Manjeet Dhakal, a Nepali climate policy expert and negotiator, leads the LDC Support Team and advises the LDC Group at UN climate talks, supporting vulnerable nations since 2009. He focuses on climate diplomacy and advocacy, influencing negotiations and addressing obstacles as COP30 approaches.(Summarization of the interview with The Climate Watch published on 15 November, 2025)
Dhakal indicated that the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), comprising 44 nations like Bangladesh and Nepal, must negotiate collectively within the UNFCCC framework. The group prioritizes limiting global temperature rise, which threatens agriculture, fisheries, and energy in vulnerable regions. For LDCs, this goal is crucial for survival, necessitating urgent emission reductions. Climate finance, particularly for adaptation, is the second key priority. Developed nations must provide public grants to support these efforts, as predictable finance is essential for addressing loss and damage. Additionally, COP30 holds symbolic significance, marking three decades of environmental multilateralism and the Paris Agreement’s anniversary, with hopes for Brazil to convey a strong message of collective action.
Five days into COP30, Dhakal noted that finance discussions are progressing slowly, with high expectations from vulnerable countries for rapid progress on real-world challenges. Complications arise from multilateral negotiation processes, with several key agenda items unresolved, including climate finance, trade barriers, and the strength of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The COP Presidency is facilitating consultations, yet major issues persist. Progress on adapting indicators is insufficient for final decisions. A significant frustration is the lack of agreement on evaluating the Paris Agreement’s implementation, delaying clarity for vulnerable nations.
Dhakal anticipates intensified negotiations this week, with unresolved issues escalated to ministers for political guidance next week. Dhakal expressed frustration over the lack of agreement on evaluating the Paris Agreement implementation post-Global Stocktake. Vulnerable countries seek clarity and accountability. He anticipates intensified negotiations this week on emissions, finance, adaptation, and loss and damage, with unresolved issues escalated to ministers.
Dhakal expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of consensus on evaluating the Paris Agreement’s implementation after two years.
He articulated the need for LDCs to triple adaptation finance by 2025 due to escalating global temperatures and increasing adaptation needs in vulnerable nations. Initially lacking support, the demand has gained traction among developing countries and appears in draft texts of adaptation discussions. Tripling current adaptation funding of USD 40 billion to USD 120 billion annually from 2025 to 2030 is necessary, sourced from public grants. However, this amount is still below the over USD 300 billion required annually for global adaptation, highlighting the urgency for support.
Dhakal outlined that obstacles to progress vary by agenda item. For emission reduction, major emitters, especially oil-producing nations, resist stronger cuts. In contrast, for climate finance, rich countries are hesitant to increase funding, disadvantaging LDCs that cannot compromise essential development needs. This dynamic portrays a struggle between high-emission and high-capacity nations, leaving vulnerable countries at a disadvantage, as their urgent needs are overshadowed by the reluctance of more responsible and capable nations.
He emphasized the emotional challenges for vulnerable countries at COP, urging COP30 to ensure temperature limits, mobilize climate finance, prioritize adaptation, and address loss and damage. He warned that without action, climate change impacts will worsen, highlighting that LDC demands are critical for community survival.
Dhakal expressed disappointment with slow negotiations at COP, noting that vulnerable countries arrive with high hopes for progress. Delays cause frustration, emphasizing the need for collective decision-making to avoid a stagnant process.
He explained that obstacles to emission reduction come from major emitters and fossil fuel-dependent economies, while wealthy countries resist increasing climate finance commitments, highlighting issue-specific resistance.
Dhakal emphasizes COP30’s role in delivering hope and reassurances to vulnerable communities, demanding clear commitments from high-emitting nations on emission reductions and financial support for LDCs, for whom climate action is vital for survival.
He strongly urged global leaders to acknowledge climate change’s severe impacts on vulnerable nations, emphasizing rising sea levels and other threats. Immediate action is essential for future generations’ well-being.
Dhakal noted initial concerns when the U.S. withdrew, but the Paris Agreement proved resilient. Countries continued submitting NDCs and increasing burden-sharing. He hopes for the return of leaving nations, asserting the process is progressing forward.
Dhakal highlighted South Asia’s leadership despite vulnerability, with Bangladesh’s adaptation, Nepal’s forest conservation, and Bhutan’s carbon negativity showcasing capability, urging major emitters to emulate such efforts.
