As news emerged of the devastating floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa district along the Nepal–China border, parliamentarians attending the 2nd Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Meet in Thimphu said the tragedy highlighted the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation to address climate risks that transcend national borders.
At the opening of the 2nd Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Meet, parliamentarians, representatives, and members of the organising and supporting teams observed a moment of silence in solidarity with the victims and their families. The gesture reflected the shared concern over the growing human and socioeconomic impacts of climate-related disasters across the HKH region.
Opening the 2nd Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ forum, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Sangay Khandu, National Assembly of Bhutan stressed the critical role of parliamentarians in turning climate commitments into action.
“Resilience cannot live in scientific reasoning anymore or in the speeches of ministers and government officials or members of parliament. It cannot live only in the commitments we make at the global stage,” he said. “Resilience should be carefully woven into the fabric of our laws, our budgets, our institutions and our actions on the ground. It is parliamentarians who have the power to ensure it.”
Last year, in Kathmandu, the first HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet established an important platform for parliamentary dialogue across the region. Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD said, “we shared knowledge, discussed common challenges, and called for stronger regional cooperation.” He further stated that “the decisions we make, or do not make today, will affect generations in the future. We have an opportunity to make a difference for them. This is what we expect from our gathering: to provide hope for future generations and create a pathway for a shared, prosperous and peaceful future for the HKH.”
Building on the momentum of the first HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet, this forum further seeks to strengthen political commitment and deepen regional collaboration on climate action, resilience, and inclusive development across HKH region.
“Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan provides a clear framework for building resilience, but its success also depends on regional cooperation that can help us share knowledge, strengthen implementation and address the climate risks that connect the Hindu Kush Himalaya with downstream countries,” said Mr. Muhammad Nawshad Zamir, Hon’ble Member of Parliament of Bangladesh.
“It is an absolute honour to represent Nepal in the opening session of the 2nd HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet 2026. As the lead organiser for the first HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet in Kathmandu, Nepal, I feel inspired and excited to see parliamentarians’ continuous engagement through the second edition of this meet,” said Hon’ble Ashok Kumar Chaudhary, Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Federal Parliament of Nepal.
“Pakistan’s experience shows that climate adaptation must be embedded in development planning, supported by adequate investment and informed by the realities of vulnerable communities. We need to move beyond responding to climate disasters towards anticipating risks and building resilience before impacts occur. Stronger regional cooperation across the Hindu Kush Himalaya can help countries share knowledge, strengthen preparedness and scale up solutions, while ensuring that adaptation reaches the communities that need it most.” said Her Excellency Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, State Minister of Pakistan.
The two-day meeting, held from 26 to 27 August, brought together legislators and representatives from across the region to exchange experiences, share perspectives on emerging climate risks, and explore how policies, legislation, and public investments can better integrate climate adaptation into national development priorities while strengthening regional resilience and cooperation.
