Nepal Business Climate Action: NCC and UNDP Partnership for Resilience
8th May 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to address the growing impact of climate change on businesses. The collaboration aims to reduce climate-related risks in the private sector through joint efforts and shared resources.
Nepal Business Climate Action
Agreement Signed in Kathmandu
The agreement was signed during a discussion program at the NCC building in Jamal, Kathmandu. NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal and UNDP Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka officially endorsed the partnership. They agreed to work together on climate risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Both parties stressed the urgent need for business resilience in the face of rising environmental threats. Their shared goal is to support long-term sustainability while ensuring that businesses continue to thrive.
Chamber’s Commitment to the Green Economy
During the event, President Agrawal spoke about promoting a green economy in Nepal. He said that the Chamber would take the lead in implementing business continuity plans focused on sustainability.
“Climate change is already affecting Nepali businesses. We must act quickly,” he said. Agrawal added that policies must be created in coordination with all three levels of government—local, provincial, and federal.
He pointed out that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are especially vulnerable. Disasters can severely impact these businesses. Therefore, it is essential to study those risks and create proper awareness. Agrawal also highlighted the need for risk insurance and disaster planning to reduce the long-term impact.
UNDP Advocates for Private Sector-Led Response
UNDP’s Kyoko Yokosuka highlighted the importance of private sector leadership. She said businesses must play a proactive role in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation.
She proposed the creation of a permanent disaster response fund led by private actors. According to her, such a fund would help respond more efficiently to climate-related challenges.
“Industrial and commercial sectors are already feeling the effects of climate change,” she noted. Yokosuka added that collaborative efforts like this one are essential to protect businesses and livelihoods.
Previous Collaboration in Kavre
This partnership builds on earlier cooperation between the two organizations. Last October, NCC and UNDP worked together in flood- and landslide-hit areas in Kavrepalanchok. They supported reconstruction and livelihood restoration in Namobuddha Municipality and Roshi Rural Municipality.
The success of that initiative encouraged both sides to scale up their efforts. Now, they plan to expand support across Nepal with a broader focus on business resilience and climate adaptation.
Key Areas of Focus
The new collaboration includes several goals:
Studying the impact of climate change on businesses.
Recommending practical disaster risk reduction policies.
Promoting the green economy within the private sector.
Supporting SMEs in disaster planning and recovery.
Encouraging the use of insurance and other financial safeguards.
NCC and UNDP will also organize awareness programs and training sessions. These will help businesses prepare for environmental disruptions and build long-term resilience.
Involving All Levels of Government
Both organizations emphasized the need to engage the government at all levels. They agreed that local, provincial, and federal authorities must work together. This coordination is crucial for effective policy-making and implementation.
They will also consult other stakeholders, including civil society, development partners, and private associations. These consultations will help shape inclusive strategies that address real-world challenges faced by businesses.
Driving Sustainable Business Growth
NCC believes that this partnership will benefit not just businesses but the national economy as a whole. As environmental risks grow, business survival increasingly depends on climate resilience.
The Chamber sees itself as a bridge between the government and the business community. By leading on climate issues, it hopes to encourage other private actors to take similar steps.
On the other hand, UNDP sees this as part of its broader strategy in Nepal. The organization aims to support inclusive growth while tackling climate vulnerability. Partnering with the private sector adds more power and reach to their work.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, NCC and UNDP will begin a series of joint programs. These include workshops, disaster preparedness drills, and risk analysis studies. They will also track the progress of their efforts through regular reviews.
Both sides have committed to making the collaboration impactful. They believe that joint action can turn climate risks into opportunities. For Nepal, this is a step forward in building a more sustainable and secure economic future.
This partnership marks a turning point in how Nepal’s business sector views climate change. Instead of waiting for problems, businesses are now preparing for them. With strong cooperation, they are turning awareness into action.
For more: Nepal Business Climate Action
