ADB, IDA, SDC to support Nepal in building climate-resilient infrastructure

6th November, 2025, 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) reaffirming their commitment to support Nepal in strengthening disaster risk reduction and management and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

“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.

Nepal has been severely hit by climate-induced hazards such as floods, droughts, landslides, and glacier melt over the past few years. These incidents have caused severe human and economic losses and displaced communities. Rain-induced disasters claimed 53 lives in different parts of the country in the first week of October alone.

According to a statement issued by the World Bank, the partner agencies have expressed their intention to collaborate in supporting Nepal in developing resilient infrastructure and advancing 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 to protect communities, investments, and jobs,” David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, said.

The partnership aims at strengthening Nepal’s disaster resilience by 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.

SDC Assistant Director General Arno Wicki said 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,” he said.