KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has called for stronger global cooperation to help vulnerable countries confront the escalating impacts of climate change.

Speaking at the Ministerial Special Session of the 44th Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) meeting in Rome, Dr Rana addressed the session titled “Four Betters for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).”

She underscored the disproportionate burden climate change places on countries like Nepal, particularly affecting agriculture and livelihoods.

“Least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states are at great risk. The changing climate is adversely impacting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods,” she said, according to a statement from her secretariat.

Dr Rana referenced the recently held ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ dialogue in Nepal, which convened global leaders to foster collective responses to climate threats. She pressed for climate adaptation funding, early warning systems, and rural infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of Himalayan and similarly vulnerable countries.

She also highlighted the importance of inclusive, accessible international investments and capacity building, stating, “Only technology, collaboration, and solidarity can bridge the gap between potential and achievement.”

Nepal, she affirmed, continues to champion South-South and North-South cooperation, technology transfer, enhanced market access, and expanded financial resources to confront global challenges like food insecurity, malnutrition, and biodiversity loss.

Reaffirming Nepal’s alignment with FAO’s guiding framework of The Four Betters—Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life—Dr Rana said Nepal is adopting climate-smart farming, high-value mountain crops, and innovative local solutions to modernize agriculture.

She added that Nepal is also promoting safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich food systems, particularly in vulnerable and rural communities.