KATHMANDU: The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025 is set to commence today (Monday) in Kathmandu, bringing together lawmakers and experts from across the region to promote dialogue, coordination, and shared understanding on pressing environmental challenges.
The two-day event, held with technical support from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), will see participation from Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Afghanistan was not invited, as Nepal has not recognized its current government.
President Ramchandra Paudel will attend as Chief Guest, with Speaker Devraj Ghimire serving as Special Guest. The inaugural session begins at 9:30 AM, with attendance from key ministers, ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho, and delegates from participating nations.
Following the opening session, a series of technical discussions will address critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, disaster risk, and environmental degradation in the HKH region.
Approximately 30 participants are expected, including parliamentarians, parliamentary committee chairs, climate experts, and representatives from partner organizations, Nepal’s Federal Parliament, and relevant government bodies.
The meet is being organized in coordination with the Ministry of Forests and Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Organizing Committee Coordinator Bir Bahadur Balayar confirmed that all preparations have been finalized.
According to ICIMOD, the HKH region is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related threats, including ecosystem degradation, pollution, and socio-economic disruption. The event highlights the pivotal role of parliamentarians in shaping policy and legislation to advance regional climate resilience and action.
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