Dubai COP28: PM Dahal to Head Round-Table, UN Chief Confirms Attendance, Indian PM Invited

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, is set to chair a special round-table meeting at the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai. The meeting will bring together heads of states and governments from mountainous countries, focusing on addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Deputy Secretary General Ms Rabab Fatima, responsible for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), have confirmed their participation in the conference. Prime Minister Prachanda has also extended invitations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top leaders of the Chinese delegation, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in tackling climate-related crises.

While Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden are unlikely to attend COP28, Deputy Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang and Environment Affairs Interlocutor Xie Zhenhua will represent China. In a bid to enhance solidarity among Himalayan nations, Prachanda plans to organize a separate ‘sideline’ meeting during the conference.

Positive responses have been received from leaders, including the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, indicating their participation in the round-table meeting. The agenda will primarily focus on discussing the impacts of climate change and fostering solidarity among mountainous countries.

The round-table meeting, scheduled for Saturday morning in room number 12 of the conference hall, will commence at 9 am and conclude at 1:30 pm. Prime Minister Prachanda is expected to address the conference, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action in the face of climate change challenges. The initiative reflects Nepal’s commitment to spearheading regional efforts for a sustainable and resilient future.