New York, 26 September 2024 — From the floor of the 2024 UN General Assembly, Nepal has made history as the first landlocked and South Asian nation to join the growing bloc of countries spearheading the push to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It becomes the 14th climate-pioneer nation to call for a new, legally binding global agreement aimed at rapidly and equitably transitioning from fossil fuel dependency to a sustainable and safe energy future.

Nepal is taking the necessary steps and pressing for the adoption of the climate action plan the world needs to address the alarming consequences of climate change that are directly affecting the country - in particular, the accelerated retreat of the Himalayan glaciers, which threatens the freshwater supply of millions of people - and is inviting other countries facing the same geographical and economic constraints to join it in tackling the root causes of the climate crisis

In his UNGA speech, XXXX of Nepal called on other landlocked and developing nations to unite in this critical effort to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Treaty: "XXXXXX."

Minister Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development for Colombia, welcomed Nepal’s endorsement: “As countries like Nepal step forward to join us in seeking the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, we are witnessing the rise of a powerful, united front from the Global South. Colombia warmly welcomes Nepal’s leadership and the growing bloc of nations pushing for this crucial treaty. Together, we recognise that the time to act is now. The international community must confront the root cause of both the climate and biodiversity crises: the relentless extraction and burning of fossil fuels. Nepal’s bold action sends a clear message—the future is fossil-free, and we must cooperate globally to achieve it, from the Amazon to the Himalayas.”

Kumi Naidoo, President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative, said: “Nepal’s call for the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty during the UN General Assembly is a powerful reminder that the burden of the climate crisis should not fall on vulnerable nations alone. Nepal’s leadership, as the first South Asian and landlocked country to join this initiative, challenges the world’s wealthiest nations to step up and take bold action to assume their responsibility to lead in ending our dependence on these destructive fuels. This is not just about transitioning to clean energy—it’s about justice, equity, and ensuring that those least responsible for the crisis are not left to bear its worst impacts."

Arjun Karki, President of Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), an organization which played a  pivotal role in securing the endorsement, stated: “Nepal's endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty proposal is a powerful reflection of Asia's growing leadership in the fight against climate change. It echoes the bold stance of Pacific Island nations, who have long championed the call for a fossil-free world. Together, these regions are sending a clear message: the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts are leading the way and showing Global North wealthy nations what it means to take genuine action to phase out fossil fuels and genuinely safeguard our future."

Harjeet Singh, Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, added: "Nepal’s endorsement of the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal at the UN General Assembly represents a critical turning point in the growing  momentum behind this bold proposal. Despite its strong commitment to clean energy development , Nepal still depends on costly imported coal, oil, and gas resources, which drains its financial resources. This only deepens Nepal's vulnerability to economic and climate shocks, underscoring the urgent need for a global plan to manage a fast, fair, and financed just transition to secure a sustainable, safe and stable future for all."

Nepal’s endorsement comes just 24 hours after former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon endorsed the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal. They are the latest to join a global network of over 3,500 civil society organisations, 115+ cities and subnational governments, hundreds of health institutions including the World Health Organisation as well as 10 Indigenous nations globally who have backed the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The initiative follows in the footsteps of other powerful treaty proposals which united the power of civil society and leading governments to secure mechanisms that saved the ozone, phased out landmines and banned nuclear weapons.