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As tensions flare in the Middle East following Iran’s counterattack on Israel, concern has grown over the safety of Nepali citizens living in the region. Bhupal Luitel spoke with Nepali Ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, to understand the current situation on the ground, the status of Nepalis there, the embassy’s contingency plans, and the latest updates on Bipin Joshi, the Nepali national who has been missing since the Hamas attack in Oct 2023. Excerpts:

We’ve heard a state of emergency was declared after the counterattacks between Israel and Iran began. What is the current situation there now?

The attack began at 3 pm local time here. Even as I am speaking to you, sirens continue to sound intermittently. The first missile attack on Tel Aviv took place at 9 pm. Then, from 1-2 am to 3-4 am, the attack continued with loud noise. The situation here is fine as of 7 am. People are rushing to bunkers within 90 seconds of the siren and remain there for at least 10 minutes. After Israel launched its attack on Iran, there have been reports of hundreds of drones being launched in response, most of which have been intercepted by Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ defense system. Since the incident began, I’ve been in frequent contact with Nepali government officials and members of the Nepali community, regularly updating them on the situation here.

How many Nepalis are there, and what is their situation?

Neither the Nepali government nor the embassy has accurate data on the actual number of Nepalis in Israel. While the official records only those who came through the G2G (government-to-government) mechanism, there are also Nepalis who arrived via India using Indian passports. Even though they are not counted in official statistics, they continue to send remittances to Nepal—so for practical purposes, they should be considered. This discrepancy makes it difficult to assess the actual number. However, if we include both legal and undocumented individuals, the estimated number of Nepalis in Israel ranges between 5,000 and 7,000. We have contacted the Nepalis and asked them to take help from us but 99 percent of the Nepalis said that they don’t want us to rescue them. There are two reasons for this. One is the job with an attractive salary and the other is the situation where you will not be able to return and get the same job here.
 

As for the current situation, there is no immediate reason for panic among the Nepali community, but discipline and preparedness are crucial. The most important thing is to strictly follow the safety protocols—this includes immediately going to the bunker when sirens sound, avoiding unnecessary movement outside, and especially refraining from going out during times of active crisis.

It’s difficult to assess how the war will unfold. If it escalates further, what preparations has the embassy made?

We are in constant communication with the Nepali government, Nepali citizens in Israel, and their families back home. If the situation escalates into a full-scale war, our response will be limited by our capabilities and available resources. In such a scenario, we would also seek support from neighboring countries. I am currently in touch with ambassadors from Cyprus, India, Thailand, and others to make contingency plans in case a rescue operation becomes necessary for Nepalis.
 

Recently, a delegation including Biratnagar Metropolitan City Mayor Nagesh Koirala arrived here amidst much confusion. I met with him and helped facilitate their return to Nepal via Cyprus. At the same time, I’ve come across Nepalis who have only recently arrived in Israel. Many of them are facing challenges—from not understanding Hebrew to feeling unsafe in older bunkers. I’m working with local officials to ensure they receive the support they need.
 

We have already issued an advisory to all Nepalis here. However, if the war intensifies significantly, I must honestly say that our capacity to evacuate all Nepalis is extremely limited. For comparison, India has around 30,000 to 35,000 citizens here, and it is unlikely they could evacuate everyone at once. Sri Lanka has a similar number, the Philippines about 30,000, and China around 40,000. In such a crisis, every country faces limitations.

We have no choice but to seek international assistance if needed. That said, Nepal has a history of stepping up during crises. If evacuation becomes impossible, the best course of action would be for Nepalis to remain in safe shelters with adequate supplies of food, water, and essentials

It has been about six months since you arrived in Israel as an ambassador. What is the status of Bipin Joshi?

As of now, we still do not have any clear information regarding the status of Bipin Joshi. The Israeli government does not know, nor does the local army. Of the remaining three hostages, Hamas recently returned the body of a Thai citizen who had reportedly died back in December 2023. A Nigerian hostage has also been confirmed dead, and there are reports that his body is being prepared for return. But when it comes to Joshi’s status, I truly cannot say anything beyond this at this point.

Thibaut Bruttin is a Franco-Swiss civil society activist, Director-General of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and President of the Forum on Information and Democracy (FID). He joined RSF in 2014 and contributed to the development of key initiatives such as the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), the evacuations of Afghan journalists, the press freedom centers in Ukraine, the escape of Marina Ovsyannikova from Russia, and the Svoboda satellite package targeting Russian audiences. He began his career in the international development team at the Louvre Museum and later worked for Echo Studio, a production and distribution company focused on impact-driven cinema. A film historian as well, Thibaut Bruttin has published several works, the most recent of which is Michel Audiard–Jean Herman/Vautrin (Actes Sud–Institut Lumière, 2023). Kamal Dev Bhattarai of ApEx talked to him about the global and regional scenarios of press freedom and journalist safety.

What are the key threats that global journalists in common are facing today?

In 2025, the global state of press freedom is now classified as a “difficult situation” for the first time in the history of RSF's World Press Freedom Index. Although physical attacks against journalists are the most visible violations of press freedom and some 50 journalists were killed in 2024, RSF has underlined that economic pressure is also a major, more insidious problem. The economic indicator on the RSF World Press Freedom Index now stands at an unprecedented, critical low as its decline continues in 2025.

As a global organization, what are RSF's priorities?

RSF defends and promotes a free, independent and pluralistic press via publications, advocacy and direct support.

What is your overall impression of the status of press freedom in South Asia?

In the Asia-Pacific region, press freedom and access to reliable news sources are severely compromised by the predominance of regimes—often authoritarian—that strictly control information, often through economic means. In many countries, the government has a tight grip on media ownership, allowing them to interfere in outlets’ editorial choices. It is highly telling that twenty of the region’s 32 countries and territories saw their economic indicators drop in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.

You recently visited Nepal and discussed the media fraternity here. How do you rate the status of press freedom in Nepal?

RSF published its World Press Freedom Index in early May and Nepal is ranked 90th, down 16 places. Worst: Nepal is 80th regarding the economy of the media 120th in terms of safety of the journalists. Today, the state of press freedom in Nepal is increasingly fragile. Therefore, Nepal must uphold its constitutional promise of a free press.

Despite a relatively calm and peaceful political situation, Nepali journalists still face physical threats. What are your suggestions to local stakeholders here to address this issue?

Journalists in Nepal still face physical violence. Two media professionals have lost their lives recently: freelance journalist Suresh Bhul, from Dhangadhi, and Avenues TV cameraperson Suresh Rajak. I have met the widow of Suresh Rajak, killed during the pro-monarch demonstration and she expressed, just as Rajak’s colleagues did, the lack of progress and transparency in the investigation.  This case highlights several issues when dealing with the safety of journalists. First, what happened in this arsoned building? Second, was the response of the police and emergency services appropriate? And third, is there a true will to shed light on this incident? Reaffirming that attacks on journalists are unacceptable in a democracy is not enough. Impunity for crimes committed against journalists puts the entire profession at risk.

Could you shed light on the areas RSF is working in Nepal?

RSF is also advocating for public policies to support the media economy. The weakened economy of the news industry has two consequences, highly evidenced in Nepal: the outlets can be tempted to lower the quality of their content and favor sensationalist, polarizing or clickbait pieces; the journalists must diversify their resources and can engage in communications or politics. We urge media owners to fully implement the minimum wage regulation and to pay in due time their employees. Furthermore, we invite the parliament to amend the Social Media Bill so as to exempt from its scope news media, identified according to national licenses or international standards such as the Journalism Trust Initiative; and to adopt transparent, fair mechanisms for the allocation of public advertising and subsidies, to support independent media without discrimination. 

Mark Loughran, President and Deputy CEO of inDrive, a fast-growing ride-hailing and urban mobility platform with a unique peer-to-peer pricing model, is driving the company’s mission to challenge injustice and empower communities through fair and transparent services. In a conversation with ApEx, he discusses inDrive’s expansion into Nepal, the company’s distinctive approach to mobility, and its long-term vision for empowering riders and drivers alike.

What is inDrive, and how did this concept arise?

inDrive is a global urban mobility service committed to challenging injustice and creating positive social impact. With a presence in 48 countries and 888 cities, inDrive has completed over 6bn rides since its inception. The idea for inDrive emerged during a harsh Siberian winter around New Year’s Eve. As temperatures plummeted, local taxi companies drastically increased their fares—some by two or three times the usual rate. This sudden surge left many residents stranded, unable to afford transportation to visit friends, family, or get to work. 

In response, people began reaching out to one another directly, arranging rides amongst themselves. A simple concept was born: peer-to-peer ride-sharing based on mutual agreement and fair pricing. What began as a community-driven solution quickly grew in popularity, spreading from a few individuals to thousands across the region. Seeing this grassroots movement, Arsen Tomsky, the visionary founder and CEO of inDrive, transformed this idea into a digital platform. His goal was simple yet profound: to create a service where people, not algorithms or monopolistic pricing models, decide the cost of their rides.

Today, inDrive continues its mission to fight against inequality in urban mobility, empowering both passengers and drivers with the freedom to negotiate fair fares and access safe, reliable transportation. From its humble beginnings in one of the coldest cities on earth, inDrive now serves millions of people worldwide, standing as a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and social justice.

What makes inDrive unique and what is its mission?

At the heart of inDrive’s mission lies a commitment to combating injustice and promoting freedom. Unlike other ride-hailing platforms, inDrive empowers both passengers and drivers with genuine choice and transparency, key elements that set us apart from the competition. One of the most distinctive features of inDrive is the freedom to negotiate fares. When you open the app, you don’t just see a fixed price—you see a recommended price, and then you decide what you want to pay. That’s right, you can enter the fare that you think is fair, and it doesn’t stop there. On the driver’s side, they don’t just get a ride request with a vague destination and a hidden fare; they see exactly where you are, where you want to go, and the fare you’ve suggested. This level of transparency is rare. On many competitor platforms, drivers often have no visibility into the fare or even the destination before accepting the ride. They are forced to accept the next ride blindly, with little room for choice or negotiation. 

At inDrive, however, drivers can see multiple passenger bids, giving them the freedom to select the best option for their time and route preferences. From the passenger’s perspective, the benefits are just as clear. You don’t just pick the next available car—you get to see multiple driver offers, complete with driver ratings, vehicle details, and proposed fares. This means you have the power to choose a driver based on what matters most to you—whether it’s the quickest arrival time, the lowest fare, or the highest-rated driver. We’ve noticed that some passengers are happy to wait a little longer for a cheaper ride, while others prioritize speed. That’s the beauty of freedom of choice, and it’s entirely in your hands. 

Another critical difference is our platform commission rate. inDrive charges just 10 percent, allowing drivers to keep 90 percent of their earnings. Not only does this enable drivers to earn more fairly, but it also contributes to lower ride costs for passengers. To add to this, passengers pay drivers directly upon completion of the ride—no waiting periods or hidden deductions. In contrast, many global competitors take 20 percent, 30 percent, or even more in commissions, impacting both driver earnings and passenger costs. In summary, inDrive is driven by three core principles: fair pricing, freedom of choice, and fair earnings for drivers. We believe that mobility should be just, transparent, and empowering for everyone involved.

Since inDrive is built on a people-centric and community-based approach, how do you ensure that this philosophy resonates effectively with local markets, particularly in a country like Nepal?

inDrive’s community-focused and people-centric approach is a core part of its identity. But instead of simply ‘making sure’ it resonates with local markets like Nepal, it’s more about how we operate and uphold those values consistently. Our growth and market leadership in Nepal speak volumes—being the number one ride-hailing service with a significant market share reflects that people recognize and appreciate our unique model. 

The key differentiator is not just about competitive pricing and freedom of choice for passengers. It’s also about fairness and economic impact. Drivers with inDrive keep 90 percent of their earnings, which directly contributes back to Nepal’s economy. Unlike competitors that take 20-30 percent of driver income, effectively removing that capital from the local community, inDrive’s model ensures that money stays and circulates within Nepal. This creates a ripple effect of positive economic contribution, empowering local drivers and enhancing community growth. Looking forward, we hope more passengers understand that choosing inDrive is not only about convenience but also about supporting local communities and contributing to a fairer economic ecosystem. It’s about fairness, empowerment, and real impact.

Could you please share the primary goals of inDrive in Nepal? Additionally, what new initiatives or launches can we expect from inDrive in the next five years?

Currently, there is nothing specific to announce, but to provide a broader perspective, let’s look at what inDrive has been doing in other countries. At the moment, inDrive operates in just three cities in Nepal. However, there is a clear demand for improved mobility services in other cities as well. One of the first major steps you can expect is inDrive’s expansion to more cities across Nepal. As seen in other markets, after expanding to additional cities, inDrive often introduces intercity rides, linking these cities to facilitate longer-distance travel. This service is particularly advantageous for negotiations, where both drivers and passengers benefit from fair and transparent fare discussions for long-distance trips. Looking beyond just city expansions, inDrive is likely to explore broader delivery services in Nepal. This is a strategy they’ve successfully implemented in other countries, and it aligns with their goal of enhancing accessibility and convenience for users.

Moreover, inDrive has been pioneering financial services for drivers in select markets. Starting in Mexico and now available in five countries, this initiative addresses a major challenge for drivers: access to fair credit. Many drivers struggle with credit ratings, making it hard for them to secure loans. inDrive has innovated by using drivers’ riding and driving history to collaborate with credit rating agencies and lending institutions, allowing drivers to borrow money at fair rates. Repayments are structured to be manageable, deducted gradually from their earnings. This service has been instrumental for drivers facing emergencies like car repairs, medical expenses, or even educational costs for their children—key reasons drivers seek financial support. While this service is yet to reach Indonesia, the plan is to expand it further, and it’s highly possible Nepal could be a part of that future vision. Expanding mobility, delivery services, and financial support would not only elevate inDrive’s presence in Nepal but also contribute to economic opportunities for drivers and enhanced services for passengers.

As sustainability becomes an increasingly crucial aspect of the transportation industry, what is inDrive doing to incorporate sustainable practices into its operations?

First and foremost, the foundation of inDrive’s service model is built around the concept of resource sharing through ride-hailing and ride-sharing. By promoting shared rides, we contribute to a reduction in the number of cars on the road, which in turn helps to decrease emissions and lessen environmental impact. Personally, in the last country I lived in, I didn’t own a car and relied solely on ride-hailing services. This demonstrates that ride-sharing platforms can effectively support sustainable urban mobility by optimizing vehicle use and minimizing unnecessary congestion. 

Additionally, as electric vehicles (EVs) become more accessible—not just in terms of purchase but also in terms of operation, with the development of necessary charging networks-our commitment to sustainability strengthens. In line with this, last year we launched a Comfort Class that includes EVs. As the EV infrastructure continues to grow and the number of EVs on the roads increases, we plan to introduce a dedicated class exclusively for electric vehicles, actively encouraging their use among both drivers and passengers. These initiatives reflect inDrive’s broader vision to contribute positively to environmental sustainability by embracing modern, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Can you share some impactful and CSR projects that inDrive has been doing in Nepal?

At inDrive, our commitment goes beyond redefining mobility; it’s about redefining the very principles of business to create a lasting, positive impact in the communities where we operate. Our business model is deeply rooted in challenging injustice and promoting fairness—not just for our passengers and drivers but for society as a whole. This commitment is embedded in our belief that businesses should not only focus on financial strength and value for investors but also actively contribute to the well-being and development of communities. We call this approach ‘reinventing capitalism’, where growth and profitability go hand in hand with community empowerment and social responsibility.

Globally, inDrive’s impact initiatives are led by our dedicated inVision team. This team spearheads projects across four core areas: education, sports, arts, and technology. Through various programs, we are empowering individuals and communities by providing them with resources and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. One standout initiative is the ‘Free for Use University’ launched in Kazakhstan, one of the first countries where inDrive expanded. This groundbreaking program provides a full university education for children from deprived areas who would not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education. The curriculum not only covers academic subjects but also includes entrepreneurialism, community support, and social impact training. By investing in education, we aim to create future leaders who can drive positive change in their communities. 

Our commitment to sports is another pillar of our global impact. We recognize that sports instill discipline, teamwork, and confidence in young people, contributing to better educational outcomes and healthier lifestyles. Around the world, we support sporting events and facilities, understanding that these investments shape stronger, more resilient communities.

Here in Nepal, inDrive’s commitment to community impact is evident through several key projects. We began with vital support for disaster relief, aiding in rebuilding homes and assisting families affected by natural disasters. Recognizing the need for sustainable community support, we are now on the verge of launching the ‘Ride to Donate’ program. This initiative will channel a portion of the fare from every third ride into a fund dedicated to enhancing sporting facilities in schools across Kathmandu. We believe that investing in sports for children not only improves health and education outcomes but also builds community spirit and opportunity. inDrive is also a proud supporter of the Kathmandu Marathon, an event that brings together athletes, communities, and our own driver partners. Beyond just sponsorship, we encourage our drivers and their children to participate, promoting health, well-being, and community engagement.

Technology and entrepreneurship are key to Nepal’s development, and inDrive is proud to sponsor the ICT Awards, which recognize innovation and excellence in the tech sector. For the past two years, we have supported this event, which typically takes place in December. We also encourage female entrepreneurs to participate in the global ‘Aurora Tech Awards’, a program that supports and mentors women in technology. Our goal is to see more Nepalese representation in these global programs, offering them a platform to shine on the world stage.

Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and drive change. Our ‘Alternativa’ program supports filmmakers and artists, providing them with mentorship and a platform to share their stories globally. A powerful example is the Nepali film ‘Devi’, which was a finalist in the program. This impactful film has not only sparked important conversations in Nepal but is also being showcased internationally to influence policymakers. Choosing inDrive is about more than just good service and fair pricing; it's about supporting a company that reinvests in local communities. The majority of our profits stay with drivers and within the Nepalese economy, directly benefiting local families and businesses. 

Additionally, through our community programs and impactful projects, we bring our skills, resources, and commitment to tackling real social challenges, contributing to lasting positive change. We are dedicated to continuing our journey of impactful projects in Nepal, expanding our programs, and reaching more communities in need. At inDrive, we believe that business success should always be measured not just by profit but by the positive impact we create in the communities we serve.

So, does inDrive have any partnerships with local insurance companies in Nepal to provide coverage?

Yes, inDrive is proud to partner with Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company Limited, a well-known local insurance company in Nepal. This collaboration allows us to provide essential insurance coverage for our drivers and passengers, ensuring their safety and security while on the road. It’s a significant step in reinforcing our commitment to driver and passenger welfare, and we’re thrilled to have this arrangement in place. Having local support from Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance adds an extra layer of reliability and trust for our driver partners and our valuable passengers.

We have discussed how inDrive is empowering drivers globally and enhancing its reputation as a reliable ride-hailing app. How does inDrive plan to specifically empower local drivers in Nepal? What kind of support can they expect from the company?

The very first and arguably most impactful way we empower our drivers is by ensuring that 90 percent of the fare goes directly to them. Unlike many platforms, we prioritize putting the majority of the earnings into the hands of those who are on the road. Drivers receive their earnings instantly, providing immediate access to their hard-earned money. If you haven’t experienced this firsthand, I highly encourage you to spend some time with our team and local drivers-ask questions, understand their motivations, and hear their personal stories. You'll find that each driver has a unique journey, and many rely on this income to support their families and pursue their aspirations. 

The second way we support drivers is by fostering consistent demand for rides. Our platform is growing rapidly in Nepal, which translates to more ride requests and more earning opportunities for drivers. For many, driving with inDrive represents a pathway to a sustainable income, sometimes transitioning from unemployment to earning a reliable livelihood. 

Thirdly, we focus heavily on training and development. We recognize that quality service and safety are paramount—not just for passengers but for drivers too. Our training sessions cover areas like safety protocols, customer service, and effective time management. We also go beyond traditional training by addressing mental health, recognizing that long hours on the road can be both mentally and physically demanding. In fact, we’ve introduced in-person mental health sessions to help drivers manage stress and maintain well-being during their long shifts. Driving for eight to ten hours a day is not an easy task. The pressures of traffic, passenger demands, and maintaining concentration are real challenges. Having driven myself, though only for shorter periods, I understand how intense it can be, especially during peak hours when everyone is rushing to their destinations. Our aim is to ease this burden with continuous support, better infrastructure, and a sense of community. 

Finally, as we continue to grow in Nepal, we are committed to bringing more services and investments into the community. These initiatives are designed to not only enhance the experience for our drivers but also to contribute positively to the local economy.

Former Minister of International Development and Minister of Environment of Norway, Erik Solheim, attended the inaugural edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad at the invitation of the Nepal government. A seasoned diplomat, Solheim has also served as the under-secretary-general of the United Nations and the executive director of the United Nations Environment Program. Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Pratik Ghimire of ApEx interviewed him about climate change impacts in the Himalayas. Excerpts:

What drew you to Sagarmatha Sambaad?

I was invited by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. I met him a few months back and he said we are finally making the summit happen. The event had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So, the prime minister was very eager, and I said, yes, for sure I want to come. And the main reason is of course that the melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas, which is of enormous importance to the world. These glaciers are feeding all the major rivers. Ganga, Brahmaputra, the Mekong, the Indus, they are all fed by the melting of the Himalayas. And the impact, if this is disturbed, will be enormous. If you take India, China and Pakistan, there are maybe 2bn people living in this region. So, this is one of the most important environmental issues in the world, and it’s very good that Nepal is taking the lead to put this issue on the agenda.

Do you think that this kind of summit could help shape the global perspective, or global discourse on climate change and sustainability?

One summit of course will not change everything in the world. But if you sustain the topic, have more summits, and really bring it into the different global processes, I think it will have a massive impact. Because this is also the third pole. You have the north pole where we live in Norway, you have the south pole in Antarctica, and this is the third pole, with all the ice and snow in the Himalayas. So, to get that perspective out to the world, I think this summit was very important.

Can this kind of event be a common voice for mountainous regions and mountainous countries? 

Absolutely, because the issues are the same. Of course, the Himalayas is the number one mountain region in the world, but I’ve been many times to, say, Bolivia in the Andes. In Bolivia, you see skiing tracks, which were built at a time when there was snow to bring tourists. Now, the skiing tracks have no snow. They are just standing there with no use. So, the issues are the same in the Andes, in the Alps, and in many other mountain ranges. But the Himalayas is the most important, the biggest amount of snow, the highest number of people being impacted. 

As a former UN Environment chief, you have been in many kinds of climate dialogues. Do you think these kinds of dialogues really help in real world climate actions?

It works only if you can trigger action, and the government can set the direction for action. But you also need business and civil society groups and others to act. What I think is very important is not just to see climate change as a problem, but also as an opportunity for innovation and economic growth. One example is, of course, now over 70 percent of cars in Kathmandu or Nepal are electric. Well, that’s very good for fighting climate change. But it’s also very good for the people here. These cars are more modern, better, higher quality, more tech. They will reduce pollution. Kathmandu is in a valley, as you know very well that you don’t have a lot of wind to remove pollution. It will stay on. So it makes sense to embrace electric vehicles. Nepal is now next to Norway, with the world's most electric cars. Sure, there is China, but China is so big. So in terms of percentages, Nepal is really leading the world. Again, looking for what’s beneficial, both economically and for the environment, electric cars are much cheaper because you spend less money.

Are you really hopeful about the direction the world is heading in terms of climate action?

I think the world is heading in the right direction, but not mainly because of the diplomatic talks, but mainly because of the action of business. Look, China last year added 300 gigawatts of solar energy to the grid. That is 100 times Nepal's entire hydro power grid. So this is enormous. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi just launched a scheme for 10m rooftops with solar. Again, that’s huge. And China and India both have understood that climate and environment is not just a problem, but also an opportunity. Now most electric cars in the world are Chinese. This benefits the Chinese economy and environment. It’s the same thing in India. With Modi launching the solar industry in India, it benefits the economy and environment.

What adaptation strategies would you recommend for vulnerable and mountainous countries like Nepal?

Number one, going big on renewables. Hydropower is already big, but there’s a huge potential for more hydropower in Nepal, and that’s also a potential for huge export earnings if you sell it to India. Going big on solar, and then doing even better to protect nature, can also bring economic opportunities. I know that there are disputes in Nepal about the number of tigers, but Nepal has doubled the number of tigers. That can be turned into a draw for tourists, because tourists really want to come and see tigers. You get good jobs while protecting nature at the same time.

We have often heard you talking about green growth. How can developing nations like Nepal grow their economies without repeating the environmental mistakes of the already developed or industrial countries?

The main issue is to understand that renewables are now the cheapest anywhere in the world. In the past, every nation that wanted to grow its economy depended on coal energy. It started in the United Kingdom and spread to Germany, to the United States, to Japan, to China. But now if you switch from coal to solar, you save money. Solar is cheaper. That means a new development path is possible. So for Nepal to really root its economic development in electric vehicles, solar panels, hydropower, that will make a very different pathway forward. Less polluting, but also cheaper and better.

Nepali leaders frequently say that the international community is not paying attention to the impact of climate change on Nepal’s Himalayas. This is one reason the Nepal government organized Sagarmatha Sambaad. Do you agree with this claim?

I think the prime minister and other leaders are right that the support from the international community hasn’t been sufficient. And I think Nepal is very right to put this much more front and center by organizing the Sagarmatha Sambaad.

What are your suggestions for Nepal so that the international community could hear this issue? 

It should organize more events in other parts of the world. We have the climate talks in Belém, Brazil. We have the UN General Assembly. We have Davos, the World Economic Forum. We have dialogues in neighboring countries. We have the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. We have the Boa Forum in China. These are major events where lots of people are coming together. And the Nepal government, with its Indian, Chinese and European partners, could organize many more events putting Nepal and the Himalayas at the center.

The Nepal government had expected for heads of state and government to join the dialogue, but that didn’t happen. What could be the reasons?

Well, I think right now, many leaders are focused on other issues. Chinese President Xi Jinping, for example, is focused on trade and conflict issues with the United States. Prime Minister Modi has, of course, been very focused on the conflict with Pakistan. But the very high level, I mean, the Minister of Environment came from Delhi. A Central Committee member of the Chinese Communist Party did attend the dialogue. Certainly, it will be good to attract even more high level representatives in the future, and I’m sure that can happen. 

Since Nepal and Norway are long-time partners, how do you see the current status of these countries’ collaboration on environmental and climate issues?

Norway has supported a number of climate activities in Nepal. A very obvious area is hydropower, because Norway is a big hydropower nation, and so is Nepal. So to look into all opportunities to engage Norwegian companies in sharing the best practice or investing in hydropower in Nepal I think would be a huge, huge opportunity. But there are also others. Hydropower is the biggest opportunity, because Norway has much less. Besides that, anything related to tourism. Nepal has huge tourism potential. I mean, all it has is tourists, but it can get more. So finding ways of getting more value from the tourists, charging them more so you get more and more value, but also, of course, organizing tourism in such a way that it has the least impact on nature.