Kathmandu, Nov 6: President Ramchandra Paudel is set to depart for Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 10 to represent Nepal at the 29th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP-29). This year’s summit, scheduled from November 11 to 22, will address urgent global climate issues, and President Paudel will lead a high-level Nepali delegation at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that President Paudel will deliver a speech at the two-day 'World Leaders Climate Action Summit' on November 12, where leaders from around the globe will gather to discuss climate action. Additionally, on November 13, President Paudel will preside over a special high-level session focused on Nepal’s climate priorities, aiming to draw international attention to the country's climate vulnerabilities.

One of the key topics Nepal will address at COP29 is the severe climate-induced loss and damage affecting mountainous regions. A high-level session specifically dedicated to “Addressing Climatic Loss and Damage in Mountainous Regions” will bring attention to Nepal’s experience with floods and landslides, especially in areas such as Melamchi, Mustang, Kanchanpur, Thame, and the Kathmandu Valley.

Nepal is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations and is actively implementing a National Adaptation Programme, which is set to be completed by 2050. This plan outlines strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly in rural and high-altitude communities.

President Paudel is expected to return to Nepal on November 15, following the conference.