Kathmandu, August 19, 2025 – Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has called for stronger regional cooperation, experience-sharing, and practical solutions to address disasters and humanitarian crises that are intensifying due to climate change and social vulnerabilities.
Speaking at the Nepal Humanitarian Conference 2025 in Kathmandu on World Humanitarian Day, Minister Lekhak emphasized that disaster management requires not only international solidarity but also strong local leadership. The conference was held under the theme “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.”
Rising Humanitarian Challenges
Minister Lekhak noted that Nepal faces repeated natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, droughts, and wildfires, further compounded by climate change, environmental degradation, conflicts, and inequality. “In recent years, the frequency and intensity of disasters have become more severe. In the case of climate change, Nepal is suffering from an ailment we did not cause ourselves,” he said.
He highlighted that local governments, communities, volunteer organizations, and individuals serve as the first responders during crises. Citing Nepal’s experience in the aftermath of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, Lekhak said, “Humanitarian support has not only continued but increased, and the spirit of solidarity among Nepalis has grown stronger.”
Local Governments at the Frontline
Nepal’s constitution gives local governments the primary responsibility for disaster management. Minister Lekhak outlined measures already in place, including local disaster management committees, emergency operation centers, community-level warehouses, trained volunteer networks, and local disaster management funds.
The government has also prioritized risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and reconstruction under local leadership. “We are steadily increasing investments from all three levels of government in preparedness and capacity building. Citizens who lost homes in disasters are receiving grants between NPR 350,000 and NPR 550,000 for temporary and permanent housing,” he explained.
Call for Sustainable Humanitarian Financing
Acknowledging the rising financial challenges in humanitarian response, Lekhak called for building a sustainable financing structure through locally managed mechanisms. “We must invest in strengthening local governments, volunteer management, governance, and coordination systems. Expanding partnerships will empower local stakeholders, while documenting and sharing successful practices at the regional and international levels can inspire global transformation,” he said.
A Global and Local Commitment
The minister reiterated Nepal’s commitment to collaboration with development partners, international organizations, and national NGOs to build resilient humanitarian systems capable of facing future challenges. He expressed hope that the Kathmandu conference would deliver concrete outcomes to strengthen local leadership and equitable partnerships in disaster response.
Analysis for Global Relevance:
The message aligns with global humanitarian priorities of localization of aid, climate resilience, and sustainable financing.
Nepal is positioning itself as both a recipient and innovator in disaster response, highlighting lessons learned from past crises like the 2015 earthquake.
The emphasis on regional cooperation resonates with global debates on shared responsibility in a climate crisis that transcends borders.
