President Ramchandra Paudel has urged all developed nations to fulfil their commitments to address climate change impacts. During his meeting with Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on Thursday in Baku, President Paudel sought the fulfilment of the commitments made by the developed nations.

“With Nepal’s full commitment to the Paris Agreement, we have set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, five years ahead of the global goal. We call on all developed countries to uphold their pledges to address the impacts of climate change,” stated President Paudel, as informed by his press adviser, Kiran Pokharel.

President Paudel highlighted that while Nepal contributes minimal carbon emissions, it is disproportionately affected by climate change. He noted the melting of snow in the Himalayas, reduced clean water sources for lowland populations, and the recurring natural disasters resulting in significant losses each year. He also recalled the recent extensive loss of life and property in Nepal due to unseasonal heavy rainfall.

“Each year, the government allocates a large portion of its budget to support populations affected by climate change,” said President Paudel. Emphasising the structural challenges faced by mountainous nations, he added, “Climate change is a global concern. Both our nations, with mountainous terrains, confront severe climate impacts. Nepal has been advocating these issues on platforms like COP, and we seek Azerbaijan's solidarity in this.”

President Paudel commended Azerbaijan’s extensive development and economic transformation since its independence in 1991. He shared that Nepal, following its political transition, is now on a path of economic development with a focus on sustainable growth.

He congratulated President Aliyev for successfully hosting COP-29 and expressed hope that the declaration adopted by the conference would safeguard the interests of highly vulnerable nations like Nepal. He also highlighted investment potential in Nepal’s agriculture, tourism and hydropower sectors.

During the talks, President Aliyev, as reported by Advisor Pokharel, expressed his intent to work closely on climate issues during his remaining year as COP chair. He assured that Azerbaijan would consider investments in sectors proposed by Nepal.

Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Azerbaijan were established in 1995. The two nations have been cooperating on mutual concerns, such as sustainable development and climate change, at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.