A national dialogue held in Kathmandu emphasized the need for an inclusive approach to climate justice that ensures equal participation of persons with disabilities. Prioritizing communities most affected by climate change, the dialogue aimed to guarantee their equal involvement in climate justice at the national level. The event, titled ‘National Dialogue on Disability-Inclusive Climate Justice,’ held on Monday in Kathmandu, highlighted the necessity of adopting inclusive perspectives at every level — from climate policy formulation to implementation.
The event was organized by the Swiss Disability and Development Consortium and featured participants from CBM Global, Fairmed, HI (Handicap International), and IDA. In collaboration with the National Federation of Disabled Persons’ Organizations, the program brought together around 100 representatives from government agencies, development partners, civil society, and disability rights groups. During the opening remarks, Matthias Meyer, Charge d’Affaires at the Swiss Embassy Kathmandu, stressed that climate change impacts are not uniform across populations. He pointed out that persons with disabilities face higher risks during disasters such as floods, landslides, heatwaves, and droughts, yet their voices often remain underrepresented in policy-making processes.
The country director of CBM Global highlighted the importance of a PhotoVoice study conducted in 2025. This research vividly depicted how women with disabilities struggle with climate challenges in their daily lives. Through photography, these women articulated demands for inclusive policies, equitable climate finance, and effective community-based interventions. Anirudra Nepal, chief of the Disaster Management Department of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, underlined the need for robust policies to ensure inclusive implementation.
A central feature of the event was the PhotoVoice exhibition. Prepared through collaboration among the Swiss Disability and Development Consortium, national disability organizations, persons with disabilities, and Diverse Partners Consultancies, the exhibition showcased the impacts of floods, drought, and landslides on the livelihoods, mobility, health, and dignity of women with disabilities. Sagar Prasai, the study leader, remarked that the climate crisis is not solely an environmental issue but is deeply intertwined with existing social exclusion.
Youth climate activist Muna Shakya stressed that persons with disabilities, especially youth, are not just affected communities but are also leaders in the climate movement. She emphasized the urgent need for more opportunities for decision-making and leadership roles. Dialogue participants highlighted that priorities should include livelihood security, conservation, accessible relief centers, access to climate finance, and implementation at the local level. Three group discussions provided in-depth analysis of climate impacts, financial access, and policy weaknesses.
The program reaffirmed a commitment to ensuring that the discourse on climate justice connects policy debates with the lived realities of communities, underscoring the pledge to leave no one behind in future climate actions.
