Kathmandu, May 24

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa today sought more investment in disaster preparedness as it was important to minimise risk and damage in least developed countries like Nepal.

Co-chairing the ‘High-Level Leaders’ Roundtable on Natural Disaster and Climate Change: Managing Risks and Crises Differently’ in Istanbul of Turkey, Thapa also shared the experiences and lessons learned by Nepal in rescue, rehabilitation, and reconstruction following the devastating earthquake that struck in April 2015.

This event moderated by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is one of seven roundtables being organised as part of the ongoing World Humanitarian Summit held in the Turkish city.

Ban appreciated the quick response and effective coordination of the Government of Nepal in the aftermath of last year’s quakes, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Emphasising the need to ‘build back better’ for increased resilience to ensure quick response and avoid bigger losses during disasters, Thapa observed that ‘build back better’ called for increased financial resources, and increased innovation.