Purbanchal University to Establish Disaster Management and Climate Change Centre

Kathmandu. Purbanchal University is set to establish a specialized centre to institutionalize education, research and policy development related to disaster management, climate change, early warning systems and post-disaster recovery.

Implementing the decision of its 43rd Senate meeting, the university plans to establish and operate the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Resilience, Early Warning, and Disaster Recovery. The university also aims to develop the centre as a platform for studying and researching international relations and disaster diplomacy alongside disaster management.

To inform stakeholders about the centre's objectives, scope of work, future plans and cooperation required for its operation, the university organized a consultative meeting in Kathmandu on Kartik 20, 2083 BS.

Consultative Meeting and Discussions

Speaking at the event, Purbanchal University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sujan Babu Marahatta said the university would advance disaster management activities in at least five areas through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching, study and research.

He stated that government agencies, national and international organizations, experts and researchers could contribute to the proposed centre and called on all stakeholders to collaborate.

The first session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Krishna Prasad Pandey, Dean of the Faculty of Law, discussed the need for universities to move beyond traditional teaching methods and focus on knowledge production and its practical application.

During the session, Engineer Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Centre, delivered a presentation on different types of disasters in Nepal, their risks, impacts and management challenges.

Prof. Dr. Prachanda Man Pradhan, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, explained that human resources were being developed to undertake technical work related to natural disasters, including earthquakes.

Similarly, Colonel Dr. Nabin Phuyal of the Nepali Army shared his views on the role of the health sector in disaster management.

Disaster Diplomacy and International Coordination

The second session, chaired by former Ambassador and former Minister Deep Kumar Upadhyay, focused on international relations and diplomatic coordination in disaster management.

During the discussion, former Ambassador Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai emphasized the need to develop disaster diplomacy as a permanent component of university teaching and research.

He also stressed that Nepal's national needs and interests should receive priority when accepting foreign assistance.

Another former Ambassador, Dr. Shankar Sharma, stated that disaster management and climate change are priority areas for international donor agencies.

He suggested advancing diplomatic initiatives to mobilize available international assistance and resources for disaster management and climate-related activities.

The programme was conducted by Dr. Rudra Sharma, Chairperson of the University's Law Subject Committee.

Concluding the meeting, Purbanchal University Registrar Prof. Dr. Panna Thapa expressed his commitment to documenting the suggestions and views received from participating experts and stakeholders and incorporating them into the centre's future action plan.

The university expects the proposed centre to extend disaster management beyond academic study by connecting education and research with national policymaking, international cooperation and practical implementation.