The Government of Nepal has called for stronger international cooperation to address climate-related disasters stretching from the Himalayas to coastal regions during a high-level regional dialogue titled “From Sagarmatha to the Sea: Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Asia and the Pacific—Lessons from the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli Disaster.” According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation on Kartik 12, 2083 BS, the dialogue was jointly organized in Bangkok by the Government of Nepal, the Embassy of Nepal in Thailand and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). The event brought together more than 300 participants, including ministers, senior government officials, diplomats, United Nations representatives, scientists and researchers. Chairing the programme, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha highlighted the destruction caused by the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods and emphasized the need for science-based disaster preparedness, regional information sharing and coordinated recovery efforts.

Minister Shrestha stressed that disasters originating in the Himalayas can affect river systems, downstream communities and coastal regions across international borders, making regional cooperation essential. He proposed integrating satellite observations, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and indigenous knowledge to improve monitoring of glaciers, glacial lakes, mountain slopes and river basins. He also called for stronger cross-border early warning systems, joint scientific research, real-time data sharing and coordinated disaster response mechanisms. The minister urged international partners to provide timely information, advanced technology, technical expertise and accessible financing to strengthen Nepal’s disaster preparedness and climate resilience. He further emphasized the importance of clean energy, sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, responsible tourism and inclusive economic development in protecting Himalayan communities and ecosystems.

The dialogue featured participation from UN ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister D. N. Dhungyel, and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa, alongside representatives from international scientific and disaster management institutions. Discussions focused on Himalayan disaster risks, satellite-based monitoring, artificial intelligence, community-centered early warning systems and evidence-based reconstruction planning. Representatives from organizations including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) contributed perspectives on technological innovation, regional information sharing and disaster risk management. The programme also highlighted opportunities to incorporate disaster risk assessments into national development planning and mobilize international support for resilient infrastructure.

Following the dialogue, Nepal also participated in a separate seminar on “Enhancing Disaster Resilience in Asia through Research, Innovation and Partnerships,” jointly organized by the Government of Nepal, the Embassy of Nepal in Thailand and AIT. Addressing the seminar, Minister Shrestha called for climate-resilient settlements, sustainable infrastructure, safer hydropower projects and stronger early warning systems, particularly in areas vulnerable to Himalayan floods and landslides. He urged development partners to support Nepal through climate justice, loss-and-damage financing, disaster recovery assistance and technology transfer, while promoting opportunities for clean energy, sustainable agriculture and responsible tourism. The minister also expressed Nepal’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with AIT and highlighted the government’s intention to support the establishment of an AIT centre in Nepal. The press release, signed by Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shakya, outlines diplomatic commitments and proposed areas of cooperation but does not announce finalized funding agreements or specific implementation deadlines.