ADB VP Fatima Yasmin concludes Nepal visit, Pledges support for climate-resilient infrastructure

KATHMANDU: Fatima Yasmin, Vice-President for Sectors and Themes at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), wrapped up a two-day visit to Nepal, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to climate resilience, sustainable development, and regional cooperation in South Asia. The visit, centered around the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad, underscored Nepal’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges like climate change and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure to safeguard vulnerable communities.

The Sagarmatha Sambaad, named after Mount Everest, served as a high-level platform to discuss critical issues such as climate change, mountain resilience, and sustainability. Bringing together global leaders, scientists, development partners, and civil society, the event highlighted the escalating risks posed by climate-induced disasters in Nepal and the broader Himalayan region. Speaking at the dialogue, Vice-President Yasmin emphasized the urgency of collective action. “Nepal’s leadership in hosting the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad is a powerful call to action,” she said. “As disasters escalate—from glacial lake outbursts to landslides and floods—millions of lives, livelihoods, and decades of development are at risk. The time to invest in resilient infrastructure and regional cooperation is now. ADB stands ready to support Nepal and the region in building a safer, more sustainable future.”

During her visit, Yasmin engaged in high-level discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh and Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Dipak Khadka. The talks focused on advancing climate-resilient infrastructure and innovative urban planning strategies to align with Nepal’s long-term development goals. These efforts aim to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and water scarcity, while promoting sustainable growth in urban centers like the Kathmandu Valley.

A key highlight of Yasmin’s visit was her tour of the Teen Dewal heritage site, restored under ADB’s Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project. The project exemplifies ADB’s commitment to integrating cultural preservation with environmental restoration. Yasmin also received detailed briefings on ADB’s ongoing and planned investments in the Kathmandu Valley, including wastewater treatment, river restoration, and integrated water resources management. These initiatives are designed to address the needs of the Valley’s rapidly growing population, promote ecological urban development, and enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.

As a leading multilateral development bank, ADB has been a steadfast partner in Nepal’s development journey. Founded in 1966 and owned by 69 member countries, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region, ADB supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across its member states. In Nepal, the bank has financed projects ranging from renewable energy and transportation to water management and urban infrastructure, leveraging innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to drive transformative change.

Yasmin’s visit comes at a critical time as Nepal grapples with the impacts of climate change, including melting glaciers and increasing risks of landslides and floods. With the Himalayan region often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast glacial reserves, Nepal’s leadership in hosting dialogues like the Sagarmatha Sambaad amplifies the call for global climate action. ADB’s pledge to support resilient infrastructure aligns with Nepal’s ambitious goals, such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and strengthening disaster risk management.

As Nepal continues to position itself as a leader in climate advocacy, partnerships with institutions like ADB will be crucial in building a sustainable future. Vice-President Yasmin’s visit not only reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to Nepal but also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in tackling the complex challenges of climate change, ensuring a safer and more prosperous South Asia.