Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah has taken a significant step towards mitigating climate risks in the Himalayan region by proposing a collaborative initiative involving Nepal, India, and China. Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Shah introduced the idea of a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism, emphasizing the need for enhanced regional cooperation to combat the increasing dangers posed by climate change.
The Hindu Kush Himalayan region, Shah highlighted, is of vital importance, supporting nearly two billion people through its extensive water resources, ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods. He pointed out that rising temperatures are exacerbating the risks of glacier-related disasters, floods, and landslides, necessitating urgent and coordinated action.
Shah’s proposal envisions Nepal, India, and China sharing satellite data and technical expertise, monitoring dangerous glacial lakes, and strengthening early-warning systems. This cooperation would also include coordinated cross-border assistance during disasters, aiming to improve preparedness for climate-related emergencies.
The call for a joint mechanism comes in the wake of severe floods in Nepal’s Himalayan region, which resulted in extensive destruction and significant loss of life. This disaster, Shah noted, underscores the urgent need for stronger climate resilience measures and international collaboration.
In addition to proposing the resilience mechanism, Shah urged for greater support in Nepal’s recovery and reconstruction efforts post-floods. He expressed gratitude to India, China, and other countries for their assistance following the calamity, highlighting the importance of continued international support in tackling climate challenges in the region.