Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, addressed the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 28 to 29, 2026. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation on Kartik 11, 2083 BS, the conference was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and the Government of Thailand. Serving as Vice-Chair of the conference, Minister Shrestha highlighted Nepal’s growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters and emphasized the importance of space technology in strengthening disaster preparedness, environmental monitoring and sustainable development.
During his address, Minister Shrestha discussed the devastating Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods, which caused significant damage to lives, infrastructure and communities, and acknowledged the international assistance received during rescue and recovery operations. He particularly thanked ESCAP for providing satellite imagery and technical information that supported the identification and analysis of the disaster. The minister stressed that climate-related hazards originating in the Himalayas can affect downstream river systems, lowland regions and communities across international borders. He called for stronger regional cooperation in satellite-based monitoring, real-time data sharing, early warning systems and disaster risk reduction, particularly for Himalayan glaciers, glacial lakes and river basins.
The conference also featured bilateral discussions involving 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. Discussions focused on mutual interests, disaster management cooperation, regional technology development and information sharing. Minister Shrestha expressed appreciation for international support received during Nepal’s recent disasters and reiterated the country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in satellite technology, artificial intelligence, geographic information systems and climate-resilient infrastructure. He also emphasized the need for technical assistance, joint research and national capacity building to improve disaster preparedness and response.
On October 29, 2026, Minister Shrestha was scheduled to address a high-level regional dialogue jointly organized by Nepal and ESCAP on strengthening regional resilience to cross-border disasters, drawing lessons from the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods. The dialogue aimed to promote cross-border disaster data sharing, monitoring, early warning systems and risk-informed investment and planning across the Himalayan region. The minister was also scheduled to participate in an evening programme jointly organized by the Nepali Embassy in Thailand and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), focusing on research, innovation and collaboration for disaster resilience. The ministry stated that these engagements would support international cooperation in using science, technology and partnerships for disaster preparedness, recovery and reconstruction. The release outlines diplomatic engagements and proposed cooperation but does not announce any newly signed agreements or confirmed funding commitments.
