The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) have entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to assist Nepal in improving disaster risk management and constructing climate-resilient infrastructure.
Nepal continues to face significant risks from climate-related hazards such as floods, droughts, landslides, and glacier melt. These threats result in human displacement and economic loss, with key sectors like hydropower particularly affected.
“Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster risk management has never been more critical. These investments will not only strengthen communities and safeguard essential assets but also create jobs and foster long-term economic growth,” said Arnaud Cauchois, ADB Country Director for Nepal. “Through strengthened coordination and technical cooperation, ADB, IDA, and SDC aim to support Nepal in building resilience to climate impacts and ensuring that investments bring lasting benefits to people across the country,” Cauchois added.
The agreement outlines plans for collaboration on developing resilient infrastructure projects—including hydropower—in areas such as the Dudh Koshi River Basin in Koshi Province.
David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka said: “As one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate shocks and natural disasters, building resilience is an imperative for Nepal. Sustained efforts to reduce risks and prepare for crises must be at the heart of Nepal’s development agenda in order to protect communities, investments, and jobs. By joining forces, the ADB, World Bank, and SDC intend to leverage our collective expertise, resources, and commitment to support Nepal’s sustainable development.”
Key goals of the partnership include improving multi-hazard risk assessment models; establishing early warning systems; advancing financial services focused on climate-resilient infrastructure; promoting knowledge sharing; conducting joint analysis; building capacity; strengthening institutions; and working closely with Nepali authorities.
Ambassador Arno Wicki, SDC Assistant Director General and Head of the Division for Asia – Americas stated: “Switzerland is strongly committed to fostering resilience and sustainable development in Nepal. Through this partnership, a dedicated Swiss team of experts from academia and the private sector will be mobilized to engage with Nepali counterparts, ADB, and IDA to co-develop innovative solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate-resilient infrastructure. This collaboration reflects Switzerland’s long-standing engagement in the region and our belief in inclusive, knowledge-driven partnerships to build a safer, more sustainable future for Nepal.”
According to all three agencies involved in this initiative—the ADB,IDA, and SDC—the MoU reinforces their commitment toward supporting sustainable development by improving coordination among partners while leveraging their combined expertise.