Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah has called for a joint Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism with India and China to combat escalating climate threats in the region. Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Shah highlighted the severe impact of rising temperatures on the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, which is vital for nearly two billion people reliant on its water resources, ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Shah emphasized that the increasing temperatures heighten the risks of glacier-related disasters, floods, and landslides, urging regional cooperation to enhance preparedness for such climate-related emergencies. His proposal includes sharing satellite data and technical expertise among the three countries, monitoring dangerous glacial lakes, strengthening early-warning systems, and coordinating cross-border disaster assistance.
The prime minister’s appeal comes in the wake of catastrophic floods in Nepal’s Himalayan region, which led to significant destruction and loss of life. According to Shah, the recent disaster underscores the urgent need for stronger climate resilience and international collaboration to mitigate future risks.
Shah also expressed gratitude to India, China, and other international partners for their support in Nepal’s recovery efforts following the floods. He called for continued assistance to bolster the nation’s reconstruction initiatives.