Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, departed for Antalya, Türkiye, on November 7, 2026, leading a high-level Nepali delegation to the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). According to a press release issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 6, 2026, the international climate conference is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 20, 2026. Minister Khanal was scheduled to address the COP31 Opening Plenary on November 9 and participate in the Leaders’ Summit on November 11–12, representing Nepal in high-level discussions on international climate action. Nepal’s participation reflects its commitment to advancing climate diplomacy and drawing international attention to the challenges facing mountainous and climate-vulnerable countries.
A major priority of Nepal’s engagement at COP31 is the promotion of the global mountain agenda, particularly glacier protection, cryosphere conservation, climate resilience and sustainable financing. Minister Khanal was scheduled to participate in a high-level event titled “Advancing the Mountain Agenda: Glaciers, Cryosphere and Resilience under Overshoot, Shared Responsibility and Sustainable Financing.” The event is jointly hosted by Nepal, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan and Pakistan, bringing together mountain countries to highlight shared environmental challenges and strengthen international cooperation. The discussions are expected to focus on the implications of climate change for mountainous regions, the importance of protecting glaciers and cryospheric ecosystems, and the need for sustainable financial resources to support adaptation and resilience.
In addition to his participation in the main conference sessions, Foreign Minister Khanal was scheduled to attend several high-level events and side meetings, including bilateral discussions with foreign ministers, international representatives and other dignitaries. The Nepali delegation also includes Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary, National Planning Commission Member Prof. Dr. Sanjaya Acharya, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, and other senior government officials. Their participation brings together diplomatic, environmental and national planning representatives to support Nepal’s engagement in international climate discussions. The delegation’s involvement in mountain-focused events offers an opportunity to promote cooperation on climate adaptation, ecosystem protection and sustainable development.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Minister Khanal is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on November 14, 2026, while COP31 continues until November 20. Nepal’s participation highlights its intention to strengthen international partnerships and advocate for greater recognition of mountain ecosystems in global climate discussions. The jointly hosted mountain agenda event is particularly significant for promoting shared responsibility, resilience-building and sustainable climate financing among countries facing similar environmental pressures. The November 6 press release outlines the delegation’s planned engagements but does not announce newly secured climate funding, signed agreements or negotiated outcomes from COP31. The visit represents an opportunity for Nepal to advance its diplomatic priorities and strengthen international support for mountain-focused climate action.
