The ‘International Dialogue of Experts on Himalaya, Human and Climate Change’ has commenced in Kathmandu, highlighting the impact of climate change on the Himalayas to the global community.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ inaugurated the two-day event on Wednesday at Chandragiri Hill, Kathmandu.
The dialogue seeks to enhance the mountain partnership framework by fostering a common understanding and coordinated action on climate change at both national and international levels.
This event is organized by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) during its 60th session on June 5, 2024. Previously, Nepal hosted a side event titled “Call of the Mountain: Who Saves Us from the Climate Crisis?” at COP 28 in Dubai last November.
There, PM Prachanda committed to advocating for climate change issues and promoting the mountain agenda within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations. Nepal has consistently highlighted the importance of mountain conservation and climate change in international forums.
The dialogue features high-profile attendees, including the Chair of SBSTA from the UNFCCC, ministers from Bangladesh and Bhutan, the special ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic, representatives from the Mountain Partnership, high-level staff from development partners, and youth delegates.
Over 200 participants from more than 25 countries, with expertise in climate change and issues affecting both mountainous and small island developing states, are attending the event.
The dialogue will include 10 sessions under three main themes: Climate Science and Mountain Evidence, Mountain Solutions: Common Grounds and Common Understanding, and Mountain Prospective: Resources and Opportunities. Each session will feature a keynote speaker, presentations, and panel discussions, with over 50 global experts contributing.
The conclusions from the dialogue will be compiled into a summary by the chair and presented to Harry Vreuls, Chair of the SBSTA. The event is spearheaded by the Climate Change Management Division of Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment, with support from various partners working on climate change issues.
This dialogue underscores Nepal’s leadership in addressing climate change’s adverse impact on mountainous regions. By fostering collaboration among mountain countries and stakeholders, it aims to enhance climate resilience in mountain ecosystems.
