Chandani Thapa

Chandani joined ICIMOD as Research Associate in June 2025. She contributes to ICIMOD’s global policy outreach by leveraging investment flows into scalable solutions that address environmental and developmental challenges across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.

Her prior research includes examining climate-induced migration, exploring nature-based solutions to mitigate air pollution, and assessing the impact of Nepal’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status on trade and investment.

She has worked on development consulting assignments with diplomatic missions, multilateral development partners, and private-sector institutions, including the Royal Thai Embassy in Kathmandu, United States Agency for International Development Trade and Competitiveness (USAID T&C), and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries.

Additionally, she has taught economics in colleges affiliated to Tribhuvan University, Far-Western University, and Purbanchal University for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nepal. Her analyses of contemporary economic issues have been published as op-eds in national newspapers.

Chandani holds a master’s degree in Economics with specialisation in World Economy from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University.