The WTO Chairs Programme - Nepal hosted its 3rd Annual Conference on “Climate Change and Trade Sustainability in South Asia” on January 11 - 12 at Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu. Prof. Dr. Achyut Wagle, Registrar of Kathmandu University and Conference Chair, opened the inaugural session by emphasizing that sustainability transcends national boundaries. He called for stronger cooperation amongst vulnerable countries due to climate change and stressed that trade sustainability cannot be achieved without economic sustainability. Citing examples of extreme climate events - including floods, wildfires, and receding Himalayan glaciers - he underscored the need for green, climate-friendly production and consumption to secure a livable future.

Gracing the event as Chief Guest, Honorable Deputy Prime Minister & Finance Minister Mr. Bishnu Prasad Poudel highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly in energy trade such as hydropower. He urged collaborative efforts to address infrastructure, technology, and policy gaps for a smoother transition to a greener economy. Representing the WTO Chairs Programme - India, Prof. Dr. James J. Nedumpara (Head & Professor, Centre for Trade and Investment Law) stated that sustainability has become mainstream in international trade, yet many developing nations lack the necessary means and technology to facilitate a rapid shift toward climate-friendly growth. He also pointed to the importance of proactive efforts in addressing transboundary ecological risks. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dr. Bijay K.C., Dean of Kathmandu University School of Management, expressing sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests for their presence and contributions, including Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bishnu Prasad Poudel, the Head and Professor of the Centre for Trade and Investment Law, India Chair, the Deputy Director General of the WTO, and others.

The conference brought together policymakers, academic experts, scholars, and industry experts from twelve different countries including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, United State of America, Australia, China, Poland, Indonesia, Turkey, Switzerland (virtual), New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei (virtual). The conference featured multiple panel discussion and presentation sessions chaired by distinguished experts, including Dr. Ratnakar Adhikari, Prof. Dr. Michael Troilo, Prof. Dr. Nedumpara, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anup Shrestha, Prof. Dr. Michal Zdziarski, and Dr. Mona Shrestha Adhikari. Researchers and practitioners presented papers on climate change, sustainable trade, regional and global trade dynamics, digital transformation, and international business.

Eminent Panelists and discussants - Mr. Rajan Sharma, Prof. Dr. Wenxing CUI, Prof. Dr. Biju Thapalia, Dr. Maharani Hapsari, Dr. Toya Narayan Gyawali, Mr. Upendra Poudel, Prof. Dr. Kushum Shakya, Dr. N. Pinar Artiran, Mr. Suman Shakya, Mr. Ridhish Rajvanshi, Dr. Mona Shrestha Adhikari, and Asst. Prof. Satwik Shekhar. The experts urges researchers to go beyond theoretical suggestions by providing actionable, evidence-based solutions tailored to industry or policymaking contexts, ensuring their research has practical value beyond academic discourse. As well as an equal access to trade opportunities must be ensured for women and marginalized communities.

Keynote addresses by Prof. Dr. Elizabeth L. Rose and Prof. Dr. Michal Zdziarski highlighted future directions for international business and sustainability. Prof. Dr. Rose also facilitated a Paper Development Workshop to help emerging scholars refine their research toward publication.

The WCP Nepal 3rd Annual Conference 2025 concluded on a high note, with participants celebrating the achievements of the presenters and the successful exchange of ideas on critical topics such as climate change, sustainability, digital transformation, and global trade dynamics. The event underscored the importance of collaborative research and its potential to drive meaningful change in policy and society.