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Nepal concluded its participation at the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with a very small team of around 20 negotiating officials. 

From securing global recognition for mountain ecosystems to amplifying the voice of vulnerable nations, Nepal’s delegation—though small—played a strategic and coordinated role throughout the two-week summit in Belém, Brazil.

According to Maheshwar Dhakal, joint-secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment and Nepal’s national focal point for the UNFCCC, the country’s presence at COP30 was marked by “strong leadership, intensive engagement, and historic outcomes” for its long-pursued mountain agenda.

COP30 opened with a series of preparatory sessions starting Nov 4—LDC Group meetings on Nov 4–5, Leaders’ Summit on Nov 6–7, and G77 and China consultations on Nov 8–9. The main negotiations ran from Nov 10–21, with discussions extending unofficially until Nov 22.

Nepal’s delegation, led by Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Madan Prasad Pariyar participated in a number of engagements. Supported by senior officials including MOFE Secretary Rajendra Prasad Mishra, OPMCM Secretary Govinda Karki, MoALD Secretary Deepak Kharal, and Nepal’s Ambassador to Brazil Nirmal Kafley, the team included representatives from government, civil society, academia, and the media.

The highlight of Nepal’s COP30 engagement was the successful global recognition of the mountain agenda, an advocacy effort pursued jointly with Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan.

Nepal held two rounds of consultations with the COP30 Presidency, resulting in three major achievements. First on agreement to hold an Annual Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change, beginning at SB64 in June 2026. The second one on inclusion of mountain ecosystems in the Global Mutirão (Mutirão) decision text, the main outcome document of COP30.

And the third on recognition of the mountain agenda in the preamble of the COP30 cover decision, as well as in the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) text.

Dhakal noted that this was “the strongest visibility that mountain issues have ever received at the UNFCCC,” indicating that years of persistent diplomacy had finally begun to pay off.

Nepal backed three key declarations proposed by the COP30 Presidency. Tropical Forest Facility Forever, Integrated Fire Management Declaration, Sustainable Fossil Fuel Management Declaration are on the list. Officials said these positions align with Nepal’s commitments to forest conservation and climate-resilient development.

Minister Pariyar delivered Nepal’s national statement at the high-level plenary, emphasizing the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities in the Himalayas. He also participated in 11 high-level events, including Nepal’s flagship program, “Sagarmatha to Belém”.

MOFE Secretary Mishra spoke at the Leader Summit and presented a joint statement on behalf of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan at the opening plenary, highlighting the shared vulnerabilities of Himalayan and South Asian nations.

OPMCM Secretary Govinda Karki addressed climate finance during a ministerial dialogue, calling for stronger global support to implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

Nepal’s non-governmental actors and media delegates also remained active throughout, engaging in pavilion events and side discussions with development partners.

In its closing remarks, Nepal underscored the existential threat posed by global warming to Himalayan ecosystems: “For Nepal, keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C is not just a number in an agreement—it is a matter of survival.”

Nepal welcomed the Mutirão decision, commitments to adaptation and loss and damage funding, and the new annual mountain dialogue. It also expressed gratitude to Brazil for its hospitality and congratulated Turkey and Australia for being selected to co-host COP31, and Ethiopia, the first LDC to host COP32.

Nepal expressed appreciation for the COP30 Presidency’s leadership in negotiating the mountain text. “As climate impacts intensify, the urgency to respond to the unique challenges faced by mountain regions is greater than ever,” Nepal said, while expressing hope that a formal agenda item on mountains could be secured in the future.

Despite limited numbers, Nepal maintained high internal coordination through regular meetings and media briefings. Dhakal said the quality of Nepal’s interventions, the unity among delegates, and strong collaboration with other mountainous nations were widely appreciated.

He added that Nepal’s mountain agenda is now “close to the establishment phase,” with further efforts needed in the lead-up to COP31 and SB64.

As COP30 concluded, Nepal’s delegation returned home preparing for a formal debrief. With COP31 set to be hosted jointly by Turkey and Australia, and COP32 by Ethiopia, Nepal aims to continue building momentum toward securing formal recognition and sustained support for mountain regions, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable ecosystems.

In Dec 2023, COP28 held in Dubai passed an ambitious plan to dramatically cut the use of petrol, gas, and coal by 2050, expand the use of renewable energy, and bring fossil-fuel emissions down to net zero. A total of 198 countries signed the agreement.

However, shortly after signing, countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, and India backtracked on their commitments, arguing that the continued use of fossil fuels was necessary to meet global energy needs.

The United States, which had played a crucial role in securing signatures during COP28, has shown little interest in the issue after Donald Trump returned to the presidency. Trump has labeled climate change “the biggest hoax in the world.”

This time, he did not send any official federal delegation to Belém. At Belém, more than 80 countries from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa expressed the need for a clear roadmap to implement the COP28 commitments. But under the leadership of Saudi Arabia, countries like China, India, and Russia blocked progress on the agenda. As a result, the final agreement made no mention of fossil fuels at all.

International media also reported COP30 as a flop. “This year’s UN climate conference in Brazil had many unique aspects that could have been part of an historic outcome,” AP wrote adding, “The final decision announced Saturday, which included some tangible things like an increase in money to help developing nations adapt to climate change, was overall watered-down compared to many conferences in the past decade and fell far short of many delegates’ expectations. It didn’t mention the words ‘fossil fuels’, much less include a timeline to reduce their use.” 

Instead of being remembered as historic, the conference will likely further erode confidence in a process that many environmentalists and even some world leaders have argued isn’t up to the challenge of confronting global temperature rise, which is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events like floods, storms and heat waves, it said.

Reuters said that Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had launched the summit calling for countries to agree on a ‘roadmap’ for advancing a COP28 pledge to shift away from fossil fuels.

“But it was a road to nowhere at this summit, as oil-rich Arab nations and others dependent on fossil fuels blocked any mention of the issue. Instead, the COP30 presidency created a voluntary plan that countries could sign on to—or not,” it wrote. “The result was similar to Egypt's COP27 and Azerbaijan’s COP29, where countries agreed to spend more money to address climate dangers while ignoring their primary cause.”

China is recalibrating its Nepal policy in the aftermath of the GenZ protests that caught Beijing off guard. The demonstrations and widespread arson—unprecedented in scale—forced several countries, including China, to urgently evacuate their officials and citizens from Nepal.

Since the protests, Nepal-China relations have noticeably slowed. While other major countries such as India, the US, Japan, and members of the European Union have already resumed full engagement with the new government at multiple levels, interaction between Nepal and China has remained limited.

In the early days of the unrest, Beijing was particularly concerned about its security interests in Nepal. The fall of the KP Sharma Oli-led government was a troubling development for China. Until the Sept 8–9 protests, bilateral ties were progressing steadily. Just beforehand, China had invited Oli to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, where Nepal is a dialogue partner. Oli met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines, took part in China’s Victory Day parade, and earlier had signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework agreement during an official visit, an outcome that had energized Beijing’s engagement with Kathmandu. China was also preparing a five-year cooperation plan with Nepal and expanding support in agriculture, health, and other sectors. Its engagement with Nepali political parties, including the Nepali Congress, was also deepening.

The GenZ movement, however, appears to have triggered new anxieties in Beijing. Media reports alleging the involvement of Tibetan Original Blood (TOB) raised concerns about external influence. Some left-leaning political leaders further fueled this by suggesting geopolitical motives behind the protests. Additional reports that the government was considering appointing youth leaders allegedly close to the Dalai Lama heightened Beijing’s unease.

Compounding these tensions, the Sushila Karki-led transitional government decided to recall Nepal’s Ambassador to China, Krishna Prasad Oli, who is close to the dismissed prime minister Oli. It did not, however, recall the Ambassador to India, Shankar Sharma. China’s displeasure was evident: notably, the Chinese premier did not send a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Karki, an unprecedented break from diplomatic tradition.

Amid this uncertainty, China moved quickly to protect what it views as its security interests. Ambassador Chen Song raised concerns with top Nepali officials, including Prime Minister Karki and senior officials at the Foreign Ministry. They assured Beijing that the new government remains fully committed to the One-China policy, as previous governments had been.

Chinese officials were encouraged by support from Nepali political leaders, the public, and sections of the media who echoed China’s concerns. In a recent meeting with journalists, Ambassador Chen Song said: “The current government’s commitment to the One-China principle is not less than that of the previous government.”

With these assurances, Beijing’s immediate worries appear to have eased, though several Chinese delegations have since arrived in Nepal to assess the situation firsthand.

Regarding the GenZ movement and upcoming elections, Ambassador Chen has conveyed to Nepali leaders that China will not interfere in domestic political affairs and respects decisions made by the Nepali people. At the same time, Beijing has pledged support for Nepal’s reconstruction and electoral processes.

However, China does not appear optimistic about achieving tangible progress under the interim government, particularly on BRI-related initiatives. Although China continues to work on BRI projects from its side, meaningful progress remains unlikely. Many of the 10 selected projects are seen as unproductive, shaped largely by the political interests of major parties. Still, China’s growing engagement in Nepal’s health and education sectors is expected to continue.

The GenZ protests have also affected tourism cooperation. China had declared 2025 as Nepal Visit Year, but Chinese tourist numbers have sharply declined. Before the protests, the two countries were deepening collaboration on tourism promotion, but the political upheaval has significantly disrupted momentum, and officials expect a further drop in Chinese arrivals in the coming months.

For now, China’s approach appears to be maintaining a working relationship with the Karki administration, prioritising the protection of its core interests while keeping expectations low on broader bilateral progress.

The international community, particularly major powers such as India, China, the United States, and others, are closely watching the unfolding political developments in Nepal.

 Some countries have already welcomed the installation of the interim government tasked with holding elections, while others are yet to issue official statements. The sizeable presence of Kathmandu-based ambassadors at the swearing-in ceremony signaled support for the new government.

On Saturday (Sept 13,) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki on assuming office as the head of Nepal’s interim government. “India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nepal,” Modi said in a statement.

Earlier, soon after Karki was sworn in, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement welcoming the formation of the interim government: “We are hopeful that this will help foster peace and stability. As a close neighbor, a fellow democracy, and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.”

On Sept 9, amid street protests, India had urged all concerned parties to exercise restraint and resolve issues through peaceful dialogue. The Indian cabinet’s security committee also met to review the situation in Nepal, while bordering states tightened security along the India–Nepal frontier. During this period, India refrained from commenting directly on Nepal’s political crisis.

Speaking at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur, Modi remarked: “Nepal, in the lap of the Himalayas, is our close friend. We are connected through history and faith, and we are progressing together. On behalf of 1.4bn Indians, I congratulate Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister. I am confident she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal.”

He also noted: “One thing that has gone unnoticed in recent events is that over the past few days, Nepal’s youth have been seen cleaning the streets. I saw this on social media. This is a sign of Nepal’s resurgence. I extend my best wishes for Nepal’s brighter future.” These statements make clear that India is ready to support the new government in Nepal and continue normal bilateral relations, unlike its recent discontent with developments in Bangladesh.

China has congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government.

China’s Foreign Ministry says: “China and Nepal share a time-honored friendship. China, as always, respects the development path chosen independently by the people of Nepal. We stand ready to work with Nepal to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and further advance bilateral relation.”

On Sept 10, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to the developments: “China and Nepal are traditional friends and close neighbors. China hopes that various sectors in Nepal will address domestic issues properly and restore social order and stability soon.” Beijing maintains a policy of working with whichever government comes to power—democratic or authoritarian. With its growing influence and economic clout, China is confident it can safeguard its interests regardless of political shifts. However, the dissolution of the KP Sharma Oli-led government is considered a setback for China, as the two countries had been advancing several joint initiatives, including under the Belt and Road framework.

However, Dalai Lama’s congratulations to Prime Minister Karki may have surprised the Beijing.  “As you know, the Nepalese and Tibetan peoples have historically enjoyed a close relationship,” he wrote. “I am very grateful to the government and the people of Nepal for providing facilities for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees following their forced escape from Tibet after 1959.

The United States has said that it welcomes the restoration of calm and peaceful resolution following last week’s tragic events.

We commend President Ramchandra Paudel and youth leaders for their commitment to a democratic solution, even as we continue to mourn with Nepal over its losses, U.S Embassy in Kathmandu said in a press statement,

We recognize the Nepali Army and Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel for their vital role in restoring order and facilitating a peaceful transition of civilian government, the US said, we look forward to working with the interim government in the months ahead as they prepare for new elections.

On Sept 8, the US Embassy led a joint statement with other democratic nations expressing concern over the violence in Kathmandu and elsewhere.

 “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries during the demonstrations,” the statement read. “Our governments reaffirm our strong support for the universal rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and ensure these fundamental rights are protected.” Since Donald Trump’s re-election and the subsequent scaling back of US aid to countries like Nepal, Washington’s priorities in Nepal remain uncertain. With the State Department still in transition, the US government has said little about Nepal’s political crisis.

Soon after Karki took office, the Embassy of Japan expressed hope that Nepal would ensure a peaceful and democratic transition. “We welcome the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister of Nepal as an important step in this transition. The Japanese government will continue to support Nepal’s development and prosperity and to strengthen the long-standing cordial relations between our two countries,” its statement said.

Similarly, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, welcomed the appointment: “As a longstanding partner of the country, we support the people of Nepal and all efforts to ensure democracy, stability, and reconciliation.”

The UK Embassy in Kathmandu also issued a statement, calling the appointment “an important step after last week’s tragic events, which included loss of life, injuries, and damage to property.” It added: “As Nepal’s old friend, we recognize the challenges ahead and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Nepali aspirations for accountability and inclusive governance.”

Overall, the United States, the UK, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and other democratic partners appear ready to work with Nepal’s new government, though their priority will be safeguarding the 2015 Constitution, democracy, human rights, and a peaceful transfer of power through elections.

For Prime Minister Karki, gaining the support of major powers such as India, China, the US, and other democratic nations will be crucial to ensuring timely elections, attracting investment, and keeping Nepal’s fragile economy on track. Much, however, will depend on her choice of foreign minister and the diplomatic team she assembles.

Chief Advisor to the Bangladeshi Government, Prof Muhammad Yunus has congratulated Sushila Karki on her appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal. In his congratulatory message today, he wished for her successful term as the Nepal's Interim Prime Minister.     

Stating that taking on the responsibility of Prime Minister during adverse circumstances in the country reflects the trust and confidence of the Nepali people on her, Chief Advisor Yunus expressed his belief that Nepal will find a path towards development, peace, and stability under the capable leadership of Prime Minister Karki.     

Expressing his willingness to work closely with Prime Minister Karki, who also owns the responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief Advisor Yunus expressed confidence that the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and Nepal founded on mutual respect and cooperation will continue to grow stronger.     

He also paid tributes to those who lost their lives during the protests and wished a speedy recovery of the injured. (RSS)