October 4, Kathmandu.
With the aim of further institutionalizing and making effective diplomatic efforts related to climate and environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established an Environment Diplomacy Branch for the first time.
Considering the increasing climate change and its ongoing impacts, the Ministry has decided to establish this branch in accordance with current needs.
Based on the Organization and Management Survey (O&M) conducted by the Ministry, the branch has been arranged to operate under the structure of the ‘Economic, Social Development and Environment Diplomacy Branch’ within the United Nations and Specialized Agencies Division. The branch will be led by an Under Secretary.
Nepal has been consistently participating actively in national, regional, and international forums on climate change and environmental protection. To further coordinate and institutionalize these efforts, the Environment Diplomacy Branch has been established in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The new branch established in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will facilitate international diplomatic initiatives related to climate and environment, as well as coordinate with relevant national bodies.
Advertisement
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated that climate diplomacy should not be limited to participation in international conferences and programs, but should be advanced as a long-term and institutional priority.
‘Nepal has been continuously working on climate diplomacy in various international forums. Now it is necessary to further institutionalize it,’ he said, ‘Climate diplomacy cannot be advanced merely by focusing on participation in UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs) or other programs from one COP to another.’
He stated that it must be advanced institutionally. He mentioned that the Environment Diplomacy Branch has been established in the Ministry for now, keeping the long-term interests of the country at the center.
Minister Khanal stated that work would be carried out through the branch for now, and its institutional structure could be further strengthened in the future based on needs and workload. He emphasized that the priorities and initiatives of climate diplomacy should be regularly advanced, not just concerning the impacts of climate change and disaster events.
For More: Environment Diplomacy Branch Nepal
