Duryog Nivaran | Inclusive Governance

As the region experiences increasing centralization of governance and shrinking civic space, there is an urgent need to advance models of inclusive and accountable risk governance. DN lobbies for reforming systems of decision-making so that they become more participatory, transparent, and responsive to community needs.

DN has made significant strides in strengthening inclusive risk governance, promoting transparency and accountability across the region. Our research on Inclusive Disaster Risk Governance, presented at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), utilized local case studies from Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) and Ahmedabad (India). Additionally, we co-organized South Asian Policy Dialogues (2024–2025) that brought together policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations to address governance gaps in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation.

Member organizations of DN have also contributed through various initiatives:

CEPA has advanced technical and governance innovations to transform natural resource conflicts into opportunities for peace.
Janathakshan developed a Climate-Smart Green Growth Strategy and conducted training programs on DRR.
Practical Action Nepal completed a vulnerability risk analysis for 35 municipalities, aiding local authorities in integrating risk data into their planning.
AIDMI led Women-Led Disaster Preparedness Training, enhancing community-led early warning and adaptation efforts.

Through these collective efforts, DN is committed to fostering inclusive governance that meets the needs of communities in South Asia.