Kathmandu: The First National Water Conference has concluded, issuing a nine-point Kathmandu Declaration. The two-day conference, organized by the National Federation of Irrigation Water User’s Association, Nepal, under the leadership of the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, wrapped up Sunday evening. It was part of the Nepal National Glacier, Water and Weather Week-2025.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the conference pledged to ensure sustainable use, conservation, management, and regulation of water resources. This will be aligned with the Integrated River Basin Plan through coordination among the three tiers of government, development partner organizations, community organizations, and other stakeholders, ensuring water governance.
The declaration also emphasized strengthening governmental and non-governmental organizations related to water use and conservation. It aims to develop institutional capacity, maintain legal harmony while formulating policies and laws at provincial and local levels, and prioritize this sector across all government levels.
The declaration outlines policies for developing water resources through national and international cooperation, implementing preparedness plans for natural disaster management, adopting technologies to mitigate climate change impacts, and promoting climate-resilient water conservation.
Furthermore, it pledged to develop sustainable infrastructure and services for water resources, including drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower. Commitments were made to expand research in water management and recognize indigenous knowledge for effective water resource use and preservation.
The declaration also vowed to document and analyze available knowledge and data scientifically, while building an integrated information system. Long-term plans will be formulated and implemented to strengthen community leadership and promote successful practices in water management.
The conference reaffirmed commitments to utilize resources from the Green Climate Fund to address climate change impacts on water resources. The focus will be on hydropower, agriculture, irrigation, tourism, and drinking water to foster sustainable development and economic transformation.
The Water and Energy Commission, in collaboration with stakeholders, pledged to lead efforts in integrated water resource management, conservation, and regulation. Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal, Secretary of the Commission, stated that such conferences will continue, reaffirming commitments to environmental balance, sustainable resource management, and preventing water pollution.