KATHMANDU, Apr. 21 -- The regional science-policy finance dialogue brought together 57 policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners in Kathmandu to align research priorities with policy needs and promote investment in sustainable solutions for a greener, inclusive and resilient South Asia.
From 7 to 8 April 2025 the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) through the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) co-organised the regional science-policy dialogue on ‘Prioritising research for sustainable development: Building a greener, inclusive, and resilient South Asia.’
During the two-day dialogue, discussions focused on how to minimise research gaps, strengthening regional partnerships, and scaling up investments in climate resilience and economic sustainability in South Asia.
Keynote speaker at the dialogue, Krishna Bahadur Raut, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Supplies, Nepal highlighted, "The knowledge that will be generated here, along with the integration of research and innovation into policy and practice, is going to help us all lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth."
Dr Nitya Rao, Professor, Gender and Development, University of East Anglia emphasised, "To build a greener, inclusive and resilient South Asia we need to start with people. We need to find a way to bring these diverse voices from the ground into the debate – research, policy and action on adaptation to climate change – as ultimately it is individuals, households and communities, often marginalised, who bear the brunt of coping and adaptation."
During the discussions participants recommended investment in blended finance models, such as public-private partnerships and climate funds, to diversify and increase financial support for critical research initiatives. They also called for strengthened regional partnerships within the HKH and South Asia by promoting platforms for knowledge exchange, joint research, and coordinated policy efforts on shared environmental and climate challenges and emphasized collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and communities.
ICIMOD Director General, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho said, ‘ICIMOD’s role is to bring people like you—experts, thought leaders, policymakers, business leaders together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and take that learning to shape policies and practices. We learn from you, analyse data, and share it with others who could benefit from it."
This regional dialogue is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the United Kingdom International Development through its Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) initiative.
