GNN, NEW YORK: Nepal has called on the international community to translate solidarity into concrete action and strengthen support for climate-vulnerable countries facing increasingly severe climate-related disasters.

Addressing the G7 Development Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, who is leading Nepal’s representation at the UN General Assembly, drew global attention to the recent Bhotekoshi disaster and the devastating human and economic losses it has caused.

Minister Khanal described the Bhotekoshi disaster as more than a national tragedy, calling it a stark warning from the Himalayas to the world. He said a warming planet can reverse decades of development gains within hours, while countries such as Nepal, despite making a negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, continue to face disproportionate impacts of climate change.

During the meeting, Khanal outlined five key priorities for Nepal’s effective recovery and long-term reconstruction. He called for coordinated international efforts supported by grants and concessional financing to ensure sustainable rebuilding and resilient infrastructure.

He also stressed the need for quick, simple and direct access to climate finance, including resources from the Loss and Damage Fund, for climate-vulnerable developing countries. Likewise, he urged greater investment in disaster preparedness, including early warning systems, climate information services and community-based preparedness programmes.

Khanal further called for agile multilateral financing through Multilateral Development Banks to enable rapid and affordable financial mobilisation in response to recurring climate shocks. He also emphasised that the Himalayas must be placed at the centre of the global climate agenda, with greater priority given to the conservation of glaciers, water systems and the wider Himalayan ecosystem.

Expressing gratitude to the G7 members and other friendly nations for their solidarity and support following the disaster, Khanal said the international community must now turn solidarity into concrete action and shared responsibility into genuine climate justice.

Nepal’s intervention at the G7 meeting comes as the country continues to assess the extensive impacts of the Bhotekoshi disaster and seek stronger international cooperation for recovery, reconstruction and long-term climate resilience.