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“Just days ago, I was on the melting ice of Antarctica. Not long before, I was among the melting glaciers of Nepal. These two spots are far in distance, but united in crisis. Polar ice and glaciers are vanishing before our eyes, causing havoc the world over: from landslides and floods, to rising seas...” This is what United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said to the world leaders during the opening of the Global climate change conference, COP28.

His acknowledgment of Nepal’s problems resulting from climate change is noteworthy.

During his visit to Nepal, he journeyed to the Sagarmatha Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and the birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha, Lumbini. This illustrates his profound affection for Nepal and its people.

Guterres also participated in a high-level roundtable discussion titled ‘Call of mountains: Who saves us from the climate crisis’, organized by Nepal and chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. During the session, he expressed his concern, stating, “It is profoundly alarming to witness the rapid melting of Nepal’s mountains. Hearing firsthand from local communities about the devastating impact on their lives is deeply distressing.”

Furthermore, he emphasized, “Nepal, alongside other vulnerable mountainous nations, bears the brunt of a crisis not of their making. Over just 30 years, the country has lost nearly a third of its ice, a direct consequence of greenhouse gas pollution warming our planet. This loss results in swollen lakes and rivers that flood, washing away entire communities.”

Guterres’ statements signify his sensitivity to the issues facing Nepal and other mountainous countries. He urged developed nations to extend support to countries like Nepal through climate funds and the pursuit of climate justice. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Nepal on the global stage.

There has long been a debate regarding the relevance of the UN due to its perceived failure to intervene effectively. However, on Dec 8, Secretary-General Guterres invoked Article 99—a rarely utilized clause in the UN Charter—to caution the Security Council about the escalating situation between Israel and Hamas, highlighting its potential threat to international peace and security.

In a letter addressed to the 15-nation council, Guterres cited the “appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory” as grounds for invoking Article 99. This marked the first time in his nearly seven-year tenure that he utilized this crisis-oriented provision. The last explicit invocation of Article 99 was in 1971, amid the war leading to the creation of Bangladesh and its separation from Pakistan.

Guterres’ action underscores the UN’s capacity to intervene in humanitarian crises, reaffirming the significance of its existence. It showcases a leadership dedicated to upholding human rights and humanity in crisis situations.

The developed nations, being major funders of the UN, often have their specific reservations and expectations from the UN and its leadership. In numerous instances, past UN leaderships have aligned with the directives of developed nations. However, Guterres has demonstrated a commendable balance and timely intervention, navigating between various interests and perspectives.

He has managed a delicate equilibrium, considering the concerns and expectations of developed nations while making independent and appropriate interventions when necessary. Guterres’ ability to uphold the UN’s integrity while taking decisive action when called for signifies a balanced and nuanced approach to leadership within the international organization. Hence, it has helped to make the UN stay relevant even in a fast-changing world.

The author, a member of the Supreme Court Bar, has been practicing corporate law for around three decades

Mahaludin Khatoon, 64, strolls alongside a lush green rice field on a bright and sunny day. A solar panel sits right in the middle of the field. Once there, she extends her hand behind the panel and presses a green switch to activate her pump. There is a distant gurgling sound for a moment and soon after water gushes past her hand and into the adjacent irrigation channel.

With a satisfied smile, Mahaludin remarks, “Every day, this solar-powered system brings life to these fields, ensuring a bountiful harvest for our community.”

Over the past decade, a quiet revolution is taking place in Nepal’s Tarai belt, as farmers are ditching diesel pumps in favor of grid-connected solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) to irrigate their lands. 

Solar-powered pumps are particularly valuable for irrigation because they can be used in remote or off-grid locations where other power sources may not be readily available. Diesel pumps, predominantly operated by the men in agricultural communities, limit women’s participation in critical agricultural activities.

Diesel pumps are often rented—a challenge for women since they typically lack their own income—and present other logistical challenges. The need for transport to and from the rental location is a hurdle in itself. These pumps are heavy and cumbersome to transport, which can be particularly daunting for women who may not have access to suitable means of carrying them. Furthermore, the process of manually starting the diesel pumps can be physically demanding and technically intricate.

Mahaludin says, “In the past, using diesel pumps was a challenge for me, and I was primarily confined to household duties. However, since we installed the grid-connected solar irrigation pump, I can now effortlessly manage the pumps even when my son or husband aren’t home. I no longer have to rely on anyone else or experience delays in irrigating the fields.”

Mahaludin skilfully irrigates her kitchen garden using a motor. Her ability to operate the SIP with ease has brought a sense of independence, eliminating the need to depend on male counterparts of her family for field irrigation. A female committee has been formed in Chipparmai Rural Municipality to oversee decision making related to the solar irrigation pumps. Mahaludin leads this female committee.

Although gender roles have been deeply entrenched for centuries in Chipparmai, having a grid-connected SIP has been a game-changer for women like Mahaludin Khatoon. Access to solar irrigation pumps lets women take charge of their farming operations—they can irrigate their fields, leading to increased crop yields and potentially higher income. By adopting solar technology, women farmers can also contribute to sustainable farming practices by reducing their environmental impact.

Behind the scenes, dedicated individuals like Bhulan Kumar Shah, a junior technical assistant, play a pivotal role in promoting SIPs and gender-responsive agriculture. Bhulan’s involvement with SIPs dates back to their inception, and he has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of this technology.

Bhulan explains that the allocation of SIPs is not arbitrary; rather, it’s a well-thought-out process. Last year, out of the 48 farmers who received SIPs, 10 were women who seized the opportunity. Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) offers a 60 percent subsidy, with the remaining 40 percent funded by the rural municipality. But notably, when land is registered in a woman’s name, Bhulan says the allocation receives priority treatment, expediting the process. The SIPs also come with a two-year warranty, ensuring their reliability and longevity.

SIPs were first introduced in Nepal in 2012, which played a pivotal role in demonstrating the technical viability of SIPs for groundwater irrigation in the Tarai and lifting irrigation in Nepal’s mid-hill regions, then followed by a larger pilot program. These pilot initiatives emphasized the importance of government’s financial support to offset the substantial initial costs, thereby ensuring the economic feasibility of SIPs for Nepali farmers.

To promote SIP adoption, the government initiated its subsidy program in 2016, which has since resulted in a significant increase in female applicants, now comprising one-third of the program’s participants. With a primary objective of promoting renewable energy technologies (RETs) across the country, the AEPC was established in 1996 as a semi-autonomous national entity under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. It extends a subsidy of 60 percent, with the remaining 40 percent being contributed by the rural municipality.

Traditionally the land is generally owned by the men in families. When women work at the land, the income from the produce is taken by the male family member. An intriguing aspect emerged as we spoke to Mahaludin and her 29-year-old son Najir Miya. Even though the family’s ancestral land is registered under her husband’s name, any new land acquired is registered in the wife’s name—Mahaludin’s name, to be precise.

This deliberate shift in land ownership is not a mere coincidence; it’s a strategic move driven by practicality. The land revenue system bestows certain advantages upon women who own land, making the process quicker and more economical. The registration fees for land under a woman’s name stand at a modest three percent, a significant reduction from the 10 percent levied on land owned by men. It’s a gender-responsive approach that benefits both the family and the community.

These pumps are not merely instruments for irrigating fields; they are catalysts for change, bridging generations, empowering women, and revolutionizing agriculture. Grid-connected SIPs have revolutionized the way water is drawn for farming, making it not just more sustainable but also more environmentally friendly. This transformation couldn’t have come at a better time, as climate change-induced uncertainties loom large over the agrarian landscape.

In the gentle hum of a SIP, we hear the whisper of progress, the promise of a more equitable future. The story of Mahaludin Khatoon is emblematic of the larger narrative unfolding across rural landscapes. It’s a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation. The journey of grid-connected SIPs has just begun, but the path ahead is illuminated by the warm embrace of the sun, the ingenuity of farmers, and the determination to create a better tomorrow for all, one drop of water at a time.

The Global Climate Change Conference, COP28, started on Nov 29 and concluded on Dec 12. With 84,000 registered attendees, this year’s COP proved successful in terms of participation. Throughout COP28, Nepal, chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), underscored the pressing need for dialogue concerning mountain and climate change issues. 

The Nepali Pavilion took an active role by hosting a minimum of five sideline events daily. The conference had an estimated 250 Nepali delegates, half of whom were youths, actively engaging in the conference. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx interviewed three such youths to gather insights into their COP28 experiences.

Pratima Khadgi

As a representative of UNDP Nepal, I played diverse roles during the initial phase of COP28. My active involvement in event management bolstered UNDP’s presence and ensured smooth operations. I fervently advocated for youth engagement in climate action at the international pavilion, enhancing Nepal’s global visibility.

Participating in various sessions provided me with an understanding of climate change from different perspectives. Discussions on climate financing complexities underscored its pivotal role in fostering sustainable initiatives. This experience significantly improved my understanding and reinforced my determination to tackle climate challenges.

I engaged wholeheartedly in COP28 discussions, leaving the event enriched with valuable insights and a renewed dedication to champion environmental causes.

Shreya KC

This being my fourth COP, I’m familiar with the decision-making processes and the roles of civil society, youth, and most affected countries. Yet, sitting in the closing plenary, I can’t ignore the doubts about the legitimacy of processes that allow a few countries to overpower many voices, consistently sidelining the most vulnerable. This space repeatedly excludes them.

While I’m inspired by fellow passionate youth, this experience has taken a toll on my mental health and physical well-being. Leading youth engagement in the global stocktake process kept me occupied amid late-night discussions. I was stressed but hopeful for meaningful outcomes.

The final global stocktake result falls short, acknowledging urgency without a clear roadmap. Notably, fossil fuel lobbyists increased significantly, but I found inspiration in Small Island Developing States (SIDs) pushing for more ambitious outcomes.

Prakriti Koirala

This marks my third COP attendance, where I’ve consistently participated as a negotiator under the ‘Party’ badge. In previous COPs, my primary focus was on engaging in loss and damage (L&D) negotiations. But, this time, at the request of the LDCs chair, I took on the responsibility of organizing events in the LDC pavilion. While my previous experiences largely centered on the negotiation process, this new engagement in event organization provided me with a unique and enriching learning experience. 

I had the opportunity to participate as a speaker and panelist in various events as well.

Although there’s room for improvement, I’m pleased with the progress made on our major agendas this year, particularly the establishment of the L&D fund and addressing mountainous agendas.

I’m also thrilled about the increased youth involvement. Their active participation in protests, negotiations, and other events is a promising indication that the younger generation is taking climate change seriously. Additionally, I’ve established valuable networks during this COP, fostering connections that could lead to fruitful collaborations in the future.

Nepal has intensified diplomatic efforts with Russia to address the key concerns surrounding Nepali youths joining the Russian army. Speaking with ApEx, Foreign Minister NP Saud said the number of Nepali youths in the Russian army could be higher than the government estimates. 

“The number of casualties and missing could also be higher,” said Saud. Given the situation in Russia, the minister said that the government has taken a series of measures to stop Nepalis traveling to Russia as well as Ukraine through various transit countries. 

Russia has been enlisting Nepali men in its army and sending them to fight the war with Ukraine without the knowledge of Nepal. The presence of Nepalis in the Russian army was made known by the enlistees through their social media posts.

The government view is that the Kremlin should have stopped Nepalis from joining the Russian Army in the first place. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said recently that approximately 200 Nepalis were serving in the Russian army, but other independent observers who have returned from the country say the number could be much higher. Till date, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of six Nepalis. 

Nepal Police recently busted a gang involved in the smuggling of people to Russia, leading to the suspicion that many Nepali youths are currently serving in the Russian army. Minister Saud said the Nepal government will ask Russia to ascertain the number of Nepalis in its army, as well as the number of dead, injured and prisoners of war.

“We are in the process of taking up these issues with the concerned authorities,” he told ApEx.

In recent weeks, there have been increasing reports about the death and hostage taking of Nepalis serving in the Russian army. Videos of some Nepali hostages asking for help have also been released.  

As Nepal and Russia enjoy a cordial relationship and both countries have their residential embassies in each other’s capital, Nepal may not need support of a third country to repatriate its citizens.

 Even in the war-time, Nepali politicians have been visiting Russia. Prime Minister Dahal recently expressed his wish to visit Moscow and to host Russian President Vladamir Putin in Kathmandu.

In April, Chairman of National Assembly Ganesh Prasad Timalsina had also visited Russia. Soon after his visit, Russia handed over a paper to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identifying the areas that Russia wants to engage with Nepal. There have been other high-level exchanges between the two countries as well.  According to some observers, as the two countries have been in constant communication and hosting each other’s delegations, nothing should stop them from talking about the Nepalis joining the Russian army.

Besides issuing a press statement on December 4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not said anything about the death, injury or captivity of Nepali youths in the Russia-Ukraine war.On December 7, the National Human Rights Commission urged the government to rescue the Nepalis from Russia and Ukraine. But the response from the government agencies, including the Nepali Embassy in Moscow, has remained slow.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin too seems reluctant to address the issue. In response to BBC Nepali Service’s question, Putin’s office recently said that it was unaware about the recruitment of Nepalis in the Russian army.  “Foreign nationals cannot serve in the Russian army,” BBC quoted a senior Russian official as saying. With Russia clearly unwilling to engage, observers say the government should not hesitate to dispatch a high-level team to Moscow to investigate and resolve the matter.