ADB, IDA, SDC collaborate to contribute to Nepal’s disaster risk management

लगानी न्यूज

१९ कार्तिक २०८२, बुधबार १४:४७November 5, 2025

. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Development Association (IDA) under the World Bank Group and the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency (SDC) have collaborated to reduce the increasing risk of natural disasters in Nepal.

The donors signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) pledging to support the Government of Nepal in disaster risk reduction and climate-resilient infrastructure.TAG_OPEN_div_24 Nepal has been facing climate-related crises such as floods, droughts, landslides and melting glaciers in recent years. This has had a profound impact on human life and the economy. Nature-oriented sectors such as hydropower—the pillars of a country’s economic growth and energy security—are being directly affected by these changes.

“Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster risk management has never been more important,” said ADB Country Director for Nepal, Arnaud Couchois.TAG_OPEN_div_22 This not only strengthens communities, secures assets and infrastructure, but also creates jobs and ensures long-term economic growth. ADB, IDA, and SDC jointly aim to enhance Nepal’s capacity to adapt to climate impacts through technical collaboration and enhance the benefits of the investment to the people in the long-term.

The partner organizations plan to support the Government of Nepal in projects including the development of resilient infrastructure and hydropower sector within the Dudhkoshi River Basin (Koshi Province).TAG_OPEN_div_20 “Nepal is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate shocks in the world. David Cislane, World Bank Departmental Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, said: “Continued efforts to mitigate risks and prepare for crises must therefore be at the heart of Nepal’s development plans. The ADB, the World Bank and the SDC will jointly contribute their experiences, resources and commitments to strengthening Nepal’s sustainable development projects. ’

This TAG_OPEN_div_18 partnership aims to enhance Nepal’s disaster resilience capacity. Priority will be given to the development of multi-disaster risk assessment models, the establishment of a comprehensive early warning system, the promotion of financial services for climate risk management and climate-resilient infrastructure, knowledge sharing and public awareness.

In addition, technical TAG_OPEN_div_16 cooperation will be pursued in joint analytical studies, capacity building, institutional strengthening and close coordination with local stakeholders. “Switzerland is deeply committed to promoting resilience and sustainable development in Nepal,” said Ambassador Arnau Wiki who is Assistant Director-General of SDC and Chief of the Asia-America Department. Through this partnership, a team of Swiss academic and private sector experts will be mobilized to collaborate with Nepal’s stakeholders, ADB and IDA, to bring innovative solutions in disaster risk reduction and climate resilient infrastructure. ’

According to him, this collaboration is a reflection of Switzerland’s long-term regional engagement and belief to “build a secure and sustainable future through inclusive, knowledge-based partnerships”.TAG_OPEN_div_14 Through this partnership, ADB, IDA and SDC reiterate their shared commitment to promote sustainable and climate resilient development in Nepal. They aim to ensure long-term effective results by strengthening mutual coordination, eliminating duplication, and harnessing combined resources and expertise.