NCC, UNDP collaborate to address climate change impact on businesses

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have reached an agreement to collaborate on addressing the impact of climate change on businesses and its mitigation.  

The agreement was reached during a discussion at Chamber Bhawan, Jamal, Kathmandu, on Thursday between NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal and UNDP Nepal Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka regarding cooperation on assessing the effects of climate change on businesses and strategies for its reduction.  

During the meeting, NCC President Agrawal stated that initiatives would be undertaken to implement sustainable business plans contributing to the development of a green economy. He said, "It is necessary to take initiatives with all three levels of government to study the impact of climate change on businesses and to formulate related policies."  

Agrawal also emphasised the need to examine the effects of disasters on small and medium enterprises and to raise awareness about mitigation measures such as insurance.  

UNDP Nepal Resident Representative Yokosuka stated that a permanent disaster response fund should be established with private sector involvement. The private sector taking a leading role in mitigating the impact of climate change on the industrial and business sectors will be effective, according to Yokosuka.  

NCC and UNDP had previously collaborated on reconstruction and livelihoods in Namobuddha Municipality and Roshi Rural Municipality in Kavrepalanchok district, which was affected by floods and landslides in September last year.