At a pivotal moment in human history, with the climate crisis threatening global public health and equity, a sense of urgency underscores the need for collective action more than ever. South and Southeast Asia are at the forefront, facing unique challenges significantly amplified by climate change. These include increased susceptibility to extreme weather events, water and vector-borne illnesses, deteriorating air quality, and a host of other climate-related risks. Nonetheless, there is significant potential to harness expertise and applied local wisdom that can safeguard and enhance lives and livelihoods for years to come.
In response to these challenges, a consortium of esteemed institutions, including the Partnership for Sustainable Development Nepal, the United States National Academy of Medicine, the Nepal Health Research Council, the National Academy of Science and Technology Nepal, SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, the Institute for Global Health & Development at The Aga Khan University and The Inter Academy Partnership, organized an influential hybrid workshop titled “Connecting the Dots Between Climate Change and Health.” This event, held on March 14–15, 2024, in Kathmandu, observed the convergence of global leaders, policymakers, scientists, donors and community implementers. Their goal was to establish immediate and long-term priorities for the region, with a focus on a health agenda shaped by climate.
The event was marked by a series of high-profile opening remarks, setting the tone for the deliberations that would follow. The discussions that ensued aimed to advance scientific understanding with community-led solutions for health and equity in a climate-challenged era.
The workshop commenced with activities designed to bolster the importance of the conference, culminating in a substantive inaugural session. Emphasizing the gravity of the workshop and the need for decisive action, the session was graced by the esteemed presence of the Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal and key ministers of Health, Environment, and Energy. Their participation underscored the government’s solid political commitment and solidarity with the global community on these pressing issues. Through their opening remarks, they illuminated the critical nexus of climate change and public health, expressing a strong political will to tackle the challenges head-on. The discourse ranged from policy to science, and from health to grassroots initiatives, each point underlining the urgent need for innovative solutions.
The workshop’s momentum continued into the second day with profound keynote speeches and discussions that spanned the political economy of climate and health to the granular details of research and innovation. The sessions underscored the need for a multi-faceted approach that encompasses nutrition, infectious diseases, and research frameworks vital for propelling action led by the Global South.
A session dedicated to community mobilization provided insights into the critical role of grassroots movements in combating climate-induced health challenges. The workshop also laid the groundwork for the establishment of a regional hub, culminating in the unveiling of the “Kathmandu Commitment-2024” Committee. This committee’s task is to forge commitments reflecting the diverse expertise of the workshop’s participants, with a focus on enabling local solutions and empowering the most climate-impacted communities.
The commitments forged at the workshop encompass a vision for localized, sustainable, effective interventions informed by Indigenous knowledge and broad community involvement. They aim to pave the way for evidence-based policies, scalable solutions, and strategic collaborations that are in line with global sustainability goals.
The workshop concluded with an integration of insights from the discussions, reinforcing the need for a united front to face the intersection of climate change, health, and equity. The closing remarks called for ongoing collaboration and action, offering opportunities for partnerships to build a healthier world and planet.
For further information and partnership opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to engage with local and national organizations, as more initiatives and developments from the Regional Hub and the Kathmandu Commitment will be forthcoming.
Discover more about Partnership for Sustainable Development Nepal:
PSD Nepal, established in 2002, is a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development and community empowerment in Nepal. Affiliated with the SWC and a member of the NGO Federation of Nepal, PSD focuses on alleviating poverty and empowering vulnerable groups such as the disabled, women, children, and youth. Through partnerships and community-based projects, PSD works to provide access to education, health, sanitation, and technology, aiming to create a society where all citizens can achieve their full potential.
