Lalitpur, July 5, 2025 - In a bold step toward strengthening regional cooperation on climate change, the International Climate Camp 2025 successfully convened today at Patan High School, Patan Dhoka. Hosted by Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University in collaboration with Stamford University Bangladesh and other prominent institutions, the symposium brought together visionary leaders, scientists, academics, and policymakers to explore solutions to South Asia’s climate crisis.
With the theme “Symposium on Climate Change in South Asia”, the event served as a dynamic platform to bridge research, policy, and action, empowering voices across borders to shape a sustainable future.
Inaugural Session: Commitment from the Top
The camp opened with an inspiring inaugural session moderated by Dr. Amrit Pd. Sharma of Patan Multiple Campus. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Raju Chauhan, Head of Environmental Science, emphasized the urgency of youth involvement and cross-border academic collaboration in combating climate threats.
Program Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raghu Bir Bista highlighted the academic sector's role as a changemaker in environmental education and research.
Adding a powerful local voice to the regional dialogue, Mr. Chiribabu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, emphasized the significance of hosting such events at the community level. He remarked, “Climate camps like these not only inspire academic discussion but drive grassroots awareness and mobilization. Local governments must be part of the climate solution.”
Esteemed guests delivered compelling remarks, including:
Dr. Karmruzzaman Majumder, Dean, Stamford University Bangladesh
Prof. Dr. Shankar Khanal and Prof. Dr. Dubi Nanda Dhakal, Tribhuvan University
Prof. Dr. Ajrun Nishat, Eminent Climate Expert, BRAC University
Prof. Dr. Khadga K.C., Vice Chancellor, Tribhuvan University
Prof. Dr. Moniruzzaman, Vice Chancellor, Stamford University
Their unified message: regional solidarity is key to surviving and thriving in a warming world.
Technical Deep Dive: Science Meets Policy
The first technical session, chaired by renowned environmentalist Prof. Dr. Madan Koirala, explored critical intersections of research, governance, and climate economics through four impactful presentations:
1. "Climate Change Research in Nepal" – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narayan Prasad Gaire
2. "Government Initiatives on Climate Change Management in Nepal" – Mr. Suman Subedi, MOFE-GON
3. "Climate and Economy/Green Surrogates" – A speaker from TBD
4. "Climate Change in South Asia: Bangladesh’s Perspective" – Dr. Karmruzzaman Majumder
A spirited Q&A session followed, emphasizing the urgent need to align scientific insights with inclusive policymaking.
“Peaks to Valleys”: A Regional Call to Action
A cornerstone of the event was the panel discussion on “Peaks to Valleys: Regional Collaboration for a Climate Secure Future,” moderated by Mr. Md. Sariful Islam of Oxfam Bangladesh. The discussion underscored the ecological interdependence from Himalayan peaks to coastal deltas and called for coordinated South Asian climate strategies.
The lead presentation by Pradyumna J.B. Rana of ICIMOD laid the foundation for dialogue, followed by powerful insights from:
AKM Sohel, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh
Roufa Khanam, C3ER, BRAC University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sudeep Thakuri, Tribhuvan University
Deepak K.C., UNDP
Mr. Kabindra Pudasaini, WaterAid Nepal
Together, they painted a roadmap for inclusive resilience, climate financing, and cross-border knowledge sharing.
A Diplomatic Endorsement and Vision for the Future
In the closing session, His Excellency Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, commended the spirit of collaboration and called for continued dialogue and innovation at every level of society.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raghu Bir Bista, the Program Chair, offered heartfelt closing remarks, thanking all speakers, institutions, and participants for making the event a landmark moment in regional climate engagement.
The program concluded with a networking session, campus tour, and lunch, fostering academic friendships and future collaboration beyond borders.
The International Climate Camp 2025 stands as a beacon of hope, where science, policy, and youth leadership converged to tackle the greatest challenge of our time. From the rooftops of Patan to the shores of Bangladesh, today’s event proved that climate resilience demands not only local action but also bold regional unity.
