Nepal committed to work with int’l community: Minister Jhakri

Kathmandu: Minister for Urban Development, Ram Kumari Jhakri, has said that Nepal was committed to working with the international community for the effective implementation of new urban ‘agenda’ by building a sustainable city to achieve sustainable development goals and climate targets.

Addressing a high-level meeting of the UNGA related to the implementation assessment of the new urban agenda in New York on Thursday, Minister Jhakri opined that planned urbanization guided by the spirit of sustainability and equality would bring decent employment, and economic growth and investment opportunities to the city.

As per the New Urban Agenda, Nepal has determined national standards as well as implemented national strategy and directives for urbanization, implemented the Right to Housing Act -2018, and more than 3,000 houses were constructed and handed over to the families under the ‘Safe Citizen Housing Programme’, she mentioned.

Sharing about Nepal’s commitment to achieving a net-zero emission target by 2045, Minister Jhakri laid emphasis on an environment-friendly urban development plan for pollution and garbage management and clean energy promotion.

She further said that special attention has been paid to retrofitting to save old urban areas in future from earthquakes as Nepal is at risk of earthquakes. The Urban Development Minister called to ensure financial and technical assistance to development partners including the UN system for the implementation of the new urban agenda.