Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0):  A Water-Led Climate Future

Regmi, Bimal Raj; Khadka, Manohara; Nepal, Santosh

Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0): A Water-Led Climate Future

Autores

Regmi, Bimal Raj

Khadka, Manohara

Nepal, Santosh

Editor

International Water Management Institute

Descripción

This brief details how the inclusion of water in the latest iteration of Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions, NDC 3.0,represents a notable success. This was driven by strong leadership from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) and active engagement from the focal ministry, development partners, research partners (International Water Management Institute, IWMI), and other relevant stakeholders. The process relied on rigorous technical assessments, evidence-based analysis, and stakeholder dialogue, which ensured that water resources were strongly integrated across major adaptation priorities sectors. The NDC revision also improved the definition of quantitative and policy targets within the mitigation sector, reflecting an integrated approach to climate action. Effective implementation of NDC 3.0 will require stronger ownership across federal, provincial, and local governments, together with continued engagement from supporting partners. Priorities and targets need to be clearer and tied to practical actions, backed by adequate financing and stronger institutional capacity. Integrating NDC priorities into regular planning and budgeting processes, while also diversifying resource mobilization, will be important for turning commitments into real actions. At the local level, water management needs to deal with both scarcity and excess water, which directly affects food security, growth and local livelihoods. Clearer roles across the three tiers of government alongside additional capacity building and greater emphasis on localization will help. Equitable benefit sharing, particularly for persons with disabilities, minority and Indigenous communities, as well as youth, women and other marginalized groups, is also needed if these commitments are to lead to more inclusive and climate-resilient outcomes.