Nepal and other mountain countries press at COP31 for a dedicated climate agenda focused on Himalayan ecosystems and glacier protection, but their proposal does not receive formal recognition in the conference’s main negotiations. Nepal, Bhutan and other states frame the issue as urgent for mountain regions facing glacier loss and wider ecosystem impacts.
Coverage from multiple outlets centres on talks involving Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who links the setback to difficulties securing backing from larger negotiating blocs. One report says the mountain countries “cling to hope” despite the failure to obtain a separate place in the formal list, while another describes the outcome as a setback that leaves Nepal and partners continuing to struggle for formal acknowledgement.
Across the reporting, the differing emphasis is largely about framing: one outlet highlights persistence and optimism around the “mountain agenda,” while others focus more directly on the proposal’s lack of formal acceptance and the political challenge of winning broader support. The consistent message is that recognition at COP31 remains unresolved, and the coalition plans to continue its diplomatic effort.
