Regional science-policy finance dialogue calls for stronger research and policy integration to build a greener, inclusive, and resilient South Asia

The regional science-policy finance dialogue brought together 57 policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners to align research priorities with policy needs and promote investment in sustainable solutions for South Asia.

From 7 to 8 April 2025 the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) through the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) co-organised the regional science-policy dialogue on ‘Prioritising research for sustainable development: Building a greener, inclusive, and resilient South Asia.’ 

During the two-day dialogue, discussions focused on how to minimise research gaps, strengthening regional partnerships, and scaling up investments in climate resilience and economic sustainability in South Asia.

Keynote speaker at the dialogue, Mr. Krishna Bahadur Raut, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Supplies, Nepal highlighted, ‘The knowledge that will be generated here, along with the integration of research and innovation into policy and practice, is going to help us all lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth. As we continue this important dialogue, I encourage you to actively participate, share your insights, exchange ideas, and collaborate on forward-thinking solutions that will help us achieve our shared goals.  

Dr Nitya Rao, Professor, Gender and Development, University of East Anglia emphasised, ‘To build a greener, inclusive and resilient South Asia we need to start with people. We need to find a way to bring these diverse voices from the ground into the debate – research, policy and action on adaptation to climate change – as ultimately it is individuals, households and communities, often marginalised, who bear the brunt of coping and adaptation.’

During the discussions participants recommended:

• Explore and invest in blended finance models, such as public-private partnerships and climate funds, to diversify and increase financial support for critical research initiatives. 
• Strengthen regional partnerships within the HKH and South Asia by promoting platforms for knowledge exchange, joint research, and coordinated policy efforts on shared environmental and climate challenges. 
• Adopt systemic approaches to research that integrate multiple disciplines and sectors, encouraging collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and communities 

ICIMOD Director General, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho said, ‘ICIMOD’s role is to bring people like you—experts, thought leaders, policymakers, business leaders together to share knowledge, learn from one another, and take that learning to shape policies and practices. We learn from you, analyse data, and share it with others who could benefit from it. The recent geopolitical developments clearly highlight the need for enhanced regional cooperation. It should motivate us to pool our resources and collaborate even more effectively to tackle our own challenges and seize the opportunities in front of us.’  

Moving forward participants agreed that linking policy and research needs cocreation of knowledge. It is a continuous process rooted in partnerships. By creating credible evidence with various stakeholders, we can foster meaningful changes in South Asia.  

This regional dialogue is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the United Kingdom International Development through its Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) initiative.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Neraz Tuladhar (Raz), Media Officer
Email: media@icimod.org