53 countries back Nepal's four proposals on Himalayan climate crisis

Representatives of 53 countries have expressed support for four proposals put forward by Nepal on managing the impact of climate change and cross-border risk, at the high-level regional dialogue "From Sagarmatha to the Sea" held in Bangkok.

The dialogue was jointly organized by the Government of Nepal and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Birajbhakta Shrestha presented the proposals on behalf of Nepal.

The first proposal calls for space agencies, scientific institutions and governments to jointly build a multi-hazard early warning system based on satellite and AI technology. The second proposal concerns sharing information and knowledge, including a "Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism" for data exchange, glacial lake monitoring and early-warning coordination.

The third proposal calls for financial support to flow immediately, at the same pace as a disaster strikes. The fourth proposal relates to investing in a green future for Himalayan communities.

In his address, Minister Shrestha said the Himalayan crisis is not confined within the border of any single country, stressing the need for global cooperation. He informed the international community about the devastating landslide and flood that hit the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river areas on August 26.

He also recalled that rock and snow avalanches from Langtang Lirung destroyed the Nepal-China border area within seven minutes and the Timure and Syafrubesi market area within 30 minutes.