Kathmandu | 13 October 2026

Urban Solutions to Crisis: Strengthening Resilient, Inclusive and Safe Cities in Nepal

The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD)/Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), in collaboration with UN-Habitat Nepal and partners, observed World Habitat Day and International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October 2025 at the DUDBC Hall, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, under the global theme of World Habitat Day - “Urban Solutions to Crisis”. Strongly guided by the theme and capturing events following the Gen-Z movement in September 2025, various stakeholders reflected on the complex crisis that Nepal faced in the previous month (including floodings and landslides), and the role of cities to rise back as a symbol of hope and resilience.

Kulman Ghising, Former Minister MoUD delivers remarks during World Habitat Day 2025

Former Minister of MoUD, Kulman Ghising, highlighted the necessity for crisis management in both rural and urban contexts and the need of an integrated approach for settlement development considering not only physical infrastructure but also social and economic resilience. He emphasized on integrating fire safety assessments into the building permit system and also launched the Sahari Bikas Bulletin, a compendium of urban development and housing initiatives.

In a video message, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, emphasized that every crisis has a human face and that we need to address it with compassion and inclusivity. She highlighted the urgency to prioritize housing, land, and basic services for all, as buildings represent far more than mortar and brick — they stand as symbols of dignity and hope for communities.

Pragya Pradhan, Habitat Programme Manager at UN-Habitat Nepal, further emphasized that ensuring land rights and adequate housing for all, is non negotiatiable as it is fundamental to achieving inclusive and resilient urban development. She advocated for the need to build back better and restore hope in humanity, especially in the face of recent crises.

Habitat Program Manager, Pragya Pradhan deliver her remarks

The technical presentations captured assessments on extensive damage to urban infrastructures and public services conducted by the national associations of engineers, structural engineers, architects, urban and rural municipalities.

The technical paper from former joint secretary, Dwarika Shrestha encapsulated cases of fire damages and shortcomings in the national building codes and their implementation when it comes to fire safety. He emphasized that the primary goal of fire safety is to prevent the loss of life and injury, followed by minimizing the likelihood of property damage.

Senior Divisional Engineer at DUDBC, Nisha KC, presents the findings of the recent damage assessment

Nisha KC, Senior Divisional Engineer at DUDBC, presented the findings of the recent damage assessment and outlined the strategic way forward. She began by explaining the Wind Shield Survey process, through which damages were categorized as minor, partial, or complete. Presenting the results, she reported that a total of 440 government office buildings were assessed across different districts.

Senior officials stressed integrated, risk‑sensitive planning; short‑, medium‑ and long‑term action plans; and legislative updates (including Settlement Development and Building Acts). Priorities include detailed damage assessments within two months, clearer certification and roles, public‑asset insurance, governance reforms, and capacity development across tiers of government. Recommendations highlighted urban safety zoning, risk‑sensitive land‑use plans, code updates (especially for fire safety), and coordinated measures to protect vulnerable settlements

Concluding the technical session, Prof. Dr. Sangeeta Singh (Convener, Nepal National Urban Forum) stressed that long‑term sustainability hinges on institutional reform and the continuous operation, maintenance, and monitoring of fire‑safety systems, reinforced by good governance and public awareness rooted in education, cultural values, and heritage protection.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to build back better by aligning technical excellence with social inclusion, cultural heritage protection and community trust, and by advancing safe, resilient and inclusive urban development across the nation.