Environment Diplomacy Division set up at MoFA

Kathmandu, Sept. 20

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has established an Environment Diplomacy Division to make diplomatic efforts related to climate and environmental issues more institutionalised and effective.

"The ministry decided to establish the division in response to the growing impacts of climate change and in recognition of the need to address these issues in line with current priorities," it said in a statement on Sunday.

Based on an Organisational and Management (O&M) Survey conducted by the ministry, the division has been established under the Economic, Social Development and Environment Diplomacy Section, which falls within the United Nations and Specialised Agencies Division. The new section will be headed by a joint secretary.

"Nepal has been actively participating in national, regional and international forums on climate change and environmental protection. The Environment Diplomacy Section has been established at the MoFA to advance these efforts in a more coordinated and institutionalised manner," read the statement.

According to the MoFA, the new section will facilitate international diplomatic initiatives related to climate and environmental issues and coordinate with relevant national agencies.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said that climate diplomacy should not be limited to participation in international conferences and events but should be pursued as a long-term institutional priority.

“Nepal has been continuously working on climate diplomacy at various international forums. Now, there is a need to take this forward in a more institutionalised manner,” he said. “Climate diplomacy cannot be advanced simply by focusing on participation in events from one UN Climate Change Conference (COP) to the next, or on participation in other programmes.”

He said climate diplomacy must be institutionalised, adding that the Environment Diplomacy Section had been established at the ministry for the time being, with the country's long-term interests at the centre.

Minister Khanal said work would initially be carried out through the section and that its institutional structure could be further strengthened in the future based on requirements and workload.

He also stressed that climate diplomacy should not be pursued only in response to the impacts of climate change and disaster-related events, but that priorities and initiatives in climate diplomacy should be advanced on a regular basis.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 21 September 2026.    

Nepal hopeful for loss and damage support

FM leaving for New York toady

 

Kathmandu, Sept. 19

A Nepali team led by Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is leaving for New York, the United States, on Sunday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement on Saturday that FM Khanal will participate in various high-level meetings, side events and ministerial-level programmes held as part of the high-level segment of the General Assembly. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and other dignitaries.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to leave for the United States on September 22 to lead the Nepali delegation. Prime Minister Shah will address the high-level segment of the General Assembly on September 24.

The Nepali delegation led by Prime Minister Shah will include Foreign Minister Khanal, Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior officials of the government.

The Nepali delegation attending the United Nations this year comprises 14 members. This is also one of the smaller delegations to attend the General Assembly under the leadership of a prime minister in recent years.

During his stay in New York, Prime Minister Shah is also scheduled to meet United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on September 26, while Foreign Minister Khanal is expected to return to Nepal on September 29.

Meanwhile, in an interview with The Rising Nepal (on page 3), Foreign Minister Khanal said that Nepal has seen a positive environment for receiving compensation for the loss and damage caused by the disaster due to the climate change. “Although Nepal had made claims previously, with the recent claim we have made in connection with the current disaster situation, we are seeing a positive environment emerging based on the information we are receiving,” he said.

According to him, in the long term, Nepal needs to work out how to build a more resilient ecosystem so that, when disasters occur in the future, it does not have to suffer the kind of human and physical losses it is facing.

“This is also the message we are giving to the international community. This is not a one-off disaster. Because of climate change, Nepal could face such events regularly in the future,” said FM Khanal.

He stressed the need for the international community's technology, knowledge, know-how and resources not only for immediate reconstruction and rebuilding, but also in the long term for preparedness and mitigation strategies. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 20 September 2026.    

Nepal will strongly voice for climate justice at UN

 Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has tried to initiate institutional and service-reforms which range from digitalising consular services to creating a vast pool of experts and prospective ambassadors. His activism in the aftermath of the catastrophic Bhotekoshi floods is visible from his bilateral engagements, situation monitoring, and the Foreign Ministry's leading role in information dissemination regarding the rescue and relief efforts. Amidst such a scenario, FM Khanal is attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York happening from this week, and Nepal is preparing to raise the issue of climate change impacts and lobby for justice. Ritu Raj Subedi and Modnath Dhakal of The Rising Nepal talked about Nepal's priorities in the post-disaster scenario, managing resources for the reconstruction and issues to be raised at the UNGA. Excerpts:

 

There is a common understanding that the new government has continued the foreign policy adopted by the previous governments. However, some critics have also raised questions about the policy of balance. Would you like to say something about this?

Nepal's foreign policy is guided by the Constitution of Nepal. In a democracy, the Constitution is the supreme law that must be followed by governments that come to power through democratic methods and processes. Nepal's fundamental foreign policy is clearly defined in terms of non-alignment, the Charter of the United Nations, and our multilateral and bilateral relations. So, whichever government comes to power must move forward within the framework of the foreign policy set out in the Constitution. As a democratic party, that is also our understanding. In that sense, it is natural that there is continuity in foreign policy, and I believe there should be such continuity.

 

A few days ago, in your address to the Parliament, you referred to the 'old baggage' arising from political polarisation within the country. How, then, has Nepal's internal political polarisation affected its foreign policy?

Any country's foreign policy must be guided by its national interest. However, over a long period, Nepal's foreign policy and its relationships were largely influenced by internal political and partisan conflicts, and were driven by highly personal or partisan interests. There were also instances where neighbouring countries and other friendly nations were unnecessarily brought into the political game of gaining personal or collective power, and in some cases were unnecessarily criticised or condemned.

Such wrong practices weaken our own national identity and interests. Foreign powers or friendly countries should not be brought into our internal struggles involving personal, partisan or factional interests. In this sense, when we refer to 'old baggage', our understanding is that we will not follow such tendencies and that such practices are wrong.

 

What preparations is the government currently making to attend the United Nations General Assembly?

A Nepali delegation led by the Prime Minister is going to the 81st session of the UNGA, and I will also be part of the delegation. The General Assembly's 'high-level week' will begin on September 22 and will run for about a week. I will be leading a team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will be participating from the beginning. Given the current crisis created by the Bhotekoshi disaster, the Prime Minister does not intend to remain outside the country for a long period. However, since the disaster has brought some climate-related critical issues to the fore again, we will internationalise them from the UN platform. The Prime Minister will participate in order to clearly raise issues concerning climate change and climate justice, as well as the impact of climate change on Nepal. He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24.

In addition, I will participate in various sideline events, high-level events and bilateral meetings. Nepal will also raise various issues at the international forum, including those concerning LDCs, of which Nepal is currently a member. We have also applied for an extension in relation to LDC graduation. We will participate in forums related to public health and issues concerning climate change. We are also organising a climate change-related event, "From Sagarmatha to Sea". I will also participate in a high-level event organised by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. In all those deliberations, I will place greater emphasis on Nepal's foreign policy, our engagement with the United Nations, and, given the current disaster situation, the issues of climate change and the crises arising from it.

 

Is the Prime Minister having any sideline meetings with his foreign counterparts?

There has been tremendous interest in the Prime Minister's visit from around the world. For a long time, his counterparts have also been expressing interest informally and indicating that they would like to meet him if time permits. However, given the disaster situation, he will now be travelling only for a short period. Because of his limited time, it appears that we may not be able to arrange many programmes. Since his presence will be brief, I do not think it will be possible to hold many engagements.

 

Nepal has written a letter to the board of the UN's Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. It has been reported that Nepal's chances of receiving US$20 million under the fund have increased. How close are we to receiving it?

Nepal has been making claims for a long time under the Loss and Damage Fund, which was established under the Paris Agreement. Although Nepal had made claims previously, with the recent claim we have made in connection with the current disaster situation, we are seeing a positive environment emerging based on the information we are receiving. The matter will formally be decided at a board meeting. We believe that the forthcoming board meeting may view Nepal's proposal positively.

 

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has also said that he will raise a strong voice for climate justice. In this regard, what kind of internal mechanisms and other groundwork are we doing to secure the international support we need?

A rapid post-disaster assessment has already been carried out, and it indicates that reconstruction could cost around US$4–5 billion. At present, more than 300 people have been mobilised through the National Planning Commission for the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). In a few weeks, we will have a clearer picture of how much will be needed for reconstruction. This will cover both the damage and the loss. Much of the hydropower sector, for example, is in private hands, although some projects are government-owned. Roads and bridges have also been washed away, as have schools and hospitals. So, there will be a need to rebuild public infrastructure as well. Tens of thousands of houses may also have to be rebuilt. This means we will have a major immediate need for resources.

In the short term, our focus is on post-disaster reconstruction, and we are putting a lot of effort into that. But this disaster has also taught us that reconstruction alone will not be enough. Many of our settlements and hydropower projects are located along rivers and streams. We now have to think about how we should rebuild in places where disasters have occurred. For example, in settlements such as Timure and Syafrubesi, and even in Betrawati, we need to consider whether people can safely continue to live there. If a similar accident or disaster happens again in the future, what will we do? We therefore need to rethink reconstruction in a new way.

Meanwhile, we also need to start thinking about other settlements located along our glacial corridors. In the long term, we need to work out how to build a more resilient ecosystem so that, when disasters occur in the future, we do not have to suffer the kind of human and physical losses we are facing today. This is also the message we are giving to the international community. This is not a one-off disaster. Because of climate change, Nepal could face such events regularly in the future. Therefore, the international community also needs to contribute to countries like Nepal that can suffer major and immediate impacts from climate change. Although our contribution to the problem is very small – 0.1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions - we are having to suffer its negative effects. In that situation, we need the international community's technology, knowledge, know-how and resources not only for immediate reconstruction and rebuilding, but also in the long term for preparedness and mitigation strategies. We are preparing for this accordingly.

 

You mentioned that the assessment is above Rs. 700 billion. After the 2015 Earthquake, Nepal held a donor conference to push forward the reconstruction drive. Have you also considered holding a donor conference for this disaster?

Yes, certainly. We are already moving ahead with preliminary discussions on holding a donor conference. Once the PDNA is completed, we are considering setting a date for the conference.

 

What are the government's main expectations from the UN?

We believe the UN is a strong platform for bringing the suffering we have experienced to the attention of the international community. That is what we are preparing to do. Likewise, regarding the donor conference, we will make particular use of bilateral meetings to prepare for it. Since this disaster occurred, I have spoken by telephone with counterparts from many countries. While I am at the UN, I will meet them as well as foreign ministers and other representatives of friendly countries who will be leading their delegations. We are making preparations for those meetings. Apart from our broader bilateral relations, one important issue we will raise with them is Nepal's reconstruction needs. We will also inform them about the resources we require.

After the UNGA, the COP climate conference will be held in Türkiye. The international community will once again come together there to discuss climate-related issues, and there will be extensive work on climate negotiations. We are preparing for that as well, in parallel.

 

It appears that close cooperation between China and Nepal could help mitigate disasters like the Bhotekoshi floods termed as 'Himalayan Tsunami'. However, some reports in the media have suggested that China did not provide a warning in time. What kind of communication did the government have with China before the disaster occurred?

This is a question I have been asked many times, and I have explained it on several occasions. Nepal and China reached an agreement some time ago to establish a mechanism for sharing hydrological and meteorological data between the two countries. Based on that agreement, we held meetings between the two sides. We had a meeting as recently as April, and after that we exchanged drafts for establishing the mechanism. After the meeting, we sent them a draft incorporating the conclusions we had reached, and we were waiting for their response. We were working very closely on this mechanism, particularly because Nepal is a downstream country. We need to take into account issues such as the possibility of floods in our rivers when there is heavy rainfall upstream.

We were doing intensive work on this mechanism when this major disaster occurred. Even after the disaster, China has been providing us with a great deal of information. They have given us access to satellite and drone images, as well as data, through a portal they have developed themselves. The Chinese side continuously monitored the potential risk areas through satellites and provided us with information and reports twice a day. At present, our Survey Department and our department dealing with climate-related issues are in continuous coordination with them. They are providing us with all the information we need.

That is the short-term aspect. The establishment of a bilateral mechanism for data sharing is also moving forward in parallel.

 

You introduced an open application process for the appointment of ambassadors. But there is a concern that highly competent people may not apply themselves. You may have to actively look for and bring in such people. Doesn't that create some mismatch in the process?

When we called for applications, we actually asked people to recommend suitable candidates rather than simply submit an application. People were also allowed to recommend themselves. We deliberately used language that was slightly different from the traditional idea of submitting an application. However, the general understanding was that this was simply another conventional application process. It was not.

We received around 2,700 CVs, and the process is taking some time as we received CVs of a much higher quality than I had personally expected. When you have to choose from among such strong candidates, the selection process requires careful consideration, both strategically and legally, for the government. We do not want to limit ourselves to a small circle. The reason we kept the process open was that, traditionally, if we had to select someone, we would probably look only within our own networks - people I know, or people known to those I know. By opening the process and asking people to suggest suitable candidates, Nepalis around the world were able to recommend people they considered suitable. As a result, our pool of potential candidates became much broader.

 

Since you took office, how much have you strengthened our missions abroad?

The number of Nepalis living abroad has increased, but the number of staff working at our embassies remains very low. So, in the first phase, we decided through the budget process to close some missions if necessary and increase the number of diplomatic staff in places where we need to provide more services.

A few days ago, we completed a new organisational and management survey, or O&M, and we are now in the process of implementing it. We have just started the work of deploying and transferring staff, including transferring staff from embassies that have been closed to places where there is a greater need. Many of our missions and embassies operate from rented buildings rather than having their own premises. We have started working on that issue as well. We are also working on how to make the services we provide easier and more accessible, including where we don't have our mission. As I have also said in Parliament, there are major countries where Nepali citizens have to take a three- or four-hour flight simply to provide their biometrics for passport applications. These are real difficulties. We are studying alternative ways of making such services more accessible.

Beyond that, we are also working to promote Nepal's long-term interests through stronger engagement with neighbouring countries. If we look particularly at India, Nepal and India have more than 40 bilateral mechanisms. Many of these mechanisms had not met for a long time. But recently, we have seen two or three meetings being held almost every week, sometimes in India and sometimes in Nepal. When these mechanisms become active, they strengthen the institutions themselves. If the mechanisms established for institutional strengthening are functioning properly, the conclusions they reach can provide long-term benefits for Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 20 September 2026.    

Institutional structures needed to address climate change: Khanal

Kathmandu, Sept. 16

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has stressed the need to establish long-term institutional structures to effectively address climate change, saying it is a multilateral issue.

Addressing the second edition of the ‘MoFA Knowledge Forum’ organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, he said that although climate change is a multilateral issue, Nepal needs long-term institutional structures to address it effectively.

"Effective results on climate change could be achieved only by establishing appropriate institutions and coordinating with multilateral organisations," he said.

According to him, although issues discussed at international climate change conferences - including the Conference of the Parties (COP) - change over time, Nepal should focus on determining the institutional structures it needs and how to present its concerns effectively on international platforms.

“The important question is what kind of institutions Nepal needs and at which international forums we can present our issues strongly,” Khanal said.

The forum also sought views and recommendations from experts who have worked or are currently working in various areas of climate change at both national and international levels. Participants were invited to provide their advice and suggestions. The discussion also covered Nepal’s participation at the United Nations and the issues related to climate change that Nepal should raise and present at the international body.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 17 September 2026.    

FM Khanal stresses proactive ecological partnership between Nepal and China

Kathmandu, Sept. 12

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that the disaster of August 26 was obviously a severe trial, but it has not broken the national resolve.

"With clear vision, mutual trust, and steered purpose, we will restore dangerous routes, reinforce fragile sites, and build resilient communities," he said while speaking at a dialogue on 'Nepal-China relations: Expanding horizons of cooperation' organised by Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism (FPDS) in Kathmandu on Saturday.

He said that recent tragedy brought home an undeniable truth that between Nepal and China, geography does not merely mark a political boundary, it binds their shared destiny.

Stating that nature does not recognise administrative divisions, FM Khanal said when glacial lakes swell, when weather patterns shift erratically, or when fragile mountain slopes give way, the hazard is trans-boundary.

"Therefore, our bilateral cooperation must evolve from conventional border management into a proactive ecological partnership. Environmental resilience and climate security must become the bedrock of our 21st-century statecraft," said FM Khanal, while adding that the Himalayas must not be remembered as a barrier that separates us, but embraced as a shared sanctuary that demands collective stewardship.

According to him, through real-time satellite data-sharing, joint meteorological forecasting, and coordinated early-warning networks against glacial lake outburst floods, ecological shocks could be benefitted before they claim lives.

He also said that as Nepal champions mountain diplomacy on the world stage—advocating for climate finance, technology access, and loss and damage mechanisms—its partnership with China must model how two mountain neighbours protect their shared roof of the world.

Likewise, FM Khanal said that by establishing joint innovation laboratories, institutional incubation centres, and structured technology transfer, Nepal and China can co-develop AI-driven solutions tailored for mountain economies—optimising precision agriculture, digitizing public service delivery, and automating disaster risk responses.

Unsustainable trade deficit

Talking about the bilateral trade between the two countries, Foreign Minister Khanal said that they must address trade imbalances. "While China is our largest source of Foreign Direct Investment and our second-largest trading partner, a bilateral trade deficit exceeding 15 billion Yuan is structurally unsustainable," he said, and added, "Addressing this gap requires practical trade statecraft. We seek technical cooperation for quarantine harmonization, including the prompt establishment of a certified Multi-Functional Laboratory in Nepal."

This will enable high-value Nepali agro-products, specialty coffee, tea, and medicinal herbs to genuinely benefit from duty-free access to China’s vast consumer market. FM Khanal also invited high-grade Chinese investment into clean manufacturing, ecotourism, and agro-processing.

He said that the two countries are committed to translating the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network from a visionary blueprint into tangible arteries on the ground.

However, this demands disaster-resilient upgrades across the northern gateways including modernising critical customs checkpoints, operationalising high-altitude border ports into fully functional, year-round commercial hubs, and rebuilding severed highways, bridges, and cross-border corridors with climate-hardened engineering capable of withstanding ecological shocks.

 

'Tackling climate challenge, a common goal'

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of China to Nepal Zhang Maoming said that the common goal of Nepal and China is to tackle climate related challenges created by global warming as both the countries are severely affected by it.

He said the recent catastrophic floods and mudslides in the Bhotekoshi river is another painful reminder that no country can face climate change crisis alone.

He highlighted the severe economic losses including the damage of homes, livelihood, industries and hydropower projects by the torrents, and said, "We must stand together and jointly cope with these challenges. China is ready to work with Nepal in information sharing in hydrological and meteorological problems."

According to Zhang, political parties and governments with effective vertical coordination and robust implementation capacity can exercise strong overall planning, coordination, organisation and mobilisation in the face of major disasters, and effectively safeguard people's lives and property.

He suggested maintaining close high-level interaction, advance high-quality belt and road cooperation and practical cooperation, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges between Nepal and China.

 

Khanal suggests stronger digital connectivity

Likewise, former prime minister Jhala Nath Khanal said that stronger physical and digital connectivity could expand trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations between Nepal and China.

Discussing changes in the international system, he referred to China’s rise, the growing relevance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, trends towards de-dollarisation and the gradual shift in global influence towards the Global South. He argued that Nepal should carefully assess these transformations and position itself strategically within the emerging global order while protecting its sovereignty and national interests.

According to Khanal, Nepal and China should exhibit greater seriousness in advancing the agreed projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly those relating to the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity.

Expressing appreciation for China’s people-centred approach to development, he encouraged Nepali youths to develop their capacities in technology, entrepreneurship and digital innovation. "Cooperation in science, technology and innovation could become an important new pillar of Nepal–China relations," he said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 13 September 2026.    

PM Shah to champion climate justice at UNGA

Kathmandu, Sept. 11

Prime Minister Balendra Shah is set to draw the international community’s attention to the loss of lives and property Nepal has repeatedly suffered from climate change and climate-induced disasters.

He will call for climate justice, including immediate and appropriate compensation through mechanisms such as the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), while highlighting that Nepal is experiencing the adverse impacts of climate change despite its negligible carbon emissions.

PM Shah is leading a high-level Nepali delegation to the High-Level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly scheduled in New York for 22-28 September. He is scheduled to address the General Debate on 24 September, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai informed during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday.

This will be the first maiden foreign trip of PM Shah. He will stay in New York for five days – from 22 to 26 September.

"The Prime Minister will also appeal to developed and wealthy countries to provide accessible and concessional technology and climate finance to Nepal for building climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders," he said.

PM Shah will raise several issues at the General Assembly but his focus would be on climate change and its repercussions on the Himalayas and Nepali people who have recently experienced devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River that killed 1385 while leaving more than 5000 unaccounted for.

According to the Rapid Disaster and Needs Assessment (RDNA) conducted by the National Planning Commission and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, about Rs. 723.31 billion will be required for reconstruction of the structures and infrastructures damaged by the devastating floods.

About 75 per cent (Rs. 473.57 billion) of the total recovery needs, will be required to restore the infrastructure sector, which suffered the largest impact from the disaster. Houses, farm lands, hydropower projects, roads and motorable and suspension bridges, businesses and industries have swept away in the floods or damaged by it.

The Prime Minister is also expected to highlight Nepal’s contribution to global environmental protection through nature-friendly lifestyles, forests covering more than 46 per cent of its territory, the Himalayan region and extensive river systems.

"The disaster has further highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to the climate crisis. Although Nepal makes a negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, countries such as Nepal continue to bear a disproportionate share of the adverse impacts of climate change," said Rai.

During the UNGA, Nepal will organise a side event titled 'Sagarmatha to the Sea: A Call to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future'. According to Rai, the event will discuss the adverse impacts of global climate change, particularly in the Himalayan region, and the resulting disasters, with the aim of drawing international attention to the issue.

 

FM Khanal to have sideline meetings

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will participate in ministerial meetings of the Least Developed Countries (LDC), Landlocked Developing Countries, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77 and China. He will also address other high-level discussions and side events organised by the United Nations.

The foreign minister will hold meetings with counterparts from neighbouring and other friendly countries, as well as senior UN officials.

The MoFA said that PM Shah is leading a small delegation that will include Foreign Minister Khanal, Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Rai and other senior government officials.

The theme of this year’s General Assembly is 'Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All'. Heads of state from 81 countries and heads of government from 50 countries, including Nepal, are scheduled to participate in the General Assembly.

"The General Assembly will provide Nepal an opportunity to call at the highest level for continued and increased international support and goodwill towards Nepal," said Rai.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 September 2026.    

Foreign Minister stresses regional cooperation for biodiversity conservation

Kathmandu, Sept. 11

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation for wildlife and biodiversity conservation in South Asia.

Addressing a reception of the first General Assembly of the South Asia Wildlife Crime Control Network (SAWCCN) held in Kathmandu on Friday, he said effective coordination and information sharing among relevant agencies of member countries were necessary to combat cross-border wildlife crime.

"Illegal wildlife trade had emerged as a growing challenge to international security. Effective coordination among wildlife conservation agencies, customs authorities, police, investigators and judicial institutions is necessary to control it," said FM Khanal.

According to him, the Network demonstrates the capacity to unite under South Asia’s shared moral responsibility and protect common natural heritage here.

Noting that South Asian countries are interconnected by geography, ecology and history, he said mountain ranges, river systems, forests, wetlands and wildlife that move across borders constitute shared natural heritage. He said collective and coordinated efforts were necessary to protect these resources.

Likewise, FM Khanal also stated that Nepal had consistently prioritised regional cooperation and that multilateral partnerships based on practical cooperation, mutual trust and tangible results for people would remain effective in the long term.

“Nepal is proud to host the secretariat of the South Asia Wildlife Crime Control Network in Kathmandu,” he said. “We view this not merely as an administrative responsibility but as a long-term commitment to strengthening an institution jointly owned by all member states.”

The Minister said that political commitment, strong legal frameworks, effective enforcement and active community participation were necessary for wildlife and biodiversity conservation. He also stressed that conservation achievements made at the national level should be reinforced through cross-border cooperation.

FM Khanal said biodiversity conservation, environmental integrity and the control of organised crime were increasingly linked to modern diplomacy. Protecting natural resources, he said, was an important foundation for building a secure, prosperous and environmentally resilient South Asia. He also pledged continued support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Nepal as an active partner in these efforts.

Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent Bhotekoshi disaster, Khanal said its severity was far beyond that of an ordinary flood and described it as a “Himalayan tsunami”. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He also thanked friendly countries and partners for expressing solidarity with Nepal during the disaster.

Khanal said the first General Assembly of the network had opened a new chapter in its institutional development and expressed confidence that it would further strengthen friendship, trust and partnership among member states.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 September 2026.  

Two individuals rescued

Kathmandu, Sept. 5

On the 11th day after the devastating flood struck the Bhotekoshi River, 64-year-old Chandrika Shrestha was rescued from the house of Ananda Shrestha in Betrawati in Nuwakot.

Shrestha, a resident of Bidur–10, Nuwakot, was rescued by a team of the Armed Police Force, led by Inspector Suman BK. She was found unconscious. Following the rescue, she is being airlifted to the Nepali Army’s Maithili Barracks in Trishuli.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, she will be brought to Kathmandu for further medical care, if necessary.

Meanwhile, a Chinese national has been rescued from Audit 4 Tunnel of the Upper Trishuli 1 (216 MW) hydropower project, which was affected by the flood.

The person was rescued from the tunnel shortly before by a joint team from the Nepali Army and a disaster expert team from South Korea. He was also taken to the Maithili Barracks.

The NDRRMA informed in its updates on Saturday evening that the death toll in the floods has reached 1,331 while about 5,000 – including 589 foreign nationals and 100 security personnel – are left unaccounted for. Ninety-eight dead bodies and mortal remains have been handed over to the concerned families.

So far, 5,929 individuals receiving injuries in the floods have undergone treatment, while 3982 are staying in 41 holding centres in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Kathmandu districts.

Likewise, over 21,400 security personnel have been mobilised at various locations for rescue and relief operations. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 6 September 2026.   

Nepal seeks global aid to establish multi-hazard early warning system

Kathmandu, Sept. 2

Nepal has called upon the international community to support in establishing an integrated, multi-hazard early warning system powered by modern information and communications technologies (ICT), satellite technologies, and artificial intelligence.

"Such a system would monitor risks across the Himalayas and downstream river basins, provide timely and accurate warnings, and ensure that alerts reach every vulnerable community through reliable last-mile connectivity, thereby enabling a shift from disaster anticipation to effective disaster response," Nepal's ambassador to Thailand and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Dhan Bahdaur Oli said.

Speaking at the Fifth Session of the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation held in Bangkok on Wednesday, he also encouraged ESCAP, UN agencies, other development partners, international financial institutions, and other stakeholders to support these technologies as shared regional digital public goods, backed by capacity-building, technology transfer, and predictable financing.

The session that will run till Friday is discussing the Asia-Pacific digital transformation landscape, the Action Plan for Implementing the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative, 2027–2030, the Review of the Implementation of the Astana Ministerial Declaration on Digital Inclusion and Transformation in Asia and the Pacific, the Embassy of Nepal Bangkok informed in a statement.

On the occasion, Oli shared the current situation following the devastating disaster that occurred in Nepal on August 26, describing it as a 'Himalayan Tsunami' of an unprecedented magnitude, far greater than a conventional flood.

According to the embassy, he stressed that Nepal has been bearing the severe consequences of such disasters despite its negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

He underscored the importance of resilient connectivity and robust digital infrastructure for a country like Nepal, particularly when conventional infrastructure is damaged or cut off. "In such circumstances, communication can make the difference between receiving a warning and receiving none, between locating those in need and losing contact with them, and between a coordinated emergency response and one that is severely constrained," said Oli. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 3 September 2026.   

Minister Chaudhary calls for greater climate justice

Kathmandu, June 30

Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary has called for greater climate justice, increased climate finance and stronger international cooperation to support vulnerable countries affected by climate change.

Addressing the Seventh Climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Conference in Bangkok on Tuesday, she said Nepal contributes only a negligible share of global greenhouse gas emissions but continues to face severe impacts and risks from climate change.

“Nepal's status as a least developed, landlocked and high-mountain country makes it particularly vulnerable, despite its contribution to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection that helps regulate the global climate,” the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok quoted Minister Chaudhary as saying in a statement.

The conference, jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), was held in Bangkok from June 29 to 30.

The conference discussed synergies between the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, and integrated action for climate, environment and sustainable development.

Minister Chaudhary stressed the need to place mountain issues at the centre of the global climate agenda, saying the Himalayas, often described as Asia's water reservoir, and their glaciers are vital to the region.

She said coordinated implementation of climate commitments and the SDGs is essential for Nepal to maximise the use of its limited resources. Investments in climate action, she added, should also accelerate progress towards the SDGs and deliver wider development benefits.

Likewise, Minister Chaudhary said that Nepal's third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) have been fully aligned with the SDGs and prepared with the participation of government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

According to the Embassy, she appealed to the international community to support their implementation.

Minister Chaudhary also urged developed countries to ensure adequate, predictable, grant-based and easily accessible climate finance and to provide assistance to affected communities through the Loss and Damage Fund.

She further called for improved market access for organic products from least developed, landlocked and mountainous countries, contributing to environmental and biodiversity conservation.

Environment ministers and representatives from Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Fiji and Pakistan, among other countries, participated in the conference.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 July 2026.    

ADB, IDA, SDC to support in disaster risk management

Kathmandu, Nov. 5

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirming their shared commitment to support the Government of Nepal in strengthening disaster risk reduction and management and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

“Nepal faces increasing threats from climate-induced hazards such as floods, droughts, landslides, and glacier melt, which continue to cause severe human and economic losses and displace communities,” they said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

Nature-dependent sectors, including hydropower—vital to the country’s economic growth—are particularly vulnerable to these impacts.

“Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster risk management has never been more critical. These investments will not only strengthen communities and safeguard essential assets but also create jobs and foster long-term economic growth,” said Arnaud Cauchois, ADB Country Director for Nepal. He added that through strengthened coordination and technical cooperation, ADB, IDA, and SDC aim to support Nepal in building resilience to climate impacts and ensuring that investments bring lasting benefits to people across the country.

The partner agencies have expressed their intention to collaborate in supporting the Government of Nepal in developing resilient infrastructure and advancing planned and existing investments, including in the hydropower sector, within the Dudh Koshi River Basin in Koshi Province.

“As one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate shocks and natural disasters, building resilience is an imperative for Nepal. By joining forces, the ADB, World Bank, and SDC intend to leverage our collective expertise, resources, and commitment to support Nepal’s sustainable development,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 

According to the development agencies involved in the initiative, the partnership aims to strengthen Nepal’s disaster resilience by enhancing multi-hazard risk assessment models, establishing comprehensive early warning systems, advancing climate risk management and financial services for climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting knowledge sharing and awareness.

It will also emphasise joint analytical work, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and close technical collaboration with the Government of Nepal and local stakeholders.

“Switzerland is strongly committed to fostering resilience and sustainable development in Nepal. Through this partnership, a dedicated Swiss team of experts from academia and the private sector will be mobilised to engage with Nepali counterparts, ADB, and IDA to co-develop innovative solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate-resilient infrastructure,” said Ambassador Arno Wicki, SDC Assistant Director General and Head of the Division for Asia – Americas.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 6 November 2025.        

Japan Vice-Minister pays courtesy call on FM Rana

Kathmandu, May 17

Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Akiko Ikuina, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba on Saturday.

Deputy Minister Ikuina, who is currently in Nepal to participate in the Sagarmatha Sambaad, held the sideline meeting at Hotel Soaltee, the venue of the event.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr. Rana expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan for its support in the reconstruction and maintenance of the Sindhuli–Bardibas road.

The road had sustained significant damage due to excessive rainfall last year. Following a request from Nepal, Japan agreed to assist in the repair and reconstruction of the road which was originally built with Japanese grant assistance.

Furthermore, FM Dr. Rana and the Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister discussed various aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries. She also urged Japan to continue supporting and expressing solidarity with Nepal’s call for climate justice on international platforms.

Likewise, FM Dr. Rana has urged the Special Envoy for Climate Change and Sustainability of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bader Omar Ismail Al Dafa, to intensify efforts regarding the condition and repatriation of Bipin Joshi.

She made the request during a meeting at the sidelines of the Sagarmatha Dialogue on Friday.

The two discussed the situation of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali youth abducted by Hamas in October 2023.

FM Dr. Rana expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by Qatar for Joshi’s release and return to Nepal and requested continued and intensified efforts in this regard. She has previously appealed several times to the Qatari Foreign Minister and to key mediators in peace talks between Hamas and Israel to take necessary initiatives for Joshi’s release.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 May 2025. 

PM holds high-level meetings

 Kathmandu, May 16

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli remained busy holding a series of high-level courtesy meetings on Friday, coinciding with Nepal’s first-ever Sagarmatha Sambaad, a global dialogue on climate change and resilience.

Indian Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, met Prime Minister Oli at his official residence in Baluwatar and expressed gratitude for inviting to the event. Stressing the significance of Everest as the 'roof of the world', he called for collective efforts to protect it.

PM Oli thanked him for his participation and emphasised the need for regional cooperation, especially on environmental issues such as glacier protection and transboundary pollution from crop burning, the Prime Minister's Secretariat informed in a statement.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister Yadav also held separate meeting at the sidelines of the Sambaad. Their talks were focused on India–Nepal relations and joint efforts on biodiversity conservation. They welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two nations in this field.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Social Welfare, Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, also paid a courtesy call on PM Oli. Leading the Bangladeshi delegation to the Sambaad, she discussed long-standing bilateral relations and cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh.

Likewise, World Bank's Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, met with PM Oli t and discussed ongoing collaborations in economic development and social upliftment.

The Prime Minister appreciated the WB’s continued support and shared Nepal’s commitment to improving public finance and accelerating project delivery through the upcoming budget. The Bank has invested 19 sectors including energy, transport, education, and health sectors in Nepal.

Meanwhile, Vice President of the Asian Development Bank Fatima Yasmin held high-level meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh and Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Dipak Khadka. The discussions focused on advancing climate-resilient infrastructure and urban planning strategies to support Nepal’s long-term development goals, the ADB informed in a statement.

Reiterating ADB’s commitment to supporting climate-resilient infrastructure, she praised Nepal’s leadership in hosting the Sagarmatha Sambaad.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 17 May 2025. 

'Sagarmatha Dialogue' to facilitate climate change discussions

Kathmandu, May 14

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has said that the Sagarmatha Sambaad (Dialogue) would facilitate extensive discussions on the current state of climate change and the challenges it poses.

The dialogue being organised by Nepal will focus on climate change, the Himalayas, and the future of humanity. Although it was announced several years ago, it was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic and frequent changes in the government.

Speaking at a workshop on climate adaptation and resilience in South Asia organised in Kathmandu on Wednesday, she said that climate change is not just the problem of a single nation, but a global issue, and therefore requires appropriate commitments, collaboration, and coordination.

"Our efforts alone are not sufficient to confront this shared problem. That is why Nepal has organised the Sagarmatha Dialogue to establish a common platform for collective cooperation and coordination. This is a forum for all," said Minister Dr. Rana.

Citing recent examples of Nepal experiencing climate-induced natural disasters such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and flooding, glacial lake outburst floods, droughts, and wildfires, she pointed out that such problems are regional in nature and that this event would be important in addressing them.

According to her, the dialogue will be instrumental in collectively advocating for Nepal’s current situation of bearing the unimaginable impacts of climate change, and in amplifying Nepal’s call for climate justice on global platforms.

Dr. Rana also informed that the event, taking place in Kathmandu from Friday, would serve as a significant platform for Nepal's international presence and would host discussions on pressing regional and global issues related to climate change.

She also shared that Nepal has enacted the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and is working through related policies and strategic action plans.

She reiterated Nepal's commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and highlighted government initiatives such as the promotion of green energy, use of electric vehicles, expansion of forests including community forests, and policies aimed at protecting reservoirs, national parks, and other natural resources.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 May 2025. 

Preparations for Sagarmatha Dialogue in final phase

 Kathmandu, May 9

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has informed that the Government of Nepal is in the final phase of preparations for the first edition of the Sagarmatha Dialogue, an international conference being organised by Nepal.

Chairing a meeting of the Sagarmatha Dialogue Management Committee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday, FM Dr. Rana stressed that the Ministry is working diligently to develop this initiative into a significant and impactful forum for Nepal.

Nepal is organising such an international forum for the first time and has already decided to host it annually as a permanent diplomatic platform.

The event, scheduled to take place in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18  will focus on climate change, the Himalayas, and the future of humanity. Dr. Rana described the Dialogue as a key platform to elevate Nepal’s presence on the global stage.

She highlighted that Nepal’s glaciers, vital sources of water and environmental stability, are melting at an alarming rate, and the country is bearing immense and disproportionate losses due to climate change. According to her, the Dialogue will serve to amplify Nepal’s long-standing call for climate justice on international platforms.

FM Dr. Rana emphasised that the Sagarmatha Dialogue is designed as a global platform to deliberate on critical regional and international issues related to climate change. The inaugural edition aims to bring together climate-affected communities, scientists, policymakers, mountaineers, world leaders, and international organisations for dialogue and commitment.

As chair of the event’s management committee, Dr. Rana noted that the government is working to ensure high-level international participation, and several dignitaries have already confirmed their attendance.

Recognising the event as a major opportunity for Nepal, she called on officials from all relevant ministries, the private sector, and Nepali missions abroad to contribute their utmost.

Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi shared that his ministry is in the final stages of preparation. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai briefed the meeting on the progress of the event’s planning.

To date, high-level representatives from around two dozen countries and over 50 international organisations have confirmed their participation in the Sagarmatha Dialogue.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 10 May 2025. 

‘Climate change is a Himalayan cirsis’

Kathmandu, Apr. 7

Experts from various disciplines have underscored a growing global consensus: climate change is a Himalayan crisis, and immediate, collaborative action is needed.

This collective call to action emerged during the 'Pre-Sagarmatha Dialogue' hosted by the International Relations and Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD) in collaboration with the Government of Nepal in Kathmandu on Monday.

The government is holding 'Sagarmatha Sambaad' from 16 to 18 May 2025.

State Minister for Forests and Environment, Rupa BK, described the Sagarmatha Dialogue as a 'global initiative', not merely a national conversation. “It is not only about protecting nature but also about uplifting low-carbon communities like ours,” she said, reiterating Nepal’s vulnerability and the government’s ongoing efforts.

IRGDD President and former ambassador, Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, emphasised the pressing need for diplomacy and dialogue that centres on Himalayas. “The climate change is a Himalayan crisis. Global conversations must reflect this truth," she said.

Likewise, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho of ICIMOD warned of the dangers of black carbon and stressed the need for carbon finance and transboundary cooperation. Former climate advisor Dr. Popular Gentle called for a permanent climate negotiation team for Nepal, labelling it a critical youth agenda.

Former Finance Secretary, Madhu Marasini, revealed that while 6 per cent of Nepal’s federal budget is already climate-focused, this must rise to 20 per cent by FY 2029/30.

Similarly, Mountaineer Dawa Tashi Sherpa highlighted the ecological strain caused by lifestyle changes, urging collective responsibility.

Energy expert Dr. Biraj Singh Thapa urged the government to adopt hydrogen technologies and shift policies to reduce fossil fuel dependency, as Nepal currently spends NPR 400 billion annually on fuel imports.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 8 April 2025.      

Financing gap impacts locally-led adaptation for climate change

 Kathmandu, Feb. 15: 

Locally led adaptation plans for climate change are facing slow progress and poor implementation in absence of required financial resources across the region in South Asia including Nepal. 

Speaking at an international workshop on 'Institutionalising Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) in South South Asia' that concluded on Friday, the experts and government officials said that the local communities lack the enablers of leadership and action. 

According to them, lack of enabling policies and governance structures, devolved, adequate and flexible finance, human, institutional and technical capacities, and downward accountability has significantly impacted the locally-led climate change adaptation activities in Nepal. 

Suman Subedi from the Climate Change Management Division (CCMD) of the Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE) called on the stakeholders to ensure financial resources for the funding of adaptation programmes at the local level so that sustainable development could be promoted. 

"We need to recognise that the challenges are significant which demand collaborative efforts from us in addressing them," he said. 

The CCMD has a designated Adaptation Section with responsibility of preparing and implementing programmes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, taking lead in developing climate action plans for both adaptation and mitigation, facilitating the management of climate financing, assisting in the development of climate technology, organising national and international meetings and fulfilling international reporting requirements.

Speaking at a press meet on the concluding day, Subedi stated that although efforts are underway to formulate and implement Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPA) in all 753 local levels of Nepal, many local bodies have not yet executed the plans. He emphasised the need for increased investment in climate adaptation, considering Nepal's high vulnerability to climate change risks.

Highlighting the significance of the workshop, he noted that it provided a crucial platform for sharing experiences among various institutions in South Asia working on the same issue. "Such programmes help make Nepal's environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and adaptation plans more relevant to the times," maintained Subedi. 

Poor execution of adaptation programmes 

"Most of the adaptation plans are prepared by the experts and consultants and they seldom go into actions because local bodies lack the expertise needed to execute such plans," said Joy Elamon, Member of Kerala State Disaster Management Authority of India while stressing the need for capacity development of the local governments and communities.

He pointed to the need to create ownership of the local communities in adaptation plans and incorporate private and non-profit sectors in the process. 

Likewise, Susan Shen, Director of Asia Programme of the Global Centre for Adaptation (GCA), recommended integration of the national development plans with the local ones, exploration of the opportunities for alternative mode of financing such as self-help initiatives and implementation of public and private partnership strategy to make the locally-led adaptation more effective and result oriented. 

"For the countries like Nepal, exploring financing opportunities with the multilateral donors like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank can be a starting point as they have started financing in climate projects," said Shen, adding that African Development Bank has made a few successful investments in such projects. 

According to her, a global data hub will be created to share the good and successful practices in community-led climate change adaptation programmes and projects so that it could be shared with the communities across the globe. Shen also pointed to the need to enable and empower the communities for the same. 

Skilling up communities

Samjhana Bista, Country Director of DCA in Nepal, said that building adapting capacity of the community with enhanced green areas and government investment in such initiatives would be instrumental in improving the situation. 

She also stressed simplification of the knowledge in this area so that the communities and people at the grassroot could be benefitted. 

However, scaling up and institutionalising LLA continues to be a challenge despite history of promoting devolved governance and community-based action, said Anju Sharma, Global Lead, Locally Led Adaptation of GCA. According to her, poverty and geophysical factors also contributed to the vulnerabilities in the region. 

Likewise, Vincent Gainey, Climate Resilience Advisor at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said that viability of getting climate finance for the local bodies, local adaptation and support programmes had not been easy but there existed many opportunities in this regard. 

"The UK has many programmes being implemented in many countries supporting vulnerable communities in locally-led climate change adaptation. For example, Bhutan is moving to the next stage of such initiative. We have also been supporting such programmes in Nepal," he said. 

FCDO’s Climate Advisor, Yugan Manandhar, cited the example of FCDO establishing an emergency fund based on internal risk assessments for disaster risk management. He suggested that such a fund could be further institutionalised at the government level and utilised during times of disaster.

He further stated that creating public-private partnerships for this purpose would make the initiative more effective and sustainable.

Leadership of community

Organised by the GCA and DCA in collaboration with the MoFE, the three-day workshop was attended by the government and civil society members from various countries from the region and beyond. 

The workshop saw the participation of representatives from Nepal as well as other South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, along with representatives from government and non-governmental organisations working in this sector. Group discussions were held across eight different sessions related to local adaptation programmes.

The workshop featured discussions on issues such as food security, water resource management, urban development, and climate finance. It also discussed nature-based solutions to build community resilience, institutionalising locally led adaptation, and leveraging private sector finance for it. 

Decades of experience and learning in the development and environment sectors have shown that when enabled and empowered, communities are not only the victims but also are very effective leaders in finding and implementing solutions to address local challenges, the organisers said. 

"Their integrated understanding of their needs and priorities, combined with local knowledge (including of social and political norms), puts them in a unique position for tailoring locally-appropriate, innovative, effective and sustainable solutions," read a note from them. 

Meanwhile, South Asian countries have a strong history of supporting locally led action, and now, locally led adaptation (LLA). Bangladesh was one of the first countries in the world to set up a national climate fund – the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund – resourced from national budgetary sources to fund activities on the ground. Nepal pioneered Local Adaptive Plan of Actions (LAPAs), and with Bhutan, is pioneering the LDC Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR).

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 February 2025.  

SchEMS publishes books on climate finance

Kathmandu, Feb. 14

The School of Environmental Science and Management (SchEMS) has launched two books on climate finance – 'Strengthening Climate Rationale: Enhancing access to climate finance' and 'Integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Climate Finance' on Friday.

Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri launched the publications at a programme at a workshop organised by the Nepal Climate Initiative (NCI) under the SchEMS in the Capital.

According to the experts who contributed to the books, Nepal's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) estimates that it will cost about US$ 21 billion to adapt to climate change by the end of this decade, rising to over US$ 47 by mid-century while the Government of Nepal has pledged only $1.5 billion. So, the country needs to strengthen its negotiations for climate finance. The books are said to work as a resource book in that regard.

'Strengthening Climate Rationale' includes topics like Nepal's climate policy, climate rationale in the context of adaptation related projects and in mitigation, guidance for project development, and climate change projects. Likewise, 'Integrating GESI in Climate Finance' presents ideas on national policies and framework related to GESI, governance and intervention for GESI and mainstreaming it in climate finance projects.

Minister Shahi lauded the efforts to create and enhance knowledge in the areas of climate finance and said that effective solutions are needed to mitigate climate impacts. "We must find ways to mobilise and benefit from the international funds for climate finance. However, we need to enhance our capacity as such funds are highly competitive," he said.

Dr. Maheshwor Dhakal, Chief of the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, expressed his hopes that the books would be helpful in enhancing the knowledge of the professionals and academics equally in the areas of climate finance.

Manjeet Dhakal, Head of LDC Support Team Climate Analytics South Asia and Member of NCI, urged for higher attention from the stakeholders including from the public and private sector to combat the climate change impacts. Principal of SchEMS, Ajay Bhakta Mathema, expressed his hopes that the books would serve as an important resource for the professionals in the field. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 February 2025.  

Stakeholders push for innovative financing for clean energy growth

Kathmandu, Jan. 28

Stakeholders have suggested for innovative financing models to achieve ambitious national clean energy target of developing projects with 28,500 Megawatts capacity by 2035 and increase per capita energy consumption to 1500 units.

Speaking at the 'Energy transition for resilient and low carbon economy summit, 2025' organised by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) in Kathmandu on Tuesday, they said that as a significant portion of the global climate finance is being channeled to clean and renewable energy, Nepal has an immense opportunity be get benefitted from it.

Prof. of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, Dr. Shobhakar Dhakal, said that more than 40 per cent of the global climate finance goes to renewable energy and Nepal must tap on this opportunity.

"Likewise, investment and financing, especially from the private sector, is instrumental to promote and develop the renewable energy projects," he said.

According to Prof. Dhakal, sales of solar technology, batteries and electronic vehicles has gone up exponentially, of late. Meanwhile, solar and wind technology have challenged the traditional energy option as their costs are declining while hydropower is increasing.

He suggested that in order to cope with challenges, Nepal should devise integrated long-term evidence-based energy transition, strengthen institutions and financing, and ensure legislation and regulatory mechanism.

"Creating far-reaching policies and facilitating the private sector are highly instrumental in this drive to achieve the clean energy goals. We must be clear that the 'piece meal approach' is not enough," said Prof. Dhakal.

However, he stated that although Nepal's electricity access has reached 98 per cent, more than a third of the population has low quality energy supply which does not help in operating industries and even the consumer durables like washing machines.

 

Roping in private sector

Prof. Dhakal suggested roping in the private sector to expand the reach of and access to renewable energy. "Nepal needs intervention in clean cooking especially electrifying it, electrifying the transport sector and creating support infrastructure, modernizing grid with low losses, enhancing energy efficiency, ensuring environmental sustainability," he said.

Addressing the summit, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, said that the country aimed to increase the per capita energy consumption to at least 1500 unit by 2035 so that the domestic consumption would reach 13,500 MW by the end of the coming decade. 

"We aim to attain zero carbon emission by 2045 although our emission is very low compared to developed countries and the neighbourhood," he said while expressing commitment to explore various sectors in the clean energy sector and support energy transition.

Nepal has a national target to generate 28,500 MW electricity by 2035 which means it needs to produce 25,000 MW in the next one decade. For it, reservoir-based projects would be facilitated, said Minister Khadka.

 

Renewable energy is national interest

Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the ICIMOD, said that Nepal is sitting on huge energy resources but efforts must be scaled up to exploit these resources and let economy benefit from it.

"When we talk about renewable energy, we are talking about national economy and national security," he maintained.

Dr. Gyamtsho suggested running tram or other convenient public transport facilities, especially in the Kathmandu valley and other large cities, building on the clean energy prospects. He also suggested Nepal to make risk assessment in the hydroelectricity sector.

Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General of the IRENA, Abudhabi in the United Arab Emirates, pledged her support in the government's effort in renewable energy deployment.

Similarly, Pippa Bird, Development Director and Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom for Nepal, said that transition to clean and renewable energy would contribute to the savings of foreign currency reserves which could be up to US$ 14 billion.

According to her, Nepal has a potential to be a clean energy hub in the region, and it has potential to earn US$ 9 billion a year through carbon export.

Bird suggested supporting the small and medium enterprises in the process of energy transition. "For that, we need stronger policy framework, greater private sector participation and regulatory facilitation. Remove barriers to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), access climate finance and utilise the energy bonds," she said.

Executive Director of the AEPC, Nawa Raj Dhakal, said that private sector cooperation is instrumental in energy transition. "Energy is an important infrastructure for the long-term and sustainable development. AEPC is collaborating with traditional as well as new financing models and organisations to attract more development support to the country," he said.

Guru Prasad Paudel, Executive Director of the Nepal Rastra Bank, said that there is a capacity gap in terms of implementing the green taxonomy in the banking sector. However, it has the potential to reform the banking and financial sector in the medium and long term, he said.

 

Challenge to reduce cost

Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, Joint Secretary at the Climate Change Management Division at the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), said that reducing the cost of transition and checking capital flight are the two major challenges in clean energy transition.

"Green and clean energy policies should be internalised at all sectors of economy, business and society. Only then it can help in sustainable economic growth," he said.

The summit deliberated upon various themes of energy transition including the sectoral needs, opportunities and challenges, investment and climate finance for energy transition, and regulatory framework, governance and capacity development.

The summit was held on the occasion of the International Clean Energy Day 2025. The United Nations had decided to celebrate January 26 as the Clean Energy Day which is being marked since 2024. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 January 2025.  

AEPC to mark International Clean Energy Day on January 26

Kathmandu, Jan. 20

The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) is celebrating the International Clean Energy Day 2025 with various programmes and activities.

January 26 is being celebrated as the International Day of Clean Energy to mark the development and various initiatives in clean and renewable energy. The United Nations has initiated this celebration since 2024 and it is observed with various programmes and events across the world.

Executive Director of the AEPC, Nawa Raj Dhakal, informed at a press meet organised at his office on Monday that the Centre will organise an interaction with the clean and renewable energy stakeholders on January 26 and meeting with the development partners on January 27 while ‘Energy transition for resilient and low carbon economy summit 2025 will be held on January 28’.

"Development partners meet is being organised to update the international development partners about Nepal's policy and programmes and initiatives for the promotion and development of clean energy and get input for their priority areas," said Dhakal.

Likewise, the summit will bring together the clean energy stakeholders to deliberate on the possible future policies and strategies. It is being organised with the aim to identify the sectorial needs, opportunities and challenges, and prioritization of bankable projects and finding opportunities for investment and resource mobilization for energy transition.

It also aims to share success projects and development cooperation in energy sector, showcase potential bankable projects and investment promotion, and produce knowledge materials.

According to Dhakal, especially at a time while Nepal is graduating to a developing nation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026 and funds for clean and renewable energy are becoming scarce, we need to constantly work with the potential development partners in order to collaborate and cooperate in the sector and ensure Nepal gets better access to global carbon and energy funds.

"We have been focusing on alternative energy options for the people who lacked access to the national grid and other alternatives like biogas projects," he said.

About 98 per cent people have access to energy and role of AEPC will be instrumental in expanding the facility to the remaining 2 per cent people.

So, it has given priority to micro-hydro and solar projects as well as clean cookstoves. On a greater scale, the AEPC has oriented its policies and programmes to Green Climate Fund (GCF). Capacity building for the same is ongoing in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

"We aim to reach 1 million households in 150 local bodies of Tarai to promote and develop cleaner energy options including improved cookstoves and solar panels," said Dhakal.

According to the AECP, while many areas in local bodies or wards are connected to the national grid, many households in far-flung areas still don't have access to the facility. Likewise, it’s a challenge to reduce the number of households that use firewood or cow-dung cake to cook food from 54 per cent and users of the LP gas from 44 per cent.

"We need to replace them both," said Dhakal. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 21 January 2025.