Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah has proposed a collaborative initiative with India and China to address the escalating climate risks in the Himalayan region. Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Shah outlined a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism aimed at mitigating the impact of rising temperatures that threaten the region with glacier-related disasters, floods, and landslides.
The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is a vital source of water, supporting nearly two billion people through its ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods. Shah emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in enhancing climate resilience, suggesting that sharing satellite data and technical expertise among Nepal, India, and China could significantly bolster monitoring of dangerous glacial lakes and strengthen early-warning systems for climate-related emergencies.
The proposal follows recent catastrophic floods in Nepal’s Himalayan areas, which resulted in extensive destruction and loss of life. Shah highlighted this disaster as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger climate resilience and international collaboration to better prepare for future emergencies.
Additionally, Shah called for increased international support for Nepal’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. He expressed gratitude to India, China, and other nations for their assistance following the floods, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation to tackle the challenges posed by climate change in the region.