CSOs Call for Inclusive Climate Finance Procedures in Nepal

Kathmandu: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on the Government of Nepal to strengthen the newly introduced “Climate Finance Operationalization Procedures 2082” to be more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities.

In a recent call, CSOs emphasized that climate finance must be treated not only as a financial mechanism but also as a matter of rights linked to health, education, livelihoods, and justice.

While acknowledging that the framework prioritizes climate-affected communities, they noted significant gaps in addressing the needs of women, Dalits, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. They called for the integration of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles to ensure equitable access and participation.

The organizations further recommended prioritizing adaptation over mitigation, adopting a bottom-up approach in coordination with local governments, and ensuring that funds directly reach the most climate-vulnerable communities.

Highlighting the importance of transparency, CSOs pressed for strong accountability mechanisms, including grievance redress systems and alignment with international commitments such as Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

They cautioned that the procedure should not remain a mere legal framework but evolve into a practical model that delivers tangible benefits at the grassroots level.