Kathmandu, April 6 – With forest fires increasingly threatening ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure across Nepal and beyond, the Fire Safety and Electronic Security International Conference 2025 commenced today in Kathmandu, bringing together experts from 14 countries to explore technological innovations and collaborative strategies.
Organized by the Asia Pacific Security Association (APSA) Nepal, the two-day conference at Hotel Yak and Yeti aims to promote the latest fire risk reduction tools and electronic safety systems, while fostering regional dialogue on disaster preparedness.
Inaugurating the event, Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, expressed serious concern over Nepal’s limited capacity to manage wildfires. “The government lacks advanced equipment and trained manpower to effectively tackle forest fires,” he said. “Fire engines alone are insufficient. The complex terrain and rising climate risks demand a multi-stakeholder response.”
Minister Shahi emphasized that forest fires cannot be controlled by the government alone, urging for stronger coordination between government agencies, civil society, local communities, and youth groups. He stated that the Ministry of Forests and Environment recognizes forest fires as a major national disaster and is committed to developing more comprehensive mitigation strategies.
Sunil Kumar Shrestha, President of APSA Nepal, echoed these concerns, noting that fire safety must be treated not just as a technical issue but as a matter of public security and resilience. “We are committed to working with the government in implementing practical recommendations from this conference,” he said. “This includes strengthening policy frameworks, public awareness, and capacity-building.”
The conference features participation from Nepal’s key institutions, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Urban Development, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepali Army, and representatives from all 753 local governments, along with private sector leaders and international experts in fire and electrical safety.
Delegates from China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, and the Philippines are presenting research papers and sharing global best practices. The program includes technical sessions, interactive panels, and technology exhibitions designed to enhance Nepal’s preparedness and resilience.
As wildfires become more frequent due to climate change and human activity, the conference highlights an urgent need for investment in technology, training, and grassroots-level collaboration.
For a country like Nepal, with rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems, such conversations are not just timely—they are critical.
