The Pre-COP event titled "CSO Participation in 2nd NDC Revision and COP29" was organized by the CANSA Nepal team and Clean Energy Nepal with the support of Oxfam Nepal, aiming to engage civil societies in discussions surrounding climate action in the lead-up to COP29 and the preparation of 3rd round of Nepal’s NDC, also known as national climate action plans.
Photo: Prakash Lama, CEN, Welcoming all the participants
The event commenced with an introduction by Mr. Prakash Lama, Program Coordinator at Clean Energy Nepal. He warmly welcomed all participants and requested everyone to introduce themselves. The audience comprised climate action professionals, experts, and a significant number of youth participants, who are actively engaged in climate action and environment protection in the country.
Photo: Prakash Kafle, OXFAM, giving opening remarks
Following the introductions, Mr. Raju Sapkota from the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) delivered a presentation on ‘Nepal’s preparation for the 3rd round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)”. His presentation covered several important aspects:
Overview of the NDC, emphasizing its significance in climate action.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement's purpose and long-term goals.
The close interconnection between the long-term temperature goal, adaptation goals, along with financial support received
Overview of Nepal’s NDC implementation plan alongside insights into the NDC 3.0 roadmap, which includes new and updated contributions.
Proposed additional sectors for NDC 3.0, which encompass cement, brick, and health among others. Significance of collaborative efforts in updating the NDC.
Photo: Raju Sapkota, MoFE, presenting Nepals NDCs, its status and preparedness for the revision
The program successfully fostered a collaborative environment for participants involved in climate action, allowing for valuable insights into Nepal’s NDC revision process. The interactive discussions, especially during the Q&A sessions, enhanced understanding and engagement among stakeholders.
After the presentation, a question and answer session was held where participants were asked various questions related to the NDC. Mr. Raju addressed all inquiries comprehensively, providing clarity on several critical points.
Photo: Participants raising the questions
Some of the questions asked:
Dipak Gyawali raised his concerns that Water and Climate issues are not being addressed in the NDCs as well as in the COP process.
Keshav Paudel from LiBird raises the concern on NDCs to prioritize agroforestry
Other participants raised concerns on NDCs regarding the biogas stocktake, electric vehicle tax, and charging stations issues, whether electricity generation through hydropower is the solution or not, do we not need to think of solar energy and its rate of use to support the installation and use to the Nepalese citizen, etc.
Following Mr. Raju, Mr. Manjeet Dhakal, a prominent climate expert from Nepal with extensive experience in COP negotiations, delivered a presentation focused on COP29. His key points included:
Primary themes and objectives of COP29, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
The process of attending COP, who would be attending COP29, and the discussions involved in the conference, including how individuals can follow the discussions online.
Emerging geopolitical dynamics that influence climate negotiations.
Mapping of decision packages being discussed in the context of COP29.
The urgency to raise ambition in limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, stresses the unique context of Nepal.
Recent climate events in Nepal, including glacier bursts in the Thame region of Solukhumbu and extreme floods and landslides triggered by unprecedented rainfall at the end of September. Mr. Dhakal highlighted, “The recent climate events serve as a fresh reminder of the urgent need for climate action.”
Photo: Manjeet Dhakal, presenting on COP processes
After Mr. Dhakal's presentation, a question and answer session allowed participants to engage further with the topics discussed. He addressed various questions, providing insights and clarifications on issues related to COP29, the urgency of climate action, and the specific challenges faced by Nepal.
Ms. Dikchhya Baral, Network Coordinator of Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA), concluded the presentation round with a focus on youth involvement in climate issues. Her key points included:
Photo: Dikshya from NYCA presenting on youths preparedness for climate change
Specific ways in which youth and children are affected by climate change, including their health, education, and future prospects.
Support is needed in order to achieve the objectives of the ACE (Action for Climate Empowerment) which includes education, public participation, and transparency, among others. ,
Need for greater support and representation of young voices in climate discussions and,
Importance of supporting youth delegates to attend global conferences citing the example of the international youth climate delegates program led by the COP28 presidency, advocating for youth’s inclusion in decision-making processes and the importance of amplifying their perspectives on global platforms.
Ruchi Chaudhary, Program Manager from CANSA shared that CANSA is a network of 250+ organizations working on different issues in South Asia. Urban heat is a major issue as its impacting majorly in city areas and this issue should be addressed as well.
Closing Remarks
Photo: Ngamindra Dahal, NWCF delivering Closing remarks
At the conclusion of the program, Mr. Ngamindra Dahal from the board of the CANSA team delivered the closing remarks. Mr. Dahal expressed gratitude to all participants and speakers for their contributions and insights. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and dialogue in addressing climate challenges and highlighted the critical role of each stakeholder in implementing effective climate policies.
Conclusion
The program successfully fostered a collaborative environment for participants involved in climate action, allowing for valuable insights into the NDC revision process and COP 29. The interactive discussions, especially during the Q&A sessions, enhanced understanding and engagement among stakeholders.
