Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is representing Nepal at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Antalya, Türkiye, focusing on climate justice and mountain sustainability.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal departed for Antalya, Türkiye, on November 7, 2026, to head Nepal’s delegation to the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held from November 9 to 20. At the conference, Khanal is set to deliver the opening plenary speech on November 9 and participate in the Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 11-12.
A significant highlight of Nepal’s involvement is its participation in a high-level event advocating for the mountain agenda—emphasizing the challenges facing glaciers, the cryosphere, resilience strategies, shared responsibilities, and sustainable financing mechanisms. This event is co-hosted by Nepal alongside Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, and Pakistan, reflecting a regional collaboration to address mountain ecosystem vulnerabilities amid climate change.
The Nepali delegation also includes Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary, National Planning Commission member Sanjaya Acharya, Agriculture, Forest and Environment Ministry Secretary Rajendra Prasad Mishra, and other senior officials. Minister Khanal plans to engage in additional side events and bilateral meetings with foreign dignitaries during the conference. The delegation aims to highlight Nepal’s climate priorities with particular focus on sustainable development and adaptation in mountain regions.
Minister Khanal is scheduled to return to Nepal on November 14. This active participation underscores Nepal’s commitment to international climate action and mountain environmental sustainability.
Sources referenced:
- https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/foreign-minister-khanal-leaves-for-cop31-in-turkiye
