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Nepal’s children are facing increasingly severe risks to their health, development, and future as the impacts of climate change intensify across the country. Despite contributing only 0.1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Nepal ranks as the fourth most vulnerable nation to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, shrinking snow caps, and extreme weather events are no longer distant warnings—they are now disrupting the lives of millions of children nationwide.

Data from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) show that Nepal’s annual maximum temperature is increasing by 0.056°C per year. This seemingly small rise has serious implications, especially for mountain ecosystems, where even a 1.5°C increase can drastically alter the environment. The visible effects include reduced snowfall, shifting precipitation patterns, and more frequent and intense disasters such as floods, landslides, and droughts.

These climate changes are having direct and devastating consequences for children. According to UNICEF, over 236,000 children in Nepal were displaced by weather-related disasters between 2016 and 2022, with 95 percent of those displacements caused by flooding. In 2024 alone, more than 23,000 students saw their education disrupted by climate-related events. Meanwhile, over 10m children are at risk from vector-borne diseases that are becoming more prevalent as temperatures rise and rainfall becomes erratic. Water scarcity affects another 8m children, further compounding their vulnerability.

The impacts are not limited to physical health. Psychological trauma, educational disruption, and the erosion of essential services are affecting children’s cognitive and emotional development. Climate-related stressors are increasingly linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, especially among youth. A UNICEF-supported survey found that more than half of children and youth living in climate risk-prone areas in Nepal have already experienced at least one form of climate-induced hazard, and four out of five believe they are at future risk. Half of the victims of climate-induced deaths and injuries in six of Nepal’s most climate-vulnerable municipalities were children or youth.

Air pollution, exacerbated by changing weather patterns and urban growth, has become another deadly threat. In 2021, more than 4,000 children under the age of five died in Nepal due to pollution-related causes as per UNICEF Global Health Estimates, 2022. These deaths are especially tragic because they are largely preventable through cleaner energy sources and improved public awareness.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards because of their physiology and behavior. Between birth and age three, 80 percent of brain development occurs. During this time, children’s immune systems are not yet fully developed, making them more susceptible to diseases. They also consume more air, food, and water per unit of body weight than adults, which increases their exposure to environmental toxins. Their natural behaviors—such as crawling and putting objects in their mouths—also place them at higher risk of ingesting pollutants in soil, water, and air.

Beyond immediate health impacts, the longer-term consequences of climate change include undernutrition due to declining agricultural productivity, the spread of disease, loss of livelihood, and eventual migration. These factors together fuel cycles of poverty, inequality, and deprivation that extend far beyond the childhood years, creating intergenerational consequences for Nepal’s most vulnerable communities.

UNICEF warns that nearly 66 percent of young people in Nepal are unable to clearly explain what climate change is, even though about half report feeling extremely worried about their future because of it. This gap between awareness and understanding underscores the urgent need for climate education, child-centered policies, and stronger adaptation measures across all levels of government and society.

As the climate crisis accelerates, Nepal’s children are increasingly paying the price, say the experts. “Their exposure to both immediate and long-term risks requires urgent action—ranging from better health protections and safer learning environments to stronger disaster preparedness and climate literacy.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel unveiled a budget of Rs 1.946trn for the fiscal year 2025/26 at the joint meeting of federal parliament on Thursday.

Under the new budget, recurrent expenditures, which includes salaries, administrative costs, and government operations, have been allocated Rs 1.18trn (60.01percent of the total budget). Capital expenditures, which funds infrastructure and development projects, have been set at Rs 407.6bn, while Rs 375.2bn has been earmarked for financial management, which entails debt servicing and fiscal stablization measures. 

Revenue collection will serve as the primary source of the budget, with the government estimate to raise Rs 1.315trn. Similarly, the government plans to mobilize Rs 362bn through domestic borrowing, while another Rs 233bn will be acquired through foreign loans. Rs 53bn will be arranged through grant contributions.

Finance Minister Paudel outlined five core objectives and seven key priorities for the upcoming fiscal policy, which is set to come into effect from July 17. According to him, the five primary objectives of the new budget are: achieving high, sustainable, and broad-based economic growth with the goal of poverty alleviation; promoting entrepreneurship and expanding both public and private investment to create jobs; enhancing economic capacity through use of modern technology; ensuring social justice through social protection and development programs; and promoting quality public services and good governance.

He elaborated that the budget will focus on seven priorities, including the promotion of entrepreneurship, employment, production, and productivity; expansion of investment in quality and result-oriented physical infrastructure; qualitative improvements in the social sector; balanced regional development; strengthening of social security; the provision of citizen-friendly services; and effective measures for corruption control and governance reform.

Minister Paudel announced that the private sector will be established as a key driver of economic prosperity in Nepal. He said the government will gradually implement the recommendations of the High-Level Commission on Economic Reform. He further emphasized that the government will focus on diversifying financial resources to meet the minimum investment requirements following Nepal’s upgradation to a developing country by 2026, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

A total of Rs 1.48bn in fiscal equalization grants has been transferred for the upcoming fiscal year. Finance Minister Paudel announced that Rs 60.66bn has been allocated in fiscal equalization grants for provinces and Rs 88.97bn for local governments. Conditional grants include Rs 30.35bn for provinces and Rs 211.46bn for local levels, totaling Rs 241.81bn in grants.

For the implementation of infrastructure projects, Rs 3.28bn has been allocated as complementary grants to the provinces and Rs 10.06bn to the local governments. Additionally, Rs 3.27bn has been allocated as special grants to provinces and Rs 9.78bn to local levels. The government estimates Rs 165bn will be transferred to provinces and local levels through revenue sharing. Altogether, including both revenue sharing and grants, a total of Rs 582.83bn is estimated to be transferred to the province and local governments in the upcoming fiscal year.

Rs 57.48bn has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. The government has announced plans to supply 600,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizer, for which Rs 28bn has been allocated. The budget also includes a provision to initiate preparations for establishing a chemical fertilizer factory in the country. The government also announced plans to produce 55m doses of vaccines to control diseases affecting livestock and poultry. 

Among the more forward looking programs is a plan to provide concessional loans to startups, particularly those based on innovation and led by young entrepreneurs. Such loans will be provided at an interest rate of three percent, with Rs 730m allocated for this purpose.

Finance Minister Paudel also announced reforms in land management. For example, the government plans to operate land banks in 100 local levels. Landowners who wish to lease their land can collaborate with local governments, and the land banks will be able to acquire land through agreements with local units. The government will also conduct land use zoning through local governments. The government plans to amend the land-related laws to distribute land ownership certificates to 500,000 families.

The government has also decided to open avenues for Nepali investors to invest abroad. Businesspeople and investors will be allowed to invest up to 25 percent of their total exports overseas. Permission for such foreign investments will be granted by the Nepal Investment Board. The finance minister said the government will enter Rs 700bn project development agreements with the private sector through the Investment Board, with Rs 400bn worth of construction projects to begin within the same fiscal year. Rs 740m has also been allocated to support the Investment Board.

To curb black marketing, monopolies, syndicates, and other unethical market practices, the government plans to expand consumer tribunals in all provinces in the upcoming fiscal year. Finance Minister Paudel also announced the Deposit and Credit Protection Program to protect the money of depositors in cooperatives. The program aims to save up to Rs 500,000 per saver in cooperatives.

In a bid to transform the aviation sector, the government announced plans to separate the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, one as service provider and the other as regulator entities. The finance minister said  necessary steps will be taken within the fiscal year to remove Nepali sky from the European Union’s blacklist. 

The government also plans to construct airports in Nijgadh and Surkhet, as well as upgrade the existing ones in Bhadrapur, Dang, and Kathmandu. Finance Minister Paudel also announced plans to operate Gautam Buddha International Airport in a worker-friendly and affordable manner and to develop Pokhara International Airport as a tourist-focused airport.

The government has not increased civil servants’ salaries this time either. However, the dearness allowance has been raised by Rs 3,000, bringing it to a total of Rs 5,000 per month. Despite persistent demands from civil servant associations to raise salaries even marginally, Finance Minister Paudel said the government was unable to do so due to financial constraints.

On the institutional front, the government plans to retain land ownership of public enterprises. Finance Minister Paudel said studies will be conducted into Janakpur Cigarette Factory, Gorakhkali Rubber Industry, and Hetauda Cement Factory, with a view to increasing government investment in these state-owned enterprises.

In the energy sector, the government plans to generate an additional 942 megawatts of electricity from hydropower projects set to be completed within the year. With this addition, the country’s total installed power generation capacity will reach 4,800 megawatts. The government has also set the target of constructing 731 kilometers of national transmission lines to enhance electricity distribution and reliability across the country. 

Likewise, the government plans to move forward with the construction of the Amlekhgunj–Lothar petroleum pipeline. Additionally, work on the cross-border Siliguri–Charali petroleum pipeline and storage facilities is also set to begin in the upcoming fiscal year.

The government has decided to keep existing customs duties and other taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) unchanged. Amid speculation that the government might increase customs duties, importers had rushed to bring in EVs, resulting in congestion at the dry port in Chobhar. Similarly, electric vehicle assembling industries will only be subject to one percent customs duty. The same one percent rate will apply for tunnel boring machine imports by the private sector. The government will exempt customs duty on the import of machinery used for green hydrogen production and charge just one percent customs on batteries for solar energy.

The finance minister also announced a five percent income tax rate on income earned by those working in the information technology (IT) sector from within Nepal—this will be a final withholding tax. He also announced plans to amend laws related to VAT, excise duties, and income tax. In addition, a study will be conducted to introduce a multi-rate VAT system. Tax exemptions will be granted to IT-based industries and hotels.

The VAT on digital payment processing has been scrapped, and advance income tax on the import of various fruits and vegetables has also been eliminated. Meanwhile, the finance minister declared increased taxes on tobacco and alcoholic products.

To address the unemployment problem, the government is set to launch an employment portal to make it easier to find jobs and workers. Finance Minister Paudel also said bilateral labor agreements will also be signed with various countries to create foreign employment opportunities and guarantee workers’ safety, particularly of women. 

For the social security program, the government has allocated Rs 109bn. It also announced plans to integrate scattered welfare programs. It announced that the Social Health Security Program will be integrated into the health insurance scheme. An institutional administrative system will be established to control insurance leakage. Insurance benefits for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, Dalits, the ultra-poor, and minority groups will continue. A budget of Rs 10bn has been allocated for the Health Insurance Program, compared to Rs 7.5bn in the previous year. Currently, the Health Insurance Board still owes over Rs 16bn to service providers. Minister Paudel stated that arrangements have been made for this outstanding amount to be covered through a third party within the current fiscal year.

The government has also increased the age limit for receiving the senior citizen allowance. Previously, all senior citizens who had completed 68 years of age were eligible to receive the allowance. However, the government has now raised this limit by two years, setting it at 70 years. Nonetheless, senior citizens from remote, marginalized, and Dalit communities will continue to receive the allowance at the earlier age of 60.

Finance Minister Paudelr said national identity cards will gradually be made mandatory for everyone enrolled in welfare schemes. Senior citizens will be provided national identity cards through mobile service teams.

To improve the education sector, the government has allocated Rs 211.17bn to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. A special incentive program will be launched to support one school in each district, with a grant of Rs 2.5m per school. The government has announced plans to establish a Teacher Bank in collaboration with universities. It has also announced that the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) will be conducted at the provincial level.

Starting next fiscal year, students will be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. Students will also be provided internship opportunities in public institutions based on the nature of services. The government has also allocated Rs 10.19bn for the midday meal program for students up to Grade 5. According to Minister Paudel, 2.8m students will benefit from this initiative. Additionally, the government will provide free sanitary pads for female students. A Rs 1.29bn budget has been allocated for this program.

The Ministry of Health and Population has been allocated a budget of Rs 95.81bn. The government plans to establish burn treatment departments in each province. It also aims to restructure the Health Insurance Program. Finance Minister Paudel announced that legal provisions will be effectively implemented and the program’s coverage will be expanded as part of the restructuring process. He also said the benefits package for insured individuals will gradually be increased—from the current Rs 100,000 for a family of five.

A record-high budget has been allocated for the youth and sports sector. The government has allocated Rs 6.08bn for the fiscal year 2025/26. This is Rs 2.58bn more than the previous fiscal year, which had a budget of Rs 3.5bn. Investment in sports infrastructure and the professional development of athletes will be increased, and the private sector will be encouraged to invest in sports infrastructure.

Finance Minister Paudel also announced the construction of an international-level modern stadium capable of hosting all sports events in Damak, Jhapa. High-altitude sports stadiums will also be constructed in the Himalayan regions including Solukhumbu and Mustang. Similarly, Rs 400m has been allocated to upgrade TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Additionally, a total of Rs 420m has been allocated for upgrading the Mulpani, Fapla, Siddhartha, and Girija Prasad Koirala cricket grounds. 

Conditional grants have been arranged to acquire the assets of the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium in Chitwan. Rs 540m has been allocated to host the 10th National Sports Tournament in Birendranagar, Surkhet. Funds have also been earmarked for the National Anti-Doping Agency. Medal-winning athletes in international competitions will be incentivized, and scholarships will be provided for their children.

The incentive allowances currently provided to athletes and coaches will continue. Women’s participation in sports will be increased, and awards will be introduced for outstanding female athletes. 

The government has set an economic growth target of six percent for the upcoming fiscal year.  However, the National Statistics Office (NSO) has projected that economic growth will reach  4.61 percent. Likewise, the government has set an inflation target of 5.5 percent for the new fiscal year—up from 5.3 percent in the current fiscal year. The size of the economy is estimated to reach Rs 6,107bn in the current fiscal year. If the six percent growth target set for the next fiscal year is achieved, the size of the economy will reach Rs 6,473.42bn in 2025/26.

The government has projected the economic growth rate to reach 4.61 percent in the ongoing fiscal year 2024/25, signaling a modest recovery after recent years of slow growth. The finance minister announced that the country’s total economic output is expected to expand to Rs 6.17trn by the end of the fiscal year. The agriculture sector will contribute approximately 25.16 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring its central role in the economy.

Nepal’s per capita income has reached $1,517, reflecting steady economic improvement and a moderate pace of growth following earlier stagnation, Minister Paudel informed lawmakers. 

The government estimates show only 89.4 percent of the total allocation will be spent in the current fiscal year. The government had planned to implement a budget worth Rs 1.86trn in the current fiscal year. However, it is now estimated that the expenditure will shrink to Rs 1.662trn (89.4 percent of the total allocation). 

According to government estimates, 88.5 percent of the recurrent expenditure and 83 percent of the capital expenditure will be utilized this fiscal year. In the financial management category, 97.6 percent of the allocated budget is expected to be spent. The finance minister also projected that revenue mobilization will increase 17.1 percent this fiscal year.

Government has proposed spending Rs 1.946trn next fiscal. The budget size for fiscal year 2025/26 is 5.6 percent larger than Rs 1,860.30bn allocated for the current fiscal year. However, the allocation for the current fiscal year was downsized to Rs 1,692.73bn by mid-term review of the budget in February.

Presenting the budget for fiscal year 2025/26 in the joint session of the federal parliament on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel said Rs 1,180.98bn, or 60.1 percent, has been allocated for recurrent expenditures, Rs 407.89bn, or 20.8 percent, for capital expenditures and Rs 375.24bn, or 19.1 percent, for financial management. The new fiscal year begins on July 17.

Likewise, the government has set a revenue target of Rs 1,315bn while it targets to mobilize Rs 53.45bn in foreign grants. “There will be a deficit of Rs 595.66bn. To meet this gap, the government plans to raise Rs 233.66bn through foreign debt and Rs 362bn through domestic debt,” he added.

The government has set achieve high, sustainable, and broad-based economic growth to eradicate poverty; promoting entrepreneurship and expanding public and private investment to create employment; enhance economic capacity by increasing the use of modern technology; establish social justice through social prosperity and development; and promote quality public services and good governance as the priorities of the budget. The government had initially set a total revenue target of Rs 1,419.3bn for the current fiscal year. It was, however, lowered to Rs 1,286bn through the mid-term review. The government has made 67.67 percent progress in revenue collection as of Thursday.

It fares even worse in expenditure as its total expenditure stands at 66.08 percent as of Thursday, reflecting the weak spending capacity of the government. Capital spending remained at a dismal 37.15 percent. The government has set aside Rs 352.35bn for capital expenditure and Rs 1,140.66bn in recurrent expenditure for the current fiscal year. 

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Sixty-one people have been charged in connection with the violent royalist protest that took place in Tinkune on March 28.  Among them, sedition cases are being pressed against 50 individuals, while the remaining 11 face charges of criminal vandalism.

Eight people, including Durga Prasai, face charges of homicide, attempted murder, sedition, criminal vandalism, organized crime, and combined offenses. These charges, filed at Kathmandu District Court, relate to the deaths of Sabin Maharjan and journalist Suresh Rajak during the unrest. The other seven to face the similar offenses are: Harihar Chaulagain, Saroj Gautam alias Tara Rajabadi, Satish Neupane, Gokarna Shahi, Dandapani Regmi, Santosh Kumar Silwal, and Hemraj Tharu.

The charges were filed based on the investigation report submitted by the Kathmandu District Police Range. The police had recommended prosecuting 108 individuals in total.

Furthermore, Rabindra Mishra, senior vice-chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has been charged with four criminal offenses. He faces charges of sedition, criminal vandalism, organized crime, and combined offenses. Police had held Mishra in custody for 50 days for investigation. However, he was later released after the Supreme Court ordered his release through a habeas corpus petition. RPP General Secretary and lawmaker Dhawal Shumsher Rana is also charged with the same four offenses. 

During the protest, demonstrators reportedly vandalized private homes, set fires, and looted the Bhatbhateni Supermarket. Mishra and Rana were present at the protest site in Tinkune and are accused of inciting the crowd.

Before the March 28 protest, RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden had warned that backing Prasai could lead to the party’s downfall, but senior leaders like Rana and Mishra chose to work under his leadership, which ultimately led to the violence.

The March 28 incident also exposed serious flaws within Nepal’s security apparatus. First, there was a lack of coordination among agencies. Second, security forces failed to gather intelligence on Prasai’s plans in advance. Lastly, Nepal’s law enforcement faces severe shortages of essential equipment, with no significant procurement in the last decade.

The government has pointed fingers at former King Gyanendra Shah, alleging that he played a role in orchestrating the protests by appointing Prasai as a commander. On March 27—just a day before the demonstration—Shah met with Prasai, further fueling suspicions. 

After the March 28 protest, the campaign of pro-monarchy supporters slowed down. On April 20, the RPP had announced plans to breach the restricted zone near the federal parliament, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy and the release of its detained leaders. However, the protest failed to gather significant mass support. While the turnout on the streets was minimal, RPP lawmakers managed to stage a symbolic protest inside Singhadurbar, leading to the arrest of RPP Chairperson Lingden, Vice-chairperson Buddhiman Tamang, and Chief Whip Gyanendra Shahi. They were released later in the evening. 

Royalist factions have called for a mass showdown on May 29. Nava Raj Subedi, a panchayat-era royalist leader, is leading the monarchy restoration campaign.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has criticized the royalist movement, saying it is not driven by any noble purpose but by narrow self-interest. “These people are not fighting for any great cause. The government has remained relatively quiet, and the people have stayed calm. They are exploiting this situation to put on an unnecessary show of strength,” Oli said. The prime minister has also instructed his party cadres to counter royalist protest.

In a step towards operationalizing the Paris Agreement’s carbon market, a UN supervisory body has adopted key standards to guide how emission-reducing projects are measured and credited. These new rules—established under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM)—aim to ensure the generation of high-integrity carbon credits, supporting global climate goals while opening new opportunities for countries like Nepal to participate in international carbon finance.

PACM allows countries and private actors to collaborate on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using a standardized framework to issue verified carbon credits. Two major standards were adopted during the recent meeting: one to determine the emission baselines (i.e., what would have happened without the project), and another to account for unintended emissions, known as ‘leakage’, that might occur elsewhere due to a project’s implementation.

The baseline standard requires a downward adjustment of emissions—starting with a 10 percent reduction below historical norms and continuing with at least a one percent decline annually. This move is aimed at avoiding over-crediting and increasing the climate integrity of the system. The leakage standard, meanwhile, mandates that all emissions displaced due to a project—such as increased deforestation in nearby areas—are accounted for. For REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects, alignment with national strategies is a prerequisite.

For Nepal, these decisions could be game-changing. With its extensive forest cover, successful history of community forestry, and national REDD+ framework already in place, Nepal is well-positioned to participate in PACM. The new rules provide clarity and credibility that can enhance Nepal’s ongoing conservation and reforestation efforts, ensuring they qualify for international carbon finance. Additionally, Nepal’s clean cookstove initiatives—which aim to reduce indoor air pollution and biomass use—could align with the Supervisory Body’s decision to bring older projects in line with the latest methodologies.

“We finally adopted a groundbreaking decision ensuring crediting levels are set consistently with a pathway to net neutrality, through a process of minimum downward adjustment of crediting levels over time,” said Martin Hession, chair of the Supervisory Body.

Maria AlJishi, vice-chair of the Supervisory Body, added: “These standards provide the clarity developers need to begin designing activities under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism and are key to fully operationalizing it.”

For countries like Nepal, which are rich in natural resources but financially constrained, these developments offer more than just environmental benefits—they open the door to new streams of climate finance. The Supervisory Body also emphasized equitable benefit-sharing and capacity building, which could further assist Nepal in developing the institutional and technical systems required to effectively participate in PACM.

In support of national ownership and equity, the Body has also initiated discussions on how to ensure project benefits are fairly distributed in host countries. A dedicated consultation process and enhanced country engagement tools are expected to help countries like Nepal secure their share of mitigation benefits.

Despite the progress, the transition from older mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is expected to result in a short-term funding gap, as the pipeline for PACM projects is still in development. However, the first PACM methodologies are expected to be approved by the end of 2025, potentially enabling Nepal and others to begin designing eligible projects from 2026 onward.

As the global carbon market enters this new phase of integrity-focused evolution, Nepal has the opportunity to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable carbon project development—if it can mobilize the right strategies, partnerships, and institutional readiness.

The first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad, a global dialogue forum, concluded on Sunday issuing a 25-point declaration titled the ‘Sagarmatha Call for Action’. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba announced the declaration and officially closed the three-day event held in Kathmandu under the theme “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister Deuba emphasized that the Sagarmatha Sambaad successfully amplified the voices of mountain and island communities suffering the brunt of the climate crisis. She called for collective global efforts to translate the forum’s outcomes into concrete action and underscored Nepal’s commitment to raising the dialogue’s key messages in various international platforms.

Minister Deuba described the Sambaad as a historic initiative that reinforced shared global commitments to mitigate the impacts of climate change. She also confirmed that the second edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad will be held in 2027.

The Sagarmatha Sambaad is an initiative of the Government of Nepal aimed at fostering dialogue on pressing global issues. This year’s theme centered on mountains, climate, and future sustainability bringing together high-level delegations from 12 countries and over 175 international participants. The next edition will be organized on a different theme.

‘Sagarmatha Call for Action’ emphasized the urgent need to safeguard glaciers and mountain ecosystems in the face of accelerating climate change. Released as the outcome document of the Sambaad, the declaration recognized climate change as an “unprecedented challenge” that threatens both present and future generations, calling for immediate and coordinated global action. It reaffirms international commitments to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The declaration drew on recent United Nations resolutions that declare 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and designate March 21 as World Day for Glaciers. It also notes the UN’s declaration of 2023–2027 as the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions, reinforcing the global commitment to sustainable mountain development. It highlighted the critical role mountain glaciers play in regulating hydrological cycles and providing vital services to both upland and downstream communities. “The receding cryosphere is putting immense pressure on snow-fed river systems that sustain species, ecosystems and the livelihoods of billions,” the declaration warns.

It further underlined the disproportionate impact of climate change on mountain communities, despite their minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Melting glaciers, the dialogue noted, are not only contributing to sea-level rise but also triggering cascading disasters like landslides, floods, droughts and extreme weather events.

Calling mountains the “guardians of civilizational heritages, biodiversity and freshwater resources,” the ‘Sagarmatha Call for Action’ calls for the recognition of their role in ensuring climate-resilient agriculture, clean energy, nature-based tourism and sustainable livelihoods.

Besides the opening, plenary and closing sessions as well as side events, the dialogue featured 13 parallel sessions focused on five thematic areas.

Speaking at a press meet following the conclusion of the Sambaad, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said the government, as the organizer, was successful in hosting the dialogue and that the event met its expectations.

When asked about the limited presence of high-level international leaders and the absence of any heads of state or government, Rai responded that this was Nepal’s first attempt at organizing such a forum, and participation from neighboring countries at high levels made it a success.

The highest-ranking guests at the event included Xiao Jie, Vice-chairperson of the Standing Committee of China’s 14th National People’s Congress (NPC); Bhupender Yadav, India’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan; Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, Advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs of Bangladesh; Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan; and Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment of the Maldives. A video message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres was also shown at the event.

Quoting a metaphor, Foreign Secretary Rai said, “In the eyes of a flower, the world is a flower; in the eyes of thorns, the world is a thorn,” suggesting that perceptions vary and that the event should be seen in a positive light. He added that the Sambaad had helped strengthen Nepal’s soft power on the international stage.

Rai also noted that the ‘Sagarmatha Call for Action’ would be taken forward by the government and incorporated into various national policies, plans, and programs.

The 25-point declaration

• Reaffirm the urgency to hold the increase in the global average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by accelerating mitigation actions, building adaptive capacity and resilience, addressing loss and damage, and strengthening partnerships to ensure a sustainable future for all.
• Encourage countries to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0 to keep 1.5°C alive, aligned with the latest science that calls for urgent and transformative global action.
• Further encourage countries to develop and implement National Adaptation Plans to respond to country—specific adaptation needs.
• Call for enhanced provision and mobilization of international financial support, particularly through grants and concessional financing for implementation of climate actions in developing countries, including countries in special situations.
• Encourage collective efforts to ensure equitable and simplified access for the developing countries, particularly those vulnerable to climate change, to the international climate finance from bilateral, multilateral and alternative sources, including the operating entities of the Financial Mechanisms and the Funds under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
• Support the call for the establishment of a dedicated fund for the development of mountain countries to mobilize targeted financial resources for climate action and sustainable development in mountainous regions.
• Prioritize the recognition, respect, and rewarding of mountain ecosystem services through leveraging existing and innovative financing sources.
• Emphasize the role of private sector finance and carbon markets in scaling up sustainable climate actions.
• Strengthen global and regional partnerships to facilitate access to climate-friendly technologies and enhance capacity building.
• Reaffirm the need for collaboration among the policymakers, scientific institutions, private sector and other relevant stakeholders to drive innovation and mutual learning to formulate appropriate policies and programmes that address the inherent vulnerabilities to climate change.
• Acknowledge the importance of promoting green, resilient and inclusive development, ranging from small to large-scale infrastructures, in both rural and urban communities, as appropriate.
• Stress the significance of clean energy, energy efficiency and just energy transitions, recognizing the importance of powering the future through clean energy as well as green, circular and bio-economies.
• Promote science, technology and innovation-based solutions for addressing climate-induced disasters, and conserving glaciers, water resources, forests and agricultural systems.
• Encourage dialogues on mountains and climate change agenda with special focus on triple planetary crisis and short-lived climate forcers, given their profound impact on regional climate, monsoons, cryosphere and public health.
• Recognize the urgency of strengthening data systems, ensuring data sharing and interoperability, and developing climate attribution and early warning mechanisms tailored to the needs of developing countries.
• Underscore the need to establish a robust linkage between mountain and ocean-specific risk assessment, monitoring, and early warning systems using advanced science, technology, and innovation.
• Promote climate justice across all climate actions by ensuring fair, inclusive and evidence-based solutions to the developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.
• Foster inclusive climate actions through active participation of children, youth, women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and maintain gender balance while upholding intra- and inter-generational equity.
• Call to initiate the creation of a multi-stakeholder international platform on mountain and climate change for dialogue, innovation and empowerment, with the aim of amplifying the voices of mountain communities in global climate processes.
• Recognize the role of local and indigenous communities in climate policies, programmes and actions, including adaptation and conservation initiatives.
• Emphasize the need to develop mechanisms for payment of environmental services, enabling them to adopt innovative climate financing.
• Emphasize the need for developing knowledge centers, sharing best practices, and enhancing the roles of local communities in climate policies, programs and actions.
• Resolve to forge a common voice for urgent climate action that resonates from the Sagarmatha to the seas, and from highlands to islands.
• Acknowledge the relevance of the theme of the first edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad in highlighting the adverse impacts of climate change from mountains to lowlands; forging common understanding and actions to uplift communities in vulnerable situations; and reaffirming commitment to continue working for a just, resilient and sustainable future for all.
• Express appreciation to all the dignitaries and delegates for attending the Sagarmatha Sambaad, a permanent forum to foster global dialogue on key issues of national, regional and global significance and look forward to its continuity ahead.

Nepal has intensified security measures in response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with particular focus on border areas, airports and other sensitive areas.

The tension surged following India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ in which it airstroke on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on early Wednesday in a retaliatory action following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people including one Nepali citizen. 

The Indian army has said that artillery firing by Pakistan has led to the deaths of 15 civilians and injured 43 since Tuesday night. It said that the shelling hit civilian areas in Poonch and Tangdar in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has said 26 people have been killed in the air strikes and cross-border firing.

Amid concerns over regional instability, Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) has been placed on high alert, particularly along the open Nepal-India border, to prevent illegal cross-border movement. APF Deputy Spokesperson DSP Shailendra Thapa said 24-hour patrols have been deployed between border outposts, and joint surveillance and intelligence-sharing with India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been intensified.

Special directives have been issued to battalion commanders, and identity checks are being strictly enforced. The APF is also coordinating with Nepal Police, the National Investigation Department, local representatives and the public to monitor border activity and prevent unauthorized movement.

Meanwhile, the Secretariat meeting of the National Security Council, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has decided to step up surveillance at Tribhuvan International Airport and other key entry points. Defense Secretary Rameshwar Dangal said the council assessed the potential impacts of the India-Pakistan conflict on Nepal and discussed enhancing internal preparedness, coordination and intelligence sharing. “The focus is on safeguarding national security and preparing for possible challenges,” he said in a press statement issued following the meeting of the Secretariat.

The safety of Nepali citizens in both India and Pakistan was also a key concern. The committee resolved to monitor their situation through diplomatic channels. During Wednesday’s parliamentary session, lawmakers expressed concern over the growing conflict and urged the government to protect the rights and welfare of Nepalis living abroad, especially in India and Pakistan. 

Internationally, the United Nations and several world leaders have called on both countries to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to avoid a broader military conflict. A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is “very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border.” Stéphane Dujarric added: “He (The UN chief) calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

Asked about the Indian strikes, US President Donald Trump replied: “It’s a shame.” Speaking at the White House in Washington DC, he said that “we just heard about it just as we were walking in the doors of the Oval (Office).” “I just hope it ends very quickly,” Trump added. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said on X that he is monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. He echoed the US president’s comments “that this hopefully ends quickly.” He also said that he would continue to engage with both Indian and Pakistani leadership “towards a peaceful resolution.”

The Chinese foreign ministry has called India’s military operation against Pakistan “regrettable”. In response to a question on escalating tensions between the South Asian rivals, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they were “concerned” about the ongoing situation and asked both countries to “remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.”

Russia’s foreign ministry has said in a statement that it is “deeply concerned about the deepening military confrontation” between India and Pakistan. It has urged the countries to show restraint. “Russia strongly condemns acts of terrorism, opposes any of its manifestations and emphasizes the need to unite the efforts of the entire international community to effectively combat this evil,” the statement said. “It is hoped that the existing disagreements between Delhi and Islamabad can be resolved through peaceful means, with Russia advocating for a bilateral resolution,” it added.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said that current tensions between India and Pakistan are a “serious concern.” “The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. Lammy said the UK had a close and unique relationship with both countries. “I have made clear to my counterparts in India and Pakistan that if this escalates further, nobody wins,” he said. “The UK was clear in its condemnation of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month. We need all sides to work urgently to see regional stability restored and ensure protection of civilians,” he added.

Pakistan said it had rejected India’s claims of terrorist camps on its soil, reiterating that the allegations were baseless. “It would also be recalled that immediately after 22 April 2025, Pakistan made a sincere offer for a credible, transparent and neutral investigation, which unfortunately was not accepted,” the statement issued after Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif said. It added that international media visited the alleged “terrorist camps” on May 6 and more visits had been scheduled. However, without providing a shred of evidence about its claims, India had gone ahead and attacked “innocent civilians in order to satiate its... short-sighted political objectives,” the statement said.

With inputs from Agencies

Nepal is grappling with a severe environmental and public health crisis linked to growing plastic pollution and poor waste management practices. The problem has come into sharper focus in recent weeks as air quality deteriorated dramatically across the country.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data from April 2025, Kathmandu’s AQI crossed 250—classified as very unhealthy. A visible haze over the valley, largely attributed to vehicle pollution, wildfire, dust and open burning of waste, especially plastics, in urban and semi-urban areas impacted the public. Many social media users reported eye burning problems and difficulties in breathing. 

“With limited landfill space and ineffective plastic waste collection, many local governments resort to open dumping or burning of plastic, releasing toxic pollutants into the atmosphere,” says Ujjwal Upadhyay, an environmental expert.

This burning is not just an environmental hazard—it’s a public health emergency. Scientific research now confirms that microplastics are being inhaled, absorbed into the bloodstream, and accumulating in human organs—including the brain.

A startling investigative article by NBC News on Sept 2024, citing a study published in JAMA Network, reported that researchers in Brazil had discovered microplastics in the olfactory bulbs of deceased human subjects. The olfactory bulb, located just above the nasal cavity, is directly connected to the brain. Scientists suspect that airborne microplastics are entering the body through the nose and accumulating in this region, raising alarm about potential neurological effects.

A separate study conducted at Cukurova University in Turkey found that microplastics could constitute up to 0.5 percent of the human brain’s total weight. These revelations underline the urgency of addressing airborne microplastic pollution.

According to the World Bank’s 2020 estimates, Nepal generates around 60,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually, of which approximately 20,000 metric tons end up in rivers. With many landfill sites located near waterways, heavy rainfall or improper dumping leads to significant plastic leakage into rivers, eventually flowing into the Ganges in India and further into the Bay of Bengal, polluting marine ecosystems.

Plastic, once hailed as a “wonder material” for its durability and low cost, is now proving to be an environmental curse. “It is non-degradable, breaks into microplastics over time, and is now found in drinking water, food, air, and even in salt,” says Upadhyay, who is also a team lead at Project CAP (Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers). “A study by Dungel and Maharjan, published in Heliyon, found 80 to 1,040 microplastic particles per kilogram of salt sold in Nepal.”

“Completely banning plastic may be impractical, but immediate steps can be taken to phase out single-use plastics and strengthen plastic waste management,” he says. “Recycling, public awareness campaigns and behavioral change are key to reducing plastic pollution. Waste management systems must be modernized with support for circular economy models, turning plastic waste into reusable raw materials.”

According to Upadhyay, sanitation workers—often the backbone of waste collection—must be supported with proper safety gear, training and fair compensation. “Scaling up recycling infrastructure and connecting informal waste pickers to plastic recovery supply chains can contribute to both environmental protection and economic upliftment.”

“There is a high chance of rainfall on Wednesday, which might clear the pollution, and everyone will forget about it,” says Upadhyay. “But that should not be the case—every stakeholder must treat this as an emergency and take action.”