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President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting on Wednesday.

In the meeting held at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas, in Kathmandu, President Paudel drew the attention of the government towards expediting the relief distribution operation for the quake-affected ones in the Karnali Province, according to Kiran Pokharel, Press Advisor to the President.

On the occasion, they also discussed contemporary issues, added Press Advisor Pokharel.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal warned that if we could not stop global rise in temperature, there could be a serious and adverse impact on the prospects of climate resilient development in developing countries like Nepal.

Addressing the national conference on climate change here today, PM Dahal warned that there could be a rise in the cases of climate change-induced disasters, food security crisis and scarcity of potable water.

The national conference is organized to form a common viewpoint on the position paper to be prepared by Nepal and presented in the upcoming global climate change conference.

The conference was organized by the Ministry of Forests and Environment.

A team led by PM Dahal is leaving here for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP-28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) scheduled to run from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, UAE.

During the COP28, Nepal will eloquently lobby the rich and developed countries of the world to fulfill their commitments to limit the increase in global temperature, pledged PM Dahal.

"Nepal would also put forth its claim on climate action as well as speedy and full implementation of the agreement to provide climate financing as grant for climate adaptation and resilience," he assured.

Stating that Nepal was highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, PM Dahal said, "We are facing multifaceted challenges induced by changing climate. The time table, nature and quantity of monsoon rain are massively changing, the temperature of the atmosphere is rising and natural disasters are increasing among others."

The Head of the Government further shed light on the climate change related challenges facing Nepal as saying, "The glaciers are melting and exploding, landslides and dry droughts are increasing in hilly areas and incidents of flood are rampant in Terai region. Due to global warming, two-thirds of the glaciers of the mountains in our region are melting."

Scientists, in a study Hindukush Himalaya Assessment, have warned that the two-third of Himalaya glaciers, the world's Third Pole, could melt by 2100 if global emission are not reduced or controlled timely.

PM Dahal stated that impoverished families, small time farmers, marginalized ethnic communities, women, children, elderly people and physically-challenged ones were most vulnerable to the climate change.

He further asserted that climate change had massively impacted thematic areas such as agriculture, hydro resources and tourism as well as food security, health, water supply, means of livelihood and security sectors that contribute to the national economy.

According to him, due to the decline in the socio-economic sector, increasing health and food security problems, there was a likelihood of an increase in the climate crisis and risks in future.

Nepal, in its capacity as a state party to the UNFCCC, is participating in the dialogue process of the states parties.

The PM said that dialogue is continuously taking place with the international community on challenges of climate change and opportunities via various forums, stating that COP-28 is approaching as both a challenge and an important opportunity to make this dialogue richer and result-oriented.

The Prime Minister also stated that Nepal has made arrangements for and formulated and implemented programs related to the appropriate policy, legal and institutional and financial provisions for promoting climate resilience as per the provisions of UNFCCC.

PM Dahal said the National Climate Change Policy 2076, the Environment Conservation Act 2076 and Regulations 2077, the National Framework on Local Adaptation Plan of Action 2076, the Climate Resilience Plan and Budget Formulation Directive 2077 and the Climate Change Related Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan 2077/2078 have been formulated and implemented.

"The National Adaptation Plan 2021-2050 and the Nationally Determined Contribution in line with the Paris Agreement will make us further stronger. The leadership of the federal, provincial and local levels and the support and collaboration of development partners and stakeholder agencies are needed for implementing the national policy, plans and programs on climate change adaptation and mitigation that we have prepared to fight the climate change effects and impact," he asserted.

The PM also called on the national and international organizations to focus their cooperation towards the programs contained in the National Adaptation Plan and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan that have been prepared by including our needs and priorities.

He mentioned that Nepal called attention of the world community through the 78th UNGA held this year to provide the climate financing as climate justice to Nepal and the LDCs.

PM Dahal said that in his upcoming address at COP28, he plans to address significant issues such as climate finance, adaptation, transfer of mountaineering technology and capacity building, loss and damage, and climate empowerment. These issues, crucial to Nepal's sustainable development and environmental preservation, deserve attention and action on the global stage.

"The recent visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to the Khumbu region serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address climate change issues faced by Nepal. Guterres's inspection of the impacts of climate change and interactions with local communities contribute significantly to globalizing the problems faced by this region. It amplifies Nepal's call for recognition and support in the international community's efforts to combat climate change," he added.

Prime Minister Dahal also reflected on his address at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he highlighted the profound impacts of climate change in Nepal. This reiteration underscores the government's dedication to addressing climate-related challenges and implementing initiatives for the development of tourism infrastructure in vulnerable regions such as Khumbu.

"There is a need for changing the structural system to incorporate the financial grants provided for the promotion of adaptability, upliftment and loss and damage concept in the government budgetary system in a line with the national interests of Nepal, but not in the interests of superpower nations and donors," said the PM. Such grants Nepal receives as climate justice have not been mobilized in the national interests as they are directly gone to the hands of social organizations, and individuals, which they spend as per their own interests, being excluded from the government's regulatory system, he said.

Initiatives would be taken in receiving such grants directly to the state fund by stopping the practice of distributing and spending them randomly, he said.

Stressing the need for drawing the global attention to identify and address problems of Himalayan nations, the PM clarified that Nepal would strategically raise the problems facing the Himalayan nations with the same problems, and take a leadership to make a strategy for cooperation.

Strong pressure would be created through cooperation among the countries with the same climate problems for the world's major carbon emitters to immediately reduce emissions, to remind the developed countries to provide climate finance, increase financial grants and address loss and damage, he said.

Maintaining that Nepal needs USD 21 billion for the implementation of adaptation priorities by 2030, he emphasized the need for Nepal to lay the claim in a factual manner for the country's easy access to the established adaptation fund.

Least developed countries like Nepal should strongly advocate to simplify the application process for their access to the green climate fund and other funds, remove capacity barriers and improve direct access to the climate fund, said the PM.

"There is a challenge to bring in benefits from the international climate finance mechanism. On the other hand, there is a need to focus on invest in concrete programs and activities while effectively mobilizing climate finance within the country and reaching out to the affected areas and communities."

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called a meeting to acquire information on the nation's present economic situation.

The meeting is being held with the ministers of various line ministries, the National Planning Commission, Nepal Rastra Bank, among other bodies to take information on the initiatives for improving the present economic situation and the next steps to be taken, according to Manohari Timilsina, the Prime Minister's press expert.

Although the external sector of the economy has improved in recent times, there is no improvement in the internal economic indicators. Among other problems, low capital expenditure, inadequate loan disbursement, reduced consumer demand, sagging morale of the private sector and domestic productivity not being able to grow are some of the problems seen in the country's economy.

The government has brought various reform programs through its policies and programs for the current fiscal year for improving the economy, but the expected improvement is not seen in the economy due to the unsatisfactory implementation of these programs.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to attend the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), starting from Nov 30 to Dec 12 in Dubai. The Ministry of Forest and Environment said preparations are underway for Dahal’s visit, planned from Nov 29 to Dec 4. 

On Dec 2, Prime Minister Dahal will address the high-level session scheduled for Dec 1 and 2, which will feature addresses by heads of state/government from around the world.

Nepal has intensified preparations for the conference. To finalize Nepal’s agendas, the ministry has announced a ‘National Climate Conference’ set to take place in Kathmandu on Nov 21.

The conference will delve into discussions regarding the National Adaptation Plan, the implementation plan based on the Nationally Determined Contributions, and the agenda for COP28.

Buddhi Sagar Paudel, Head of the ministry’s Climate Change Management Division, mentioned that senior officials from the ministry, chief ministers, heads and officers of concerned organizations, development partners, media representatives and others will partake in the program.

The ministry has already devised a roadmap for Nepal’s engagement at the conference and has been working accordingly. Joint Secretary Paudel stated, “For the conference preparations, a committee comprising secretaries of relevant ministries and key representatives of other concerned bodies, under the guidance of the minister, has been formed. Efforts have been made to gather suggestions.” 

Additionally, under the department’s leadership, a working group comprising representatives of line ministries has made significant progress in crafting the ‘National Position Paper’ for COP28 through coordination and consultations with stakeholders, he added.

Thematic groups covering topics like climate adaptation, mitigation, finance, loss and damage, global measurement and transparency, mountains, gender equality, young children and tribes have already taken shape.

As part of preparations for Nepal’s agendas at the COP28 conference, the ministry has established an expert group focusing on six core areas: Climate finance, adaptation, transfer of mountain technology and capacity-building, loss and damage, gender, youth, children, climate empowerment, and mitigation of climate change effects.

Nepal has prioritized specific issues for this conference, including climate finance, adaptation strategies, managing funds for climate-related loss and damage, addressing mountain-related concerns, reducing emissions and fostering inclusivity.

The ministry announced Nepal’s plan to set up a pavilion at the conference venue to host its programs. They anticipate more than 34 programs, covering diverse subjects, with a schedule of four programs per day at the pavilion from Dec 3 to 11. This marks the first instance where various national and international organizations will conduct programs at the pavilion, focusing on Nepal’s highlighted issues.

Experts in the field anticipate that the events held at the pavilion will effectively showcase Nepal’s concerns and help raise awareness and support for these critical issues.

On the eve of the conference, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid a four-day official visit to Nepal from Oct 29 to Nov 1. Nepali officials believe that Guterres’ priority on climate change, exhibited during the visit, will also make it easier for highlighting problems facing Nepal at the global stage.

During his visit, Guterres highlighted the critical issue of climate change in the Himalayas, emphasizing the alarming rate at which glaciers are melting. He drew parallels to regions like Greenland and Antarctica, pointing at rising sea levels and other visible impacts in the form of floods, landslides and consequential disruptions to communities. Guterres emphasized the urgency of climate action, stating, “We must stop this madness. We must move forward with climate action.”

Highlighting Nepal’s challenges, he noted that the country’s glaciers had melted 65 percent faster in the last decade than in the previous one. 

To better understand the real impact of climate change on local livelihoods, Guterres engaged with residents of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality-4 in Solukhumbu district. This interaction allowed him to comprehend firsthand how climate change has multifaceted effects on their daily lives. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal has affirmed his commitment to assert Nepal’s stance and views on the impact of climate change directly at COP28. Speaking at an event organized on Saturday by the Nepal Mountaineering Association to hand over the peace torch at the Sagarmatha base camp, Dahal emphasized the need to assert rights rather than relying solely on supplication.

He highlighted Nepal’s stance, stressing that those responsible for carbon emissions must take greater accountability and contribute to the climate fund. Nepal, in the global climate discourse, aims to claim its rights rather than seek mere assistance.

Moreover, the Prime Minister recalled the recent visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Khumbu region, citing it as a reminder to the world about pressing issues. He noted Guterres’ visit, during which he inspected the impacts of climate change and engaged with local residents and representatives. Dahal highlighted the significant contribution of Guterres’ visit in highlighting the climate change challenges facing the region on a global scale.

During the second Voice of Global South Summit also, Prime Minister Dahal reiterated that climate change poses a significant threat to humanity. He affirmed Nepal’s unwavering dedication to implementing the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the country’s measures aimed at safeguarding and sustainably managing natural resources. “Nepal is actively engaged in effective adaptation and mitigation strategies and has expressed commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 through the promotion of green initiatives,” he added.

Agendas for COP28

• Climate finance: Strategies and mechanisms to secure funding for climate-related initiatives, focusing on sustainable development and resilience against climate change impacts
• Adaptation: Developing and implementing strategies to adapt to changing climatic conditions, emphasizing resilience-building measures
• Transfer of mountain technology and capacity-building: Facilitating the transfer of relevant technologies suitable for mountainous regions and enhancing the capacity of local communities to manage and adapt to climate change
• Loss and damage: Addressing the impacts of climate change-induced loss and damage, including measures to mitigate and manage these effects
• Gender, youth, children, climate empowerment: Promoting inclusivity and empowerment of marginalized groups such as women, youth, and children in climate action and decision-making processes
• Mitigation of the effects of climate change: Implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change through various measures and initiatives

It has been 17 years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) between the government and the then CPN (Maoist), bringing an end to the decade-long armed conflict in the country.

On November 21, 2005, the then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal  came together to sign this historic agreement, officially declaring the termination of the armed conflict. This significant event followed the cease-fire declared on November 8 after an agreement between seven political parties and the Maoist.

When the then Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula declared, "We hereby announce an end to the armed conflict that has been in place since 2052 BS," during the reading of the Accord's full text, it was met with thunderous applause at the New Baneshwor-based Birendra International Convention (now International Convention Centre). The whole nation became euphoric with the signing of the CPA, which raised hopes among the people for sustainable peace, political stability and development.

The agreement specifically emphasized the need for an inclusive, democratic, and progressive restructuring of the nation, bringing an end to the state's centralized governance system. It set the course for building a new Nepal through the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister said the CPA between the government and the Maoist paved a way for building a new Nepal, serving as a milestone for the beginning of a new episode of history through the politics of reconciliation with an end to a politics of violence prevalent in the country since the past 11 years.

Commenting over the historic achievement, Koirala said, "We, today, have set an example on the global stage by resolving the conflict on our own."

"Your efforts won't be successful," he recalled the skepticism he faced during his endeavors to bring the then rebelling Maoist to the mainstream of politics. He said at the moment that it was a duty of democrats to transform those non-democrats into the proponents of democracy.

Maoist Chair Dahal commented that the signing of the peace agreement marked the greater realization of people's efforts to build a new Nepal since 1950. "This is a victory of those Nepali who wish Nepal's progress and a defeat of those favoring status quo, preventing efforts to progress.  The big powers and those arrogant nations are surprised wondered by this success of the Nepali people."

The establishment of peace, along with provisions for relief, rehabilitation and repatriation of the conflict survivors by normalizing the situation through the formation of a specific commission was a crucial aspect of the Accord. Around 17,000 citizens were killed by the State and rebelling side during the decade-long armed conflict. 

Though it was agreed to make public the personal details of those who were forced disappeared by both sides and make such details available to the respective families within 60 days of the signing of the peace agreement, the issue still remains unresolved.

Though the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) were formed to deal with the cases of transitional justice, the achievements so far have been deemed unsatisfactory.

Although both sides to the agreement expressed their commitment to repatriate those displaced from their homes during the armed conflict to their ancestral places or places of their former residence voluntarily and without any political prejudice, to reconstruct the infrastructures destroyed due to the fighting and to rehabilitate and socialize the displaced persons in a dignified way, these works have not been carried out formally.

The then rebel side has taken reins of government three times and participated in coalition governments eight times in this period of around 20 years.

The conflict-affected families and other members of their families not directly involved in the conflict are still languishing in pain. Even the declaration made in the peace accord, that the right of the conflict-affected, torture victims and the families of those enforced disappeared persons to get relief would be guaranteed, has not become a reality.

Welcoming the CPA, even the international community and Nepal's neighbors had remarked that the Accord reflected the strong desire of Nepali people for peace and stability by ending the politics and culture of violence. 

Prof Birendra Prasad Mishra, who was the coordinator of the then Ceasefire Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, said the CPA has so far been limited to the management of the Maoist combatants only, but has not been focused on alleviating the pain of innocent people not related to the armed conflict and the conflict-affected general public.

"Even at present, the concerns of the innocent people and those killed in the conflict have not received due attention," Prof Mishra said.

Looking at the incidents of that time, in the beginning the conflict appeared to be between the Maoist and the then ruling parties. The parties' leaders and cadres also got killed. There were three forces comprising the King, parliamentary parties and the Maoist party at that time. The political developments after that produced a triangular power balance in the country which thereafter pitted the King on one side and the Maoist together with the seven political parties on the other side.

The Second People's Movement took place after the signing of the 12-point agreement between the alliance of seven political parties and the Maoist on 22 November 2005. After the success of this Movement, the King reinstated the parliament which he had dissolved.

The peace process was initiated with a ceasefire agreement. The code of conduct monitoring mechanism was formed after the talks teams were constituted, which led to the signing of the CPA. The interest of both sides was to protect their own interests. The result of this was that the Constituent Assembly elections had to be held twice. Finally, a new constitution was promulgated by the second Constituent Assembly on 20 September 2015. The Maoist party formed the government or became part of the coalition governments frequently. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) have still not been able to carry out their works. They were not given the full power to carry out their works independently.

"The government and the Maoists both want general amnesty. It is due to this mentality that transitional justice has not concluded even after 17 years of the CPA. The families of those killed in the course of the conflict should be properly addressed," the conflict resolution expert Mishra said, adding that the families who lost their guardians and children to the conflict are still yearning for justice.

According to him, the country has transformed into a federal republic and the political parties that brought this epochal change have run the government turn by turn, but the main issue is what the families of the innocent conflict affected people got. 

"I still feel that the political parties apologized that they have committed mistakes for the sake of 'token justice' if not full justice to the families of the innocent people and those killed in the conflict," Prof Mishra said.

As he said, currently Nepal's peace process is like an orphan without any custodian. The peace process, he said, is in a state of confusion as the political parties in the meantime gave only priority to forming and toppling the governments.

"Nobody should carry out works to invite conflict and disturb the peace again. If the government and the political parties want, the problem can be resolved in one minute, but what is needed for this is strong courage and commitment," Prof Mishra reiterated.

RSS

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the problems suffered by Nepal due to climate change impact would be internationalized.

Addressing a public assembly organized at Maikot of Rukum East today, he said Nepal will clearly put its views claiming for compensation keeping in mind the huge damage the country has been bearing although its role is negligible in climate change.

PM Dahal made it clear that he has urged the international community time and again to significantly increase the funds provided by the International Fund to Nepal for alleviating the suffering from the climate change as it has so far received only a small amount in that connection.

He claimed that upon his invitation the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres paid a visit to Nepal recently and observed from close the impact the climate change is having in Nepal.

According to him, the relief that Nepal is entitled to get from the international community as compensation for bearing the brunt of the impact of climate change is Nepal's right. Stating Nepal is getting punishment for the mistake it has not committed, the PM said the high government officials have been directed to prepare a document on behalf of the government claiming for a large amount of relief from the Climate Fund.

He assured of the government's support and cooperation in declaring Maikot as an ‘Open Museum’ and forwarding the necessary process for this. The PM said initiatives would be taken for pursuing a special project for the promotion of medicinal herbs and development of the agriculture sector in the region.

Saying that agreement has been reached during his official visit to China to operate special projects in some mountainous districts, he said a project would be run in Putha Uttarganga as well since it is also a municipality located in mountainous region. 

He assured of managing the budget on behalf of the federal government for developing Maikot as a 'Living Museum'. The government has kept this region in special priority since it has made big sacrifices and contributions for the revolution. Importance has been given equally to the development of health, education and employment sectors.

Recalling that Nepal has been mentioned as a socialism-oriented economy, the Head of the Government said the government has taken initiatives for social justice, good governance and prosperity, and works have also been started in line with this very resolution. He informed that hundreds of thousands of farmers in the Tarai-Madhes have been freed from extortion by loan sharks. He added that the present government has also provided citizenship certificates to the Nepali bereft of citizenship cards, keeping them in priority.

Hundreds of thousands of youths who have gone abroad have been brought under the social security cover in order to ensure their rights and interests; so, have been the workers in the informal sector and those in self-employment, the PM asserted.

Stating that the government is vigorously working to prepare the basis for socialism, he also presented some facts related to this. The government is equally at work towards controlling corruption and a situation has been created in which high officials as ministers and leaders will have to go to jail, he added.

The PM stated that the government is equally actively working for checking the smuggling of gold, stressing the government will also continuously work towards maintaining good governance.

On a different note, PM Dahal asserted that the present ruling coalition will last for a full five-year term and demonstrate that it works in favor of the country and the people.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed the hope that the Chhath festival will inspire all of us to embrace the values of good governance, prosperity and social justice.

Extending his best wishes to the entire Nepali sisters and brothers on the occasion of the Chhath, the Prime Minister hoped that the festival would contribute to further strengthening national unity, mutual trust and ties, empowering us to overcome prevailing challenges in the country.  

"The festivals celebrated in Nepali society carry a historic significance and background, and serve as the foundation for human civilization and development," the head of the government said on the occasion of the festival dedicated to the Sun god.

Stating that this festival is established as the festival forging a lively practical connection between nature and human life, he said it played an important role in terms of respect and preservation of goods useful in human life and also for the development of a culture of production and work.

The PM said although small in terms of territory and area, Nepal is big and prosperous in terms of diversity of languages, cultures, festivals, costumes and civilization.

The Prime Minister stated that our culture, rituals and historic facts very much vindicated to the richness of our cultural diversity, adding the Constitution of Nepal has adopted the unity with diversity as the national dignity, internalizing the multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic, multi-cultural and regional uniqueness of Nepali society.

Prime Minister Dahal expressed the belief that the Chhath festival inspired us all towards fulfilling the national mission of prosperity by converting the challenges into opportunity, infusing hope in the people's and social life and coalescing unity in the nation.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday addressed the second Voice of Global South Summit organized by India.  Addressing the session, PM Dahal said that the world is facing unprecedented crises generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and deepening geo-political complexities. They have impacts on food and nutrition, health and education, economy and environment, and peace and security, he said.  More than 125 countries from the Global South attended the Summit. 

Developing countries especially the LDCs are the most affected ones by these crises. Rising food and energy prices, tightening financial conditions, and persistent cycles of vulnerabilities continue to add to their worries, PM Dahal said, many countries of the Global South are under unsustainable debt burden which is straining investments in health, education, social justice, and other pressing national priorities. 

We believe that in order to address the challenges facing the world, the international community must focus on common goals of peace, progress and prosperity. For this, building of trust, promoting partnership and collaboration and working in solidarity remain crucial, PM Dahal said.  We need to champion inclusive and sustainable global growth, in which the Global South receives a fair share to eradicate poverty and give their people a decent life, PM Dahal said, that Nepal remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism with the United Nations at the center.

Nonetheless, we believe that the existing global governance architecture needs a timely reform to make it relevant and reflective of today’s realities. At the same time, reform of the international financial architecture should be a top priority with full consideration to the voice of the countries in special situations, including LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, PM Dahal said. 

“Climate change remains a grave threat to humanity. Climate-vulnerable countries like Nepal have been bearing the burden of climate change. The effect of climate change on the Himalayas has posed a severe threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people living in our region. We all must commit ourselves to achieving the set ambitions in a time-bound manner.” 

PM Dahal further said that Nepal is graduating from the LDC status by 2026 and we are committed to making this process smooth, sustainable, and irreversible.  Sustainable Development Goals remain at the center of our development vision and priorities with integration into national policies and plans. But even the progress that we achieved so far has been threatened by the multitude of global crises, he said.  “Hence, we have been calling for an enhanced level of international support from our partners such as development assistance, FDI, trade facilitation, technology transfer and technical assistance. The South-South cooperation should also be forthcoming to lifting the neediest countries.” 

Addressing the Summit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Global South wants its autonomy and it is ready to take up greater responsibility in global matters. The Indian PM said that Global South wants its voice in global governance.  “Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of joint efforts. We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar,” he said.   He also spoke of the 5 ‘Cs’, a commitment to which would power the growth of these countries.  The 5 ‘Cs’ are “consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity and capacity building”. 

The foreign ministers’ session deliberated on major global agendas, including climate change, energy transition, technological transformation, and restoring trust in multilateralism. Addressing the Summit, S Jaishankar, Minister for External Affairs of India, said India took over its G20 Presidency in the backdrop of a very challenging global, and in its Presidency, India’s anchor was the Global South.  Its voices inspired our priorities, fueled our efforts, and galvanized a path-breaking consensus, he said.  

Recognizing our shared past, the Global South will continue to make efforts for One Earth and to strengthen the voices of the developing countries, the Indian minister said, as one family, the Global South will continue to act with everyone’s interests in mind and drive transformation and building synergies.  

In the Summit, India has announced some initiatives. One of them is the Global South Centre of Excellence which will work as a think tank and will also work as a repository of knowledge and development initiatives in order to interface with the Global South and seek ways to forge collaboration with countries in this region.  

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is to address the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit today.

The PM will address the Summit, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by virtual means, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Heads of Government of various countries, including PM Modi, are scheduled to address the Summit. The theme of the Summit is - “Global South: Together for One Future”.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Shankhadhar Sakhwa was the national luminary and an inspiring personality in our history.

Addressing a program organized in Lalitpur today on the occasion of Nepal Sambat New Year 1144, Prime Minister Dahal said, "We cannot stay without remembering Sakhwa while talking about social justice. We have already declared him as the national luminary.  Sakhwa set the record in the Nepali history by relieving the people of Nepal (referred to the then Kathmandu Valley) of debt and abolishing slavery."

Nepal Sambat is not only of a single community but the indigenous calendar of all the Nepalis, he further said, adding, he felt proud to make a decision from the cabinet of bringing Nepal Sambat calendar into use in government documents and works.

"I want to congratulate and extend wishes for the government's decision of bringing Nepal Sambat calendar into use in government documents. The cabinet meeting held yesterday (Monday) took the decision in this regard. It has taken our national sovereignty and self-respect along with freedom, equality and social justice to a new height. It has made all of us proud," PM Dahal said.

He further said the incumbent government has been carrying out activities with high-priority focusing its attention on social justice, good governance and prosperity.

PM Dahal extended best wishes on the occasion of Nepal Sambat New Year 1144, saying this day will give a new message.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed the belief that festivals including Tihar have an important role in preparing the ideological, political, economic and cultural basis of socialism while protecting and strengthening the changed political system.

In a message of best wishes today, PM Dahal extended hearty best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers within the country and abroad on the happy occasion of the auspicious Deepawali, the big festival of the Nepalis.

He stated that the federal democratic republic achieved from a big struggle and sacrifice has provided us with an extensive base to keep the country's independence and dignity high by strengthening internal nationality.

"Festivals including Tihar are also an important context reflecting Nepal's unique identity. This festival makes the family reunion, social harmony and unity, and national independence, strong. It deepens the contribution of birds and animals playing the role of production, labor, information and social sentinel, and their interaction with humans. Cultural activities including Deusi Bhailo that are held during these festivals make an important contribution to creating an environment of gaiety and fervor as well as to promoting culture," the PM observed.

Stating that Nepal has remained as a place of convergence of multi-ethnic, multilingual and multi-cultural features as well as of immense natural resources and civilization, PM Dahal said our diverse traditions, cultures and festivals are not only the common assets but also an important basis for culturally and emotionally tying the country and the people on a thread of unity.

"The national festivals celebrated by the diverse castes, indigenous nationalities and communities are founded on natural heritage and historicity. Incorporated in such festivals are ideals like respect to labor, social feeling and amity, social coexistence, collaboration at times of challenges that come in human life and overcoming such adversities on the basis of unity," stated the Prime Minister in his message of best wishes. 

Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Wang Junzheng called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday.

A delegation led by Wang and Prime Minister Dahal held a meeting at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar this morning.

During the meeting, they discussed the issue of bilateral cooperation and mutual interest, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal thanked the Chinese government for providing relief materials to the earthquake victims.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song was also present in the meeting.

The Chinese leader, who is on a five-day official visit to Nepal, is scheduled to meet leaders of various political parties.

He is scheduled to leave for Pokhara on Friday.

During his stay in the lake city, he will attend the Nepal-China cultural exchange program to be organized on Saturday.

On Sunday, he is scheduled to observe the projects of Bhakatpur which were damaged by the 2015 devastating earthquake and are being rebuilt with the help of the Chinese government.

He will leave for Colombo, Sri Lanka the same day.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on Wednesday handed over a cheque of Rs 10 million to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal as per its commitment to provide monetary assistance to the earthquake survivors in Jajarkot and Rukum West.

A delegation led by Director General of CAAN Pradeep Kumar had reached the official residence of Prime Minister in Baluwatar this morning to hand over the cheque.

The amount will be deposited in the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, according to CAAN Spokesperson Jagannath Niraula.

An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale hit Jajarkot at 11:47 pm on Friday killing at least 157 people.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has issued directives for making the relief and rehabilitation for the Jajarkot earthquake victims effective.

Addressing the meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management National Council held in Singha Durbar today, he instructed the bodies concerned to carry out the relief and rehabilitation operations with the necessary preparation and by taking the earthquake affected people into confidence.

PM Dahal expressed profound sorrow over the big loss of life and property caused by the earthquake and stressed on the need of utilizing the disaster as an important opportunity for reconstruction.

The 13th meeting of the Council was convened to discuss the damage caused by the devastating earthquake that hit Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim, and the steps the government needs to initiate in its aftermath.

On the occasion, the PM directed one and all to be serious on making the post-quake rescue, relief and reconstruction effective, describing the initiatives made by the three tiers of the government and other bodies immediately after the disaster as positive.

He stated that preparations have been made to carry out works in a prompt manner by restructuring the existing Acts, regulations and structures based on the good practices during the time of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake.

"I thank all the parties, the federal government and various agencies, the provincial government and the local governments for their post-earthquake initiatives. We should have carried out work related to search, rescue and treatment yesterday, which we have basically completed. Now, we need to concentrate on relief and rehabilitation," the PM reiterated. 

He directed for managing warm clothes to the earthquake victims and for making treatment for them effective. Reminding that Nepal is a country vulnerable to natural disaster, the PM acknowledged that the government's initiatives and raising people's awareness on this have not been adequate.

"For the next three days, let us make maximum efforts for relief. Rehabilitation has to be made effective and we need the required Act, work procedure and structure for the same. The reconstruction works are not seen to be effective with the existing Act, procedures and structure. We need to make a sound review of our past experiences as well," PM Dahal reiterated.

Stating that an effective work relating to the earthquake had not taken place following the 2015 earthquake, he stressed the need for a study on the geographical condition and risks. "We must think about carrying out a geographical study and establishing human settlements. We should work to keep all required materials during disasters. Now, we store such materials. We will adopt a one-door system to distribute relief materials. We will stop misuse of relief materials. We will create an environment that reliefs are distributed through the central, provincial and local governments."

In the meeting, participants including Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr Beduram Bhusal, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Ashok Kumar Rai, Minister for Urban Development Sita Gurung, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala and Chief of the Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma commended activeness and hard work shown by PM Dahal during the quake.

"The Prime Minister himself took initiatives in rescue efforts. Rescue efforts have almost been completed. Now, there are no reports of missing people. So, our focus should be on relief distribution," said DPM Shrestha.

The PM's activeness during the disaster showed the seriousness of the government, said former minister Gangadhar Tuladhar. Claiming that all state mechanisms had been effectively deployed since the PM himself took initiatives post-disaster, minister Basnet maintained that the government was successful in reaching out and assisting the quake victims.

PM himself taking a leadership role in the rescue, relief distribution and treatment of the quake victims has spread a positive message, said minister Jwala.

Praising PM Dahal for his activeness during the disaster, Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet expressed his happiness for having a responsible and active PM.

The whole state mechanism was mobilized during the disaster, said the Army Chief Sharma.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has left for the earthquake-affected areas with health workers and essential supplies.

The Prime Minister has left for the quake-hit areas with a medical team including 16 members of the Nepali Army and necessary materials for the rescue, search and relief of the earthquake survivors, according to the Prime Minister's Press Advisor Govinda Acharya.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet and former Finance Minister Janardan Sharma have also gone to the affected areas to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. Minister Basnet is an MP elected from Jajarkot and Sharma from Rukum West.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal has said that he is deeply saddened by the loss of human lives and physical property in the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that took place at 11:47 pm on Friday with its epicenter at Ramidanda of Jajarkot.

Appealing to everyone concerned to help with the rescue and relief efforts, Prime Minister Dahal has said that all the three security agencies have been mobilized for the immediate search and rescue of those injured in the quake.

According to the Prime Minister's Secretariat, additional security personnel from all three agencies from neighboring districts including Surkhet have been mobilized in search and rescue of the quake survivors.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli in Baluwatar on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Dahal held talks with Deuba and Oli for almost two hours to forge consensus on the transitional justice issues.

The transitional justice Act is in the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament.

The Committee has forged consensus in almost all the issues by forming a sub-committee.

The sub-committee has prepared a report on consensus.

The issues that need to be resolved at the political level are only left to the settled down.

Congress Publicity Department Chief Min Bishwokarma and UML Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula have been claiming that the issues at the political level are only left to be resolved.

The UML has claimed that the decision of Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s decision to celebrate the day the war started as People’s War Day has left the conflict victims in the lurch.

During this stay in Nepal, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres had mounted diplomatic pressure on the government and political parties to conclude the peace process.

On Sunday, during a meeting with Guterres, UML Chairman Oli said that the peace process could not reach a logical conclusion due to the Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Dahal.

Oli had said that the UML wants the United Nations to take the peace process to its logical conclusion.