Kathmandu, 24 September, 2024: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nepal, together with the Government of Nepal, UNICEF, and UN Women, launched a new 2-year, USD 2.68 million (Euro 2.56 million) “SUPER II: Strengthening Urban Preparedness and Earthquake Response in Western region of Nepal” project, funded by the European Union (EU).

The project, under the overall coordination of UNDP, will build the resilience of over 500,000 people --including those from the marginalized communities, on earthquake preparedness and urban risks in Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces of Nepal, as well as the three targeted municipalities, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, and Birendranagar Municipality. 

“It is a priority for the European Union to continue being a part of the disaster preparedness and response activities in the western region of Nepal alongside UNDP, UNICEF and UNWOMEN”, said Veronique Lorenzo, European Union Ambassador to Nepal. “These activities will bring together communities and the authorities, and help strengthen their capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters.” Building on the past urban preparedness and earthquake response work implemented under the EU-supported SUPER-I (2021-24) initiative and drawing lessons from the earthquakes in Jajarkot and Bajhang districts, SUPER-II aims to strengthen provincial and municipal systems, and reinforce their linkages with the federal disaster risk reduction and management system, thus contributing to a reduced risk at the community level. 

“As we go forward, and in the true spirit of leaving no one behind, we are committed to include the most at-risk and marginalized populations at the centre of urban/disaster preparedness interventions. On behalf of the SUPER-II consortium, I would like to express my gratitude to the European Union for consolidating the preparedness achieved by the SUPER project and creating an enabling environment for upscaling,” said Kyoko Yokosuka, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nepal.

In close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Authority, provincial governments, and municipalities, the UNDP-led consortium project will engage parliamentarians, various associations of municipalities, government training institutions, NGOs/CBOs, media, and the private sector.

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For media enquiries: Monica Upadhyay, UNDP Nepal, Head of Communications; 

e-mail: monica.upadhyay@undp.org; X: @monica.upadhyay

About UNDP: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid: The European Union and its Member States are among the world's leading donors of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by disasters and human-induced crises. Through the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations of the European Commission, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.