a focus on sustainable development, Nepal can further strengthen its position as a leader in mountain climate diplomacy, ensuring a resilient future for both its people and the planet.
(Ms Regmi writes on issues related to international affairs and multilateralism.)
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