Kathmandu – August 18, 2025
More than 100 parliamentarians from across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region have convened in Kathmandu for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025, the largest-ever assembly of regional lawmakers focused on addressing environmental and developmental challenges. Hosted by the Federal Government of Nepal with support from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the gathering aims to strengthen collaboration and build consensus on biodiversity conservation, climate change, air pollution, and inclusive development.
Addressing the parliamentarians, Honourable Phuntsho Rapten, Head of Delegation from Bhutan, drew attention to the visible climate impacts on the world’s tallest peak.
“Every time I get to see the view of the tallest mountain, I also see changes in the snow cover on Everest. This is one concerning sign of climate change. No matter where we are, we are all affected-the only difference is in terms of size and frequency,” he said.
Rapten underscored Bhutan’s constitutional commitment to environmental protection, reminding participants that “a minimum of 60 percent of Bhutan’s total land shall be maintained under forest cover for all time.” He stressed that protecting the Hindu Kush Himalaya will require greater regional cooperation and innovative solutions.
Highlighting the scale of financial and policy needs, ICIMOD Director General Dr. Pema Gyamtsho emphasized the urgency of coordinated action.
“The HKH countries need around USD 740 billion annually for both adaptation and mitigation. Evidence-based policies and legislations, innovative solutions, informed decisions, increased and targeted investment, and collaborative actions are essential for building resilience, prosperity, and sustainability in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region,” he said.
Dr. Gyamtsho also underlined the crucial role of lawmakers in driving transformative change. “As parliamentarians, your role as people’s elected representatives in enacting laws, influencing policies, reviewing development plans and allocating resources, and advocating for mass participation has never been more important and crucial than it is now,” he added.
The HKH region, which sustains nearly two billion people downstream, is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable zones. Experts warn that without decisive action, the combined threats of melting glaciers, biodiversity loss, and air pollution could undermine livelihoods and destabilize development across South and Central Asia.
The Kathmandu meet is expected to serve as a milestone in fostering cross-border cooperation, aligning national policies, and empowering parliaments to push for climate-resilient and inclusive development pathways.
