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Bangkok, January 15, 2025 – The "Integrating Human Security in Development Programming" workshop, held on January 14 and 15 in Bangkok, concluded on a high note, marking a significant milestone in advancing human security as a cornerstone of sustainable development in South Asia. The event brought together policymakers, experts, practitioners, and academics from Nepal, Bangladesh, and beyond, with a shared focus on developing risk-informed and inclusive strategies to safeguard vulnerable communities. DPNet Chairperson Dr. Raju Thapa was among the key participants, actively contributing to the discussions.  The workshop emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift from traditional, state-centric security frameworks to people-centered approaches that address interconnected risks and vulnerabilities. Participants explored innovative methodologies to integrate human security into development programming, ensuring that no one is left behind. 
The opening session featured a keynote address by Sanny Ramos Jegillos, Team Leader of the Disaster Resilience Team at BRH, who highlighted the important role of human security in fostering inclusive development. Drawing on successful examples from South Asia, Jegillos called for a systematic approach to scaling these practices, particularly in regions like Nepal and Bhutan.  Ms. Shahrbanou Tadjbaksh facilitated a thought-provoking session, expanding the concept of human security to include "freedom from indignity" alongside "freedom from fear" and "freedom from want." She emphasized the interconnectedness of economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political security, advocating for integrated, multi-sectoral responses to modern challenges.  
Participants identified gaps in current development processes, noting that traditional approaches often exacerbate vulnerabilities rather than addressing them. They stressed the importance of proactive, preventive measures and community-centric strategies to tackle multi-hazard risks, climate change, and socio-economic inequalities.  The Nepal and Bangladesh teams presented distinct yet complementary methodologies for integrating human security into development programming. Nepal’s approach, grounded in disaster recovery experiences, emphasized community-driven interventions and alignment with the country’s three-tier governance system. Bangladesh’s methodology focused on institutional capacity and area-based piloting in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, integrating human security into existing policy mechanisms. Dr. Raju Thapa, Chairperson of DPNet, shared insights on Nepal’s efforts and announced that DPNet will sensitize disaster risk reduction (DRR) stakeholders in Nepal on the new concept of human security, ensuring its integration into national and local development plans.  
In the closing session, Sanny Ramos Jegillos and Mr. Arif Abdullah Khan reflected on the workshop’s achievements, describing it as the beginning of a transformative journey. They emphasized the importance of implementing the developed methodologies and scaling up pilot projects in Nepal and Bangladesh. The workshop concluded with heartfelt acknowledgments of Jegillos’ contributions to the field of development as he prepares for retirement. Participants expressed gratitude for his leadership and commitment to human security, vowing to carry forward his vision of inclusive and resilient development.