Kathmandu, Nov. 13 -- The joint proposal of Nepal and Bhutan tabled for COP31 negotiations has received a cold response from the parties, especially the rich nations that are unprepared to pay for loss and damage inflicted in mountainous countries as a result of climate change.

Proposals by Nepal and Bhutan, and separately by Kyrgyzstan, to secure formal agenda items on mountain-related issues at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) failed to secure the backing of major negotiating blocs, according to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.

Speaking to the PTI news agency in Antalya, Turkiye, where the conference is going on, Khanal said the three countries would continue to face challenges in securing stronger formal recognition of mo...