Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle takes post-disaster reconstruction, climate justice push to global forums
Summary
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle is carrying Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction and climate justice appeal to international forums, including meetings in India, Doha and Bangkok. Nepal plans to seek stronger support for climate-vulnerable countries after the August 26 disaster caused massive loss of life and damage along the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system.
Key Points
- Wagle is visiting India and preparing for further trips to Doha, Bangkok and possibly New York and Washington to raise Nepal’s climate and reconstruction agenda.
- He plans to highlight the August 26 disaster, which government figures say killed at least 1,403 people, left 6,150 missing and caused about Rs408 billion in damage.
- Nepal wants to use international forums to push climate justice, adaptation, loss and damage, early-warning systems and support for post-disaster rebuilding.
- Wagle said reconstruction costs could exceed $4.5 billion to $5 billion over several years and that Nepal will seek international solidarity and assistance.
