World Humanitarian Day (2025)
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2023 Celebrated
Disaster Preparedness Network-Nepal (DPNet), established in 1996, stands as a key national umbrella organization dedicated to enhancing disaster management in Nepal through a unified approach involving national and international agencies. The core focus of DPNet is on fostering coordination, collaboration, learning, and sharing of experiences in strengthening disaster management practices. The organization plays a crucial role in knowledge management, capacity building, policy advocacy, and in facilitating networking among government and relevant stakeholders.
Kathmandu, Sept 9 - DPNet held a special online meeting to address the humanitarian risks arising from the Gen-Z movement that began on September 8. The session, attended by board members and advisors, opened with condolences for lives lost and wishes for the recovery of the injured. Participants highlighted cascading risks beyond political unrest, including possible shutdowns of essential services, looting, vandalism, and worsening humanitarian crises. Opinions differed on whether DPNet should issue a public response: some favored a neutral humanitarian appeal, while others recommended waiting to assess the situation further. The meeting ended with an agreement to continue deliberations with the executive committee later the same day, with Chairperson Dr. Raju Thapa underscoring DPNet’s responsibility as a collective platform and as the NPDRR secretariat.
On August 19, 2025, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) marked World Humanitarian Day in Kathmandu with support from DPNet, NSET, NEAR Network, UN agencies, and NGOs under the theme “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.” Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak inaugurated the event, stressing regional cooperation, local leadership, and stronger municipal capacity. Key highlights included the Asia-Pacific localization movement, the Kathmandu Covenant, and a call from DPNet Chair Dr. Raju Thapa for a Good Samaritan law to protect community responders - a proposal welcomed by the government. Speakers emphasized that most rescues in Nepal are led by local actors, reinforcing the need for investment in preparedness, volunteer training, and supportive legal frameworks.
On 1 August 2025, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), in coordination with DPNet, convened the second national dialogue in Singhadurbar, Kathmandu to assess institutional and policy reforms for DRRM in Nepal. Chaired by NDRRMA Chief Executive Er. Dinesh Prasad Bhatt and attended by Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Ramesh Lekhak, the forum gathered senior government officials, political leaders, UN agencies, experts, and DRR stakeholders. Discussions focused on governance structure, legal and regulatory gaps, financing, data systems, capacity challenges, and implementation of existing policies. The Home Minister endorsed the series and called for a strategic, long-term vision for NDRRMA, improvements in early warning systems, and integration of non-state actors, while welcoming actionable reform recommendations.
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