15th South Asia Economic Summit begins in Kathmandu
KATHMANDU: The 15th South Asia Economic Summit (SAES XV) has commenced in Kathmandu, organised by the South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE). The three-day summit with the theme 'Unleashing an Equitable Green Transformation in South Asia' aims to foster regional cooperation for economic prosperity, particularly in light of climate change challenges.
Chief guest, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, inaugurated the summit. Special guest Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh, participated virtually. Distinguished guests included Veronique Lorenzo, EU Ambassador to Nepal, and Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal.
SAWTEE Chairman, Ratnakar Adhikari, emphasised the summit's goal of regional cooperation and highlighted progress in Bhutan, Nepal, and India. The summit will address technology, finance, agriculture, energy, and industry to develop green strategies. "We aim to foster regional cooperation and knowledge sharing for sustainable development," he concluded.
Addressing the inaugural session, Minister Bhandari stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, noting South Asia's vulnerability to climate change and social inequality. "Collective actions are needed for inclusive and sustainable growth," he said. He highlighted Nepal's commitment to climate resiliency and green energy.
Speaking at the session, special guest Hasan emphasised regional cooperation, citing floods, glacier outbursts, and air pollution. She praised Nepal's community forest management and proposed a regional grid for cleaner energy.
Likewise, EU Ambassador Lorenzo called for collective climate action, highlighting the EU's success in reducing emissions and the need for global partnerships. "Green is the new economic model," she concluded.
UN Resident Coordinator Singer-Hamdy highlighted South Asia's modest carbon footprint and potential to lead in climate change efforts. She urged for bold actions to harness the region's potential for an equitable green transformation. "Together, we can turn vulnerabilities into strength and challenges into opportunities," she said.
