GNN, NEW YORK — Nepal has called for stronger cooperation between mountainous nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address the growing impacts of climate change and advance climate justice.

Addressing the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Leaders’ Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), Nepal highlighted the shared vulnerability of countries that are geographically distant but increasingly exposed to the consequences of a warming planet.

Nepal noted that while the country is dominated by the Himalayas and Barbados is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, communities in both regions are facing increasingly severe climate-related hazards. From glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalayas to powerful hurricanes in the Caribbean, vulnerable communities are bearing disproportionate losses despite having contributed relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.

During the meeting, Nepal outlined five key priorities aimed at strengthening the international development system and ensuring greater climate justice. These include promoting climate-resilient development, reforming the international financial system, expanding early warning systems, accelerating green and digital transformation, and securing effective financing for loss and damage.

Nepal stressed the need to ensure that infrastructure investments are resilient to climate risks and welcomed the proposed rapid-response ‘Lifeline Fund’. It also called for reforms to development finance so that climate-related disasters do not push vulnerable countries into deeper debt, while expressing support for the Bridgetown Initiative.

The Nepali delegation further emphasised the importance of investing in science-based forecasting, early warning systems and real-time data sharing from glaciers to the oceans. Nepal also reaffirmed its readiness to contribute to the global transition towards clean energy through its hydropower potential.

On loss and damage, Nepal called for new and grant-based resources for the Loss and Damage Fund, arguing that repackaged commercial loans alone cannot adequately address the scale of suffering and destruction caused by climate-related disasters.

Nepal also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley as Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum. It reaffirmed its commitment to working with all CVF members to strengthen the collective voice of climate-vulnerable countries and promote a safer, more sustainable future for present and future generations.