Nepal needs stronger institutions to tackle climate disasters: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal

Nepal needs to strengthen its institutions and expand its diplomatic role to better deal with climate-induced disasters, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Thursday.

Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, Khanal said the recent Bhotekoshi floods had prompted the government to rethink its approach to climate-related disasters.

The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal, killing over 1,400 people and leaving more than 6,000 missing.

Nepal needs new approach to climate disasters

Describing the floods as the "Himalayan tsunami", Khanal on Thursday said reducing the impact of climate change was a top priority for the government.

"The flood disaster has raised questions over Nepal's journey to prosperity and expansion of development infrastructure. The river corridors, development of human settlements and hydropower projects are at the receiving end of climate change. So, it is urgent for us to think beyond traditional approaches," the foreign minister said.

"The development gains of the last 25 years have been dented, thereby making us reconsider the narrative of prosperity," he said.

"It warrants a 'whole of government' approach rather than efforts by a single ministry or treatment of the disaster as a standalone event to deal with the adversity."

Focus on science and climate diplomacy

Khanal stressed the need for scientific data and evidence-based advocacy to strengthen Nepal's position at international forums.

He said the country should develop a broader agenda on climate change rather than focus only on immediate agreements at global conferences such as the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

"The UNGA would be an opportunity to hold bilateral and multilateral meetings to talk on pressing issues like climate change," he said.

Nepal plans international support for recovery

The minister also said the government plans to formally approach friendly countries and the international community for assistance in post-disaster recovery after completing a post-disaster needs assessment.

Once a global campaign is built for Nepal, it helps create an atmosphere in Nepal's favour, the minister underlined.

"Scientific fact, data and evidence-based advocacy are imperative to establish Nepal's agenda and reinforce its agenda in the international forums, according to him, he said.

"Though we talk of climate diplomacy, the role of the Foreign Ministry in the state apparatus in terms of climate change is not well-established. So, formulation of institutional design and long-term policy are in the offing," he said.