Nadi [Fiji], October 7 – Nepal has called for a formal “Sagarmatha to the Sea” partnership linking Himalayan and Pacific nations, as it urged stronger climate action and grant-based adaptation finance ahead of COP31.
Addressing the plenary of the Pre-COP Leaders’ Event in Fiji, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal and Pacific island nations face different forms of climate vulnerability but share the same frontline of the climate crisis.
“From Sagarmatha to the Sea, one warming planet is transforming our lives, our landscapes and our future,” Khanal said.
He said the Himalayas and oceans form a single ecological system with changes in mountain ice affecting sea levels and coastal communities.
Khanal also referred to the recent Bhotekoshi floods in Nepal, describing the disaster as a “Himalayan Tsunami”. He said an abrupt high-altitude glacial and rock collapse triggered a sediment-filled flood that swept through the Bhotekoshi river valley.
According to Khanal, the disaster killed more than 1,400 people and left about 6,000 missing while also destroying highways, hydropower facilities and communities.
He said Nepal and Pacific nations contribute little to global emissions but continue to bear the consequences of climate change.
Khanal said 46% of Nepal’s land is covered by forest while most new consumer vehicles are electric and Nepal’s electricity comes from hydropower.
Calling this a matter of climate injustice, he outlined four priorities for COP31: maintaining the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, predictable grant-based adaptation finance, a fully operational Loss and Damage Fund and a formal “Sagarmatha to the Sea” partnership.
The proposed partnership, he said, would connect mountain and ocean communities through cooperation, knowledge exchange and a stronger collective voice.
Khanal also drew parallels between Fiji’s tradition of “Solesolevaki” and Nepal’s tradition of “Shramadāna”, describing both as forms of collective effort.
He urged Pacific nations to speak about the melting of Himalayan ice while Nepal continues to highlight rising sea levels.
“Let us turn our shared vulnerability into shared action; our shared challenges into shared solutions; and our solidarity into a stronger voice for climate justice,” Khanal said.
He called for countries to go to Antalya for COP31 with a common message that the climate crisis is already here and requires an urgent, united and ambitious response.
