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Discussing the resilient development of Karnali Province, Nepal

30.10.2020

More than 100 local government representatives, experts on disaster risk reduction and civil society organization members participated in a virtual dialogue on the resilient development of Karnali Province, Nepal.

In observance of the SDGs Action Week and Social Service Week in Nepal, the event was organized by the Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC) and Save the Children, in collaboration with the Nepal SDGs Forum, Social Welfare Council, Government of Karnali Province, Nepalese Civil Society Mountain Initiative and Mission East.

The objectives of the programme included discussing the challenges and opportunities for resilient development in Karnali Province in mainstream development processes, specifically in the wake of recurring disasters in the region; and advocating for policies and legislation for resilience building and disaster risk management, giving priority to protecting children and persons with disabilities as highly vulnerable groups.

Panelists discussed building resilience to disaster and climate change, the effects of disaster and climate change on children, policies and planning for resilient development in Karnali Province, and local government's efforts to mainstream resilience.

"Despite being rich in natural resources, Karnali Province is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the country," said Bishnu Kharel of Save the Children. "Development models are crucial to ensuring disaster- and other risk-free environments around schools and communities, as well as increasing awareness and investment in the areas."

Min Bahadur Shahi of the National Planning Commission added, "To achieve resilient development, effective collaboration and cooperation among federal, provincial and local governments is necessary. A new approach to infrastructure development and social development is needed."

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Photo by Mohan Khadka on Unsplash