Kathmandu. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arju Rana Deuba has stressed the need for cooperation of all along with the government to meet the challenges of climate change. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan Parliamentarians’ Conference that began here today, she said the government’s initiatives were not enough to meet the challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss and the need for pure air, but active leadership, voice and resolve of the parliamentarians were necessary.

Minister Rana stressed the need for the countries in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region to move towards a solution with a common commitment as the climate crisis has become a daily reality and not a distant forecast. “We, the people’s representatives, are not only policy makers but also guardians of people’s hopes and future,” he said. ’

According to the World Meteorological Organization report, global warming has increased 1. Stating that she had presented the fact that it was close to 5 degrees Celsius, she pointed out that the target under the Paris Agreement was in serious jeopardy. Dr Rana reminded that the opinion issued by the International Court of Justice defines climate change as the legal, moral and political obligation of nations.

Citing the example of major floods in India, Pakistan and Nepal that have caused huge loss of life and property, he said the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region has become the most sensitive. “Nepal is one of the most climate sensitive countries in the world. Although our carbon emissions are negligible, we are victims of long-term climate injustice,” said Dr Rana.

According to him, Nepal has set a target of becoming a ‘net-zero economy’ by 2045, presented an ambitious national contribution and presented a 25-point action plan to the world through the Sagarmatha Dialogue. International cooperation, climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building are essential to achieve these goals, he said.

A conference of Hindu Kush-Himalayan parliamentarians began in Kathmandu today. Parliamentarians from various countries of the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region, high-ranking representatives of the government, climate sector experts and others are participating in the conference.