Kathmandu [Nepal], September 17 – Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has called for stronger institutions and a greater diplomatic role to help Nepal respond to climate-induced disasters following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods.
Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Khanal said the disaster had exposed the need to rethink how the country prepares for climate-related emergencies.
He described the Bhotekoshi floods as a “Himalayan tsunami” and said reducing the impact of climate change was a government priority.
Khanal said climate change was increasingly threatening river corridors, settlements and hydropower projects while the disaster had also affected development gains made over the past 25 years.
He called for a “whole of government” approach to disaster management instead of treating such events as the responsibility of a single ministry.
The minister said Nepal needed to use scientific data and evidence-based advocacy to strengthen its position at international forums. He said broader international campaigns should be prioritized at platforms such as the UN General Assembly.
Khanal acknowledged that the Foreign Ministry currently lacked a direct institutional role in Nepal’s participation in climate events such as COP. He said institutional arrangements and long-term policies were being considered to strengthen climate diplomacy.
He also said the government plans to approach friendly countries and the international community for recovery assistance after completing a post-disaster needs assessment.
