Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2026, emphasizing climate justice for Nepal following devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli region in August 2026. He presented the disaster as a global warning and called for increased grant-based climate finance and a new regional mechanism for the Himalayas.
The catastrophic floods, triggered by a massive rock and ice avalanche near Langtang Lirung and Tsangbu Ri peaks in Rasuwa on August 26, 2026, caused extensive damage across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The floodwaters surged hundreds of kilometers downstream through the Trishuli and Narayani river systems, reaching as far as Chitwan and Nawalparasi.
According to Naya Patrika, over 1,400 bodies had been recovered by October 7, 2026, with approximately 6,000 people still missing. A rapid damage and needs assessment (RDNA) by the government indicated that 13 hydropower projects, with a total capacity of around 760 megawatts, were impacted by September 15, 2026. The energy sector alone suffered an estimated Rs 151 billion in losses, contributing to an overall damage estimate of Rs 408 billion.
During his address, Prime Minister Shah highlighted that Nepal, despite contributing less than 0.1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, is disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change impacts due to its geographical and socio-economic vulnerabilities. He stressed that climate justice should not be confined to UN documents but must be implemented through practical actions, including enhanced grant-based climate finance rather than debt-inducing reconstruction efforts.
Prime Minister Shah also proposed the establishment of a Himalaya Climate Resilience Mechanism, led by Nepal, India, and China. This mechanism would aim to strengthen satellite data exchange, monitor glacial lakes, and improve joint early warning systems across the Himalayan region. Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amrit Bahadur Rai, indicated that Nepal is likely to receive approximately $20 million (Rs 3 billion) in financial assistance from the Loss and Damage Fund.
National Climate Action and Future Outlook
Nepal has long advocated for climate justice on international platforms, including the United Nations. The country signed the Paris Agreement in 2016 and formulated a climate policy in 2010, subsequently developing a framework for Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPA) in the same year. The National Planning Commission initiated tracking of climate-related budgets in 2012, identifying 81 budget headings.
Looking ahead, the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 31), scheduled from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Turkey, is expected to address critical issues such as post-2020 finance, the seventh review of financial mechanisms, and loss and damage. A parliamentary delegation, led by Speaker of Parliament D.P. Aryal, is also set to attend the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tanzania, where Nepal’s climate crisis and finance needs will be raised.
Domestically, the National Planning Commission has recommended that all levels of government allocate 20 percent of their budgets to climate-responsive initiatives. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment is currently soliciting feedback on the draft ‘National Climate Change Policy, 2083’, while the Ministry of Finance is doing the same for the draft ‘Climate Finance Mobilization Procedure, 2082’.
Uncertainties and Regional Impacts
While Nepal’s international stance is clear, detailed action plans for implementing strategies related to loss and damage, adaptation, resilient infrastructure, risk reduction, technology transfer, and early warning systems are still being developed. Official responses from India and China regarding Prime Minister Shah’s proposed Himalaya Climate Resilience Mechanism, along with a detailed framework for its implementation, have not yet been made public.
The timing and modalities for Nepal to receive the anticipated $20 million from the Loss and Damage Fund are pending a decision from the Fund’s Board. The final versions and implementation timelines for the ‘National Climate Change Policy, 2083’ and the ‘Climate Finance Mobilization Procedure, 2082’ will become clear after incorporating public feedback.
In a related development, Madhesh Province was declared a disaster-stricken area for three months on July 22, 2025, due to severe drought and water scarcity, impacting drinking water and irrigation systems. The province’s Ministry of Forest and Environment is also drafting a ‘Madhesh Province Climate Change Strategic Action Plan’.
