The Third National Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (NCDRR) took place on December 26-27 at The Everest Hotel in Kathmandu. Coordinated by DPNet Nepal and organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the conference focused on synthesizing lessons learned and strengthening the nation’s resilience against future disasters. The conference was graced by the Home Minister as the chief guest, chaired by Dr. Raju Thapa, the Chairperson of DPNet, and emceed by Suraj Gautam, the General Secretary of DPNet. The conference attended over 300 participants, including key governmental officials, representatives from various development partners, NGOs, academia, and the media. It showcased a concerted effort to encompass all societal segments, especially prioritizing inclusivity for women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities, with amenities such as sign language interpretation and close captioning service available.
The DPNet team, represented by Chairperson Dr. Raju Thapa, Immediate Past President Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, and General Secretary Er. Suraj Gautam, participated in the Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week (RHPW) Asia Pacific 2024, held in Bangkok from December 10 to 12, 2024. The event, co-hosted by the ICVA, ADRRN), CWSA, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, brought together over 400 participants from 300 organizations across 61 countries. With the theme “Sparking Global Change through Local Solutions in Humanitarian Action,” RHPW served as a vital platform for sharing best practices, fostering partnerships, and exploring sustainable, community-driven solutions to address escalating humanitarian challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
Kathmandu, December 14, 2024 – Marking the 76th International Human Rights Day, a national dialogue program titled "Strengthening Stakeholder Roles in Accessing Loss and Damage Fund" was organized at the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. Hosted by DPNet Nepal in collaboration with SOSEC Nepal and supported by multiple national and international organizations including DCA, DiMaNN, the event aimed to integrate social, economic, and environmental considerations into safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities impacted by climate change.
A discussion program aimed at providing feedback on strengthening the institutional capacity of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) was organized by DPNet on 2nd December, 2024. The event, chaired by Dr. Raju Thapa, included Chief Guest Dr. Ganga Lal Tuladhar and notable participants such as former government secretaries Shankar Koirala and Kedar Neupane. Facilitated by Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa IPP DPNet, the program brought together experts, stakeholders, and practitioners to analyze the challenges and opportunities within NDRRMA’s operations.
The Disaster Preparedness Network (DPNet) and the Social Protection Civil Society Network (SPCSN) jointly submitted a set of recommendations on the Draft Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) Management and Grant Distribution Standard 2081 to the Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Mr. Anil Pokhrel, on November 24, 2024. Presented by a team led by Dr. Raju Thapa, Chairperson of DPNet, these suggestions aim to improve the draft's alignment with international standards, such as those of WHO, UNHCR, and the Sphere Guidelines, ensuring inclusivity and practical implementation.
On November 22, 2024, DPNet held its 16th General Assembly along with the Monsoon Review and Reflection Meeting at Kathmandu support of Oxfam Nepal. The event was chaired by Dr. Raju Thapa, Chairperson of DPNet, and featured Mr. Anil Pokhrel, Executive Director of the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), as the Chief Guest. The program was graced by distinguished guests, including Prof. Dr. Sangita Singh (Immediate Member, NPC), along with DRR experts from various organizations working on DRR. The Special guests were Mr. Ram Prasad Subedi (Chair, NGO Federation), Ms. Tripti Rai (Country Director, OXFAM), and Mr. Santosh Dahal (HCO at UN). The program was inaugurated with the national anthem and a solemn moment of silence to honor and remember all those who lost their lives due to disasters. The Chief Guest and Special Guest marked the inauguration pouring water into a plant, symbolizing a tribute to nature.