President Ramchandra Paudel Addresses COP29 in Baku, Urges Action on Climate Loss in Mountain Regions

President Ramchandra Paudel of Nepal addressed the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) today in Baku, Azerbaijan. This high-profile event, held from November 11 to 22, has gathered around 50,000 attendees, including heads of state, ministers, delegates, and climate advocates from across the world.

Leading Nepal’s delegation, President Paudel spoke at the “World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit,” emphasizing the urgency for global cooperation to address climate change impacts. He highlighted Nepal’s unique climate challenges, particularly the threats facing mountain regions, and called on developed nations to play a critical role in curbing carbon emissions and contributing to climate finance.

On Wednesday, President Paudel will chair a dedicated high-level session titled “Addressing Loss and Damage Caused by Climate Change in Mountain Areas.” This session aims to draw global attention to the acute environmental impacts experienced in high-altitude regions, which are particularly vulnerable to climate extremes, melting glaciers, and associated socio-economic damages.

Nepal’s participation at COP29 reflects its commitment to proactive climate action, as the delegation shares insights on the country’s adaptation practices, challenges, and ambitious goals. Nepal is also pressing for greater international support, emphasizing the need for a robust response to climate impacts and furthering the conversation on climate finance.

The presence of high-ranking officials, including Presidents or Vice Presidents from 40 nations and Prime Ministers from 35 countries, marks the importance of COP29 in the global climate agenda. A key focus of this year’s conference is on setting a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, intended to enhance support for developing countries in their mitigation and adaptation efforts.

President Paudel arrived in Baku on Monday at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. His address and subsequent discussions at COP29 underscore Nepal’s role as a voice for vulnerable countries seeking meaningful commitments from the global community to address climate change’s most pressing issues.