Resources

Summary

On September 17, 2024, DPNet Nepal organized an online preparatory meeting for Nepal’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024. Attended by over 50 stakeholders, including leaders from NDRRMA and MoHA, the session outlined Nepal's strategies, including setting up an exhibition booth, drafting a position paper, and fostering collaboration. Key discussions addressed resource contributions, participation of disaster-affected communities, and streamlining preparations. The meeting highlighted collective efforts and stakeholder engagement to showcase Nepal's contributions to disaster risk reduction and align with the conference's goals by 2030.

On September 21, 2024, DPNet, DiMaNN, and ARSOW jointly held a discussion program in Janakpur on "Localizing DRR and Enhancing DRR Governance," chaired by Sanjaya Singh and attended by key stakeholders, including Ram Singh Yadava. The event emphasized empowering local communities, improving grassroots governance, and integrating DRR into broader development planning. Discussions highlighted the significance of NPDRR, policy advocacy, participatory planning, and social inclusion, with calls for increased budget allocation, capacity building, and stronger partnerships to foster disaster resilience. Participants found the program valuable and advocated for similar future initiatives involving government collaboration.

On September 22, 2024, ARWSO Nepal, DPNet, DiMaNN, and the NGO Federation held a DRR governance discussion in Biratnagar, chaired by Lakhan Lal Shah, with Hon. Ram Dev Yadav and Hon. Jaya Prakash Chaudhary as chief guests. Dr. Raju Thapa emphasized challenges in Nepal's disaster management, particularly in rural areas, highlighting issues like climate vulnerability, weak governance, and coordination gaps. Surya Bahadur Thapa discussed solutions, including national networks and early warning systems, and Jit Ram Lama stressed the need for localization and transparency in DRR efforts. Hon. Yadav advocated integrating disaster preparedness into all sectors, particularly tourism and industry, while urging a multidisciplinary approach to resilience-building.

On September 23, 2024, a discussion on DRR localization in Hetauda highlighted issues like empowering local communities, integrating DRR into development planning, enhancing local government capacity, and promoting social inclusion. Chaired by Ms. Ramila Sapkota and attended by key stakeholders, the event emphasized policy advocacy, budget allocation, early warning systems, and multi-stakeholder collaboration through platforms like NPDRR. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and grassroots engagement were identified as critical for building resilience in Bagmati Province.

On September 30, 2024, a National Dialogue on post-disaster challenges for landless people was held in Lalitpur, organized by ASF Nepal, Foundation Abbe Pierre, and DPNet Nepal, among others. Chaired by Dr. Raju Thapa and attended by diverse stakeholders, the event addressed the socio-economic struggles of landless individuals, policy gaps, and disaster impacts. Discussions emphasized collaboration, improved land management policies, and prioritizing vulnerable groups in disaster response. Recommendations included strengthening legal frameworks, leveraging technology, and ensuring better coordination across government levels to address landlessness post-disaster.

On October 6, 2024, DPNet Nepal held an advisor meeting at the Nepal Red Cross Society Hall to address the challenges posed by recent floods and landslides. Key speakers, including DPNet Chairperson Dr. Raju Thapa, emphasized the urgent need for disaster preparedness, improved communication, and accountability. Advisors highlighted systemic issues, including delayed alerts, inadequate response training, lack of coordination across government levels, and limited local-level preparedness. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration, evidence-based planning, and community engagement to enhance disaster resilience. Dr. Thapa concluded by proposing that actionable recommendations be submitted to the Prime Minister, aiming for systemic improvements in disaster risk management.

On October 6, 2024, DPNet and DiMaNN handed over disaster risk reduction recommendations to the Executive Chief of NDRRMA. Developed through nationwide consultations, the recommendations focus on community-driven, sustainable disaster management, stricter enforcement of building codes, and climate-resilient infrastructure planning. Key proposals include public awareness campaigns, disaster risk financing, and stronger governance with transparent budget allocation and social audits. Dr. Raju Thapa and Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa emphasized integrating local knowledge and inclusive governance. The NDRRMA Chief welcomed the recommendations, pledging to incorporate them into national disaster strategies.

The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) is a key platform for advancing disaster risk management in the region. The 2024 conference in Manila, Philippines, focused on DRR financing, inclusive governance, and localization in resilience efforts, emphasizing private sector engagement and nature-based solutions. Nepal, represented by a 43-member delegation led by NDRRMA Executive Chief Anil Pokhrel and DPNet Chair Dr. Raju Thapa, showcased its progress in DRR, including accessible DRR documents and innovative tools like an earthquake shake table. Nepal highlighted its vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, calling for increased international cooperation, financing, and technology transfer. Structural engineer Liva Shrestha was recognized for her contributions to resilient housing. The event strengthened Nepal’s regional partnerships and fostered valuable learnings for future DRR efforts.

The Nepal Geological Society, in partnership with NDRRMA and DPNet Nepal, hosted a symposium for IDDRR 2024, focusing on "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future." Held on October 29 in Kathmandu, the event gathered diverse stakeholders to discuss disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. Key topics included enhancing youth engagement, integrating DRR into infrastructure, and linking DRR with climate action. Sessions featured research on seismic safety, cascading hazards, and flood mitigation. The event concluded with reflections on APMCDRR 2024, stressing regional collaboration, indigenous knowledge, and climate finance reform for resilience-building in Nepal.

On October 29, 2024, a post-conference review session was held following the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). The session, led by NDRRMA Executive Chief Anil Pokhrel and coordinated by Dr. Raju Thapa, highlighted key takeaways from Nepal's delegation. Dr. Thapa shared insights from the conference, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance, integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) into development plans, and fostering collaboration across sectors. The conference focused on enhancing disaster resilience in the Asia-Pacific region, addressing climate and disaster risks, and highlighting the importance of technology, community engagement, and private sector involvement. Nepal's participation showcased its commitment to DRR, with an emphasis on gender equality, social inclusion, and climate justice. The session concluded with a renewed commitment to implementing the Sendai Framework’s goals and strengthening Nepal's disaster resilience.