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 the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
Drawing the global community’s attention to the recent Bhotekoshi disaster and the immense loss it has caused, Khanal outlined five key priorities for Nepal’s effective recovery and reconstruction: long-term partnerships, accessible climate finance, investment in disaster preparedness, 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 Nepal needs quick, simple and direct access to financial resources, including the Loss and Damage Fund, for climate-vulnerable developing countries.
Beyond Bhotekoshi: A Wider Warning
He said scaling up support for early warning systems, climate information services and community-based preparedness programs was another priority. He also called for rapid and affordable financial mobilization through multilateral development banks to serve as a lifeline against recurring climate shocks.
The conservation of glaciers, water systems and the Himalayan ecosystem should be placed at the center of the global climate agenda, he said.
Khanal also expressed his deepest gratitude to G7 members and all friendly nations for their 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,” he said.
Bilateral meeting with German minister for economic cooperation
Also on Wednesday, Khanal held a bilateral meeting with German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali Radovan.
During the meeting at the UN Headquarters, Khanal shared 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 its development and appreciates the German government and people for their sympathy and solidarity during this difficult time.
On the occasion, Radovan said the recent disaster in Nepal represented a shared global challenge and expressed Germany’s commitment to extending financial and humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing climate action as a shared global responsibility and pledged to further deepen cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
