Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, called for urgent global action to protect vulnerable mountain ecosystems and communities during the fourth day of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 12, 2026. Addressing the high-level event “Advancing the Mountain Agenda: Glaciers, Cryosphere and Resilience under Overshoot, Shared Responsibility and Sustainable Financing,” jointly hosted by Nepal, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, Khanal recalled the devastating consequences of Nepal’s August 26 “Himalayan Tsunami” and urged participating countries to bring mountain resilience to the centre of international climate negotiations. Declaring that “When mountains are in crisis, humanity is in crisis,” he warned that glaciers and mountain ecosystems developed over thousands of years are disappearing within a single human lifetime. He called for deep greenhouse gas emission reductions aligned with the 1.5°C global warming goal, predictable and accessible grant-based climate finance rather than debt, and effective loss-and-damage financing arrangements that deliver swift and equitable support to frontline mountain communities. The minister also emphasized stronger high-altitude glacier monitoring, satellite observation networks, regional data sharing and multi-hazard early warning systems, alongside political recognition of mountain-specific climate risks under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He further advocated expanding Nepal’s “Sagarmatha to the Sea” partnership and supporting the proposed UN Decade for Mountain Resilience.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Foreign Minister Khanal held a bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, discussing Nepal’s climate-related disasters, reconstruction requirements and broader global challenges. Khanal expressed appreciation for the Secretary-General’s sympathy and solidarity following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods, while commending his leadership in strengthening multilateralism, global peace, human dignity and sustainable development. During the meeting, Guterres acknowledged Nepal’s contribution to international peace and stability as a major troop- and police-contributing country to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Both dignitaries exchanged views on Nepal’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, reforms in global governance, stronger multi-hazard early warning systems and the need to scale up international climate financing. Earlier, Khanal also participated in a meeting between the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) ministerial delegation and the UN Secretary-General, where he highlighted the growing climate threats facing the Himalayas and emphasized the importance of keeping the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach while minimizing any overshoot. He called for increased support through loss-and-damage mechanisms and reiterated Nepal’s demand for a dedicated mountain climate work programme under the UNFCCC process.

Beyond the climate negotiations, Foreign Minister Khanal met representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), National Coordination Council Türkiye, including its President Binod Paudel, to discuss the challenges facing Nepali citizens living and working abroad. During the interaction in Antalya, Khanal received a memorandum from the NRNA leadership outlining concerns affecting the Nepali diaspora. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing pressing consular and employment-related issues by promoting more accessible, customer-friendly and digitally enabled consular services, improving the timely handling of grievances and strengthening mechanisms to safeguard migrant workers’ rights. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring safe, productive and dignified employment opportunities, especially for women migrant workers who may face additional vulnerabilities abroad. The minister also thanked Nepal’s diplomatic missions in Islamabad and Cairo, along with the NRNA Türkiye team, for their coordination and assistance during the Nepali delegation’s participation in COP31.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ November 12 press release, Foreign Minister Khanal was scheduled to address the high-level event “Access to Climate Finance Needs for SIDS and LDCs” and participate in a press interaction on November 13, 2026, before departing Antalya that evening. He was expected to return to Kathmandu via Istanbul on the morning of November 14. Following his departure, Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary was designated to lead the remaining Nepali delegation in COP31 meetings and negotiations, continuing Nepal’s engagement on climate adaptation, mountain protection and international climate financing. The fourth day’s activities highlighted Nepal’s simultaneous priorities of advancing climate justice, strengthening UN cooperation, supporting disaster recovery and protecting Nepali citizens overseas. The press release outlines policy demands, diplomatic discussions and scheduled engagements but does not confirm new climate finance commitments, the adoption of the proposed mountain work programme or any newly signed agreements with the United Nations.