Kathmandu, Sept 24: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has described the Bhotekoshi disaster as a ‘stark warning from the Himalayas to the entire world’. “A warming planet can reverse decades of development gains in a matter of hours. Despite our negligible contribution to global emissions, we continue to bear the disproportionate and harsh impacts of climate change,” he said while addressing the G7 Development Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
Drawing the global community’s attention to the recent Bhotekoshi disaster and the unimaginable loss it has caused, Minister Khanal outlined five key priorities for Nepal’s effective recovery and reconstruction, including long-term partnerships, accessible climate finance, disaster preparedness investment, agile multilateral financing and prioritizing the Himalayas, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Calling for coordinated international efforts backed by grants and concessional financing for sustainable rebuilding, he said that quick, simple, and direct access to financial resources, including the Loss and Damage Fund, for climate-vulnerable developing nations should be ensured for Nepal.
Scaling up support for early warning systems, climate information services, and community-based preparedness programs is another priority while rapid and affordable financial mobilization through Multilateral Development Banks should be ensured to serve as a lifeline against recurring climate shocks.
The conservation of glaciers, water systems, and the Himalayan ecosystem should be placed at the very center of the global climate agenda, he said.
The Foreign Minister also extended deepest gratitude to the G7 members and all friendly nations for their strong solidarity and support to Nepal during this difficult time. “We must now translate international solidarity into concrete action, and shared responsibility into true climate justice.”
Bilateral meeting with German Minister for Economic Cooperation
Also on Wednesday, Minister Khanal held a highly productive bilateral meeting with Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, Reem Alabali Radovan.
During the meeting held at the UN Headquarters, Minister Khanal shared vital updates on Nepal’s ongoing recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts, while stressing the urgent need for increased global investment in climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and capacity-building.
Nepal deeply values Germany’s longstanding support for her development and appreciates the Government and people of Germany for their heartfelt sympathy and solidarity during this difficult time.
On the occasion, Minister Radovan emphasized that the recent disaster in Nepal represents a shared global challenge, accompanied by a strong commitment to extending financial and humanitarian assistance to our communities.
Both sides also reaffirmed dedication to advancing climate action as a joint global responsibility and pledged to further deepen the cordial cooperation between our two nations across all areas of mutual interest, adds the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
