Kathmandu, Sept 17: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said time has come for Nepal to think seriously on strengthening institutions and augmenting diplomatic role to cope with climate-induced disasters.
The present disaster has prodded us to rethink the way we are dealing with climate disasters, he said during a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee under the House of Representatives today. “Reduction of climate change impact is government’s top priority,” he said, terming the Bhotekoshi floods as the Himalayan tsunami.
The flood disaster has raised questions over Nepal’s journey to prosperity and expansion of development infrastructures. The river corridors, development of human settlements and hydropower projects are at the receiving end of climate change. So, it is urgent for us to think beyond traditional approach, the Minister explained.
He further clarified, “The development gains of last 25 years have been dented, thereby making us reconsider the narrative of prosperity. It warrants a ‘whole of government’ approach rather than efforts by a single ministry or treatment of the disaster as a standalone event to deal with the adversity.”
Scientific fact, data and evidence-based advocacy are imperative to establish Nepal’s agenda and reinforce its agenda in the international forums, according to him. Creating a broader agenda rather than forging immediate agreements could be prioritized in the global conferences like UN General Assembly. Once global campaign is built for Nepal, it helps create atmosphere in Nepal’s favour, the Minister underlined.
Minister Khanal, however, admitted that Foreign Ministry was not directly and institutionally linked to Nepal’s presence in climate events like COP. “Though we talk of climate diplomacy, the role of Foreign Ministry in State apparatus in terms of climate change is not well-established. So, formulation of institutional design and long-term policy are in the offing,” he shared.
The Minister also informed the meeting on government’s plan to write officially to the friendly countries and international community for recovery after completing the post disaster need assessment. The UNGA would be the opportunity to hold bilateral and multilateral meetings to talk on pressing issues like climate change.
The lawmakers’ views and suggestions on the present climate disaster would be put forth before Prime Minister Balendra Shah, as the government had given top priority to this issue.
