ADB, IDA and SDC sign MoU to strengthen Nepal's disaster risk management

KATHMANDU: The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) have signed a three‑year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the Government of Nepal in strengthening disaster risk reduction and management and building climate‑resilient infrastructure.

The partners said the agreement aims to address increasing threats from climate‑induced hazards such as floods, droughts, landslides and glacier melt, which continue to cause severe human and economic losses and displace communities. Nature‑dependent sectors, including hydropower, were highlighted as particularly vulnerable.

“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.”

The partner agencies said they intend to collaborate in supporting the Government of Nepal to develop resilient infrastructure and to advance planned and existing investments, including in the hydropower sector within the Dudh Koshi River Basin in Koshi Province.

“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,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The partnership will focus on enhancing multi‑hazard risk assessment models, establishing comprehensive early‑warning systems, advancing climate risk management and financial services for climate‑resilient infrastructure, and promoting knowledge sharing and awareness. It will also prioritise joint analytical work, capacity building, institutional strengthening and close technical collaboration with the Government of Nepal and local stakeholders.

“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 mobilised 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,” said Ambassador Arno Wicki, SDC Assistant Director General and Head of the Division for Asia – Americas.

The MoU reiterates ADB, IDA and SDC’s commitment to improve coordination, avoid duplication and leverage collective expertise and resources to maximise impact on Nepal’s sustainable and resilient development.