In Nepal, increasing climate-related disasters such as floods, landslides and heat waves are disrupting schools and affecting children’s access to uninterrupted learning. In response, efforts are being made to improve how climate data is collected, accessed and used within the education sector so that planning can move from reactive responses to proactive, evidence-based decision-making.
UNESCO, the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), and Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) have launched a capacity-building initiative under the Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative. The programme aims to help government officials identify climate-vulnerable schools and strengthen education systems to better withstand climate risks. A key workshop held in early 2026 brought together officials from education and climate-related agencies to assess existing data systems and explore ways to integrate climate information into education planning processes.
The discussions revealed that Nepal already has substantial climate and early warning data generated by institutions such as the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and disaster risk authorities, but this information is not yet systematically used in education planning. Participants emphasized the need to improve coordination between ministries so that climate data can be linked with education management systems and used more effectively to guide decision-making.
Officials from the Ministry of Education highlighted plans to strengthen Nepal’s Education Management Information System by incorporating climate indicators that can help assess school vulnerability. This integration is expected to improve planning and ensure that schools are better prepared for climate-related disruptions. Climate agencies also expressed readiness to support the education sector by sharing relevant data and expertise.
The initiative is expected to strengthen institutional collaboration, improve data sharing, and build long-term capacity within Nepal’s education system. By integrating climate and education data, the programme aims to enhance resilience, protect schools from climate risks, and ensure that children can continue learning even in the face of environmental challenges.
