Returning from Nepal as the International Programme Manager for the Irish Red Cross, the upcoming tenth anniversary of the devastating 2015 earthquake evokes a powerful mix of admiration and a pressing sense of global responsibility. The catastrophic event, which struck Nepal on April 25th, 2015, triggered an immediate and substantial outpouring of support from the international community, with the Irish Red Cross proudly contributing to this collective effort.  

In those initial, chaotic days, our focus, like so many others, was on providing lifesaving relief – shelter, water, food and essential medical assistance to those who had lost everything. The resilience of the Nepali people in the face of such immense tragedy was truly humbling. What struck me then, and continues to resonate deeply, is the extraordinary warmth and welcoming sprit of the Nepali people. Even amidst their own hardship, they extended kindness and hospitality to every international responder, a testament to their inherent generosity and strength of character.  

The decade since 2015 has been a journey of deepening collaboration and evolving priorities. In 2019, the Irish Red Cross formalised its long-term commitment through a partnership agreement with the Nepal Red Cross Society. This marked a significant shift towards sustained recovery and sustainable development initiatives. Our joint efforts focused on providing diversified livelihoods to marginalised ethnic minority groups, empowering communities to rebuild their lives and foster long-term economic security.  

More recently, our focus has increasingly turned to the urgent challenge of climate change and its disproportionate impact on Nepal’s rural, remote and mountainous communities. These regions, often geographically isolated, are on the frontlines of a rapidly changing climate. We witness firsthand the increasing frequency of landslides, and erratic weather patterns that threaten agricultural livelihoods, water security and overall well-being. Implementing climate mitigation strategies in such challenging terrain requires innovative and community-led approaches, working in close collaboration with the Nepal Red Cross to build resilience and adapt to these evolving threats.