Kathmandu - The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the IOM Development Fund, successfully conducted the first-ever training in Nepal on the migration, environment, and climate change (MECC) nexus on 20 to 21 March 2025. Organized in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, the two-day event brought together 60 participants, including 23 women and 37 men, comprising government officials from local, provincial, and federal levels, as well as experts, academicians, and practitioners in the field.

The training aimed to foster a shared understanding among key stakeholders of roles and responsibilities in the MECC, aligned with national and international priorities and standards. The training focused on critical topics such as the impact of climate change on human mobility in Nepal, relevant policy frameworks, global perspectives, and good practices from local communities. Participants engaged in discussions on multi-stakeholder approaches to develop a roadmap for climate mobility and adaptation planning. 

IOM Nepal Chief of Mission in her opening remarks highlighted the strong connection between MECC, and addressing these challenges requires a people-centred, gender-responsive, and comprehensive approach. 

A key highlight of the training was a panel discussion featuring representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA), the National Planning Commission (NPC), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The panelists provided valuable insights into policy coordination and collaborative efforts needed to address climate-induced migration challenges. 

Speaking at the event, the Joint-Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Mr Krishna Prasad Sapkota said, “The challenges along the MECC nexus can only be addressed through collaboration among ministries at the federal, provincial and local government levels.”

The training provided a platform for all three tiers of government, development partners and experts to exchange experiences. Elected representatives from selected local governments presented innovative ways to addressing the challenges across MECC nexus. Feedback from government participants indicated that the training was impactful, sensitive to the diverse needs of participants, and insightful regarding the interlinkages of MECC. 

IOM remains committed to fostering dialogue and capacity-building initiatives that support Nepal’s efforts in addressing climate-induced migration and ensuring sustainable adaptation strategies. 

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For media enquiries, please contact: Dipina Sharma Rawal, Head of Migration, Environment and Climate Change at IOM Nepal, dsharma@iom.int