Phewa Dialogue concludes in China

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 29: The second Phewa Dialogue concluded on Friday in Chengdu, China, marking a significant milestone in fostering academic exchange and regional cooperation between China and South Asia.

The 2026 Dialogue in Chengdu focused on the theme “South Asian Development under Climate Change and Governance” against the backdrop of increasingly severe global climate challenges. Participants engaged in interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral discussions on governance strategies for both adaptation and mitigation, recognising their importance for the region’s sustainable development.

The dialogue aimed to promote mutual understanding, build consensus, and strengthen cooperation among participating countries and institutions.

According to a press statement released by the China Centre for South Asia Studies (CCSAS) at Sichuan University, the dialogue was conducted in a joint organisation between the China Centre for South Asia Studies (CCSAS) at Sichuan University, China, and Tribhuvan University, Nepal.

The academic dialogue brought together leading scholars, think tank representatives, and policy practitioners from across China, South Asia, and neighbouring regions, according to a press statement.

The Dialogue, through a series of high-level sessions, panel discussions, and expert exchanges, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration and more innovative approaches to effectively address climate-related risks while also unlocking new development opportunities.

Discussions explored ways to advance regional economic integration in South Asia, promote green development through clean energy and emerging industrial chains, and support the transition toward more sustainable lifestyles.

During the dialogue, Zhang Maoming, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, stated that China and Nepal have come a long way in jointly tackling climate change. He added that China's green transition is gaining momentum, bringing green development opportunities to South Asian countries, including Nepal.

“The challenges of climate change call for a collective response. I am pleased to note that China and Nepal have come a long way in jointly tackling climate change. China's green transition is gaining momentum, bringing green development opportunities to South Asian countries, including Nepal,” Zhang Maoming said.

Likewise, Prof. Liu Chao, Vice President of Sichuan University, said that Sichuan University has established long-term and stable cooperation with Tribhuvan University of Nepal, and has organised eleven short-term international student programmes under the Belt and Road Initiative.

“Sichuan University has established long-term and stable cooperation with Tribhuvan University of Nepal and has organised 11 short-term international student programmes under the Belt and Road Initiative. More than 400 South Asian students, including over 100 Nepali students, have studied at Sichuan University. Sichuan University boasts distinctive disciplinary advantages in such fields as climate change, disaster management and reconstruction, carbon neutrality, and green energy,” Prof. Liu Chao said.

In the dialogue, Prof. Khadga KC, Rector of Tribhuvan University, expressed his belief that the dialogue will foster inter-regional connectivity, which may bridge gaps among South Asian countries, including Nepal, with China.

“I believe the discourses of the conference will foster inter-regional connectivity, which may bridge gaps among us and enhance Track Two- level understanding among the South Asian countries with China,” Prof. KC said. This edition builds on the success of the inaugural Phewa Dialogue, held in December 2024 in Pokhara.