26-Year-Old Nepal Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari Addresses 5th China-Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum in Nyingchi
NYINGCHI, July 17 — Nepal’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rubi Kumari, addressed the opening session of the 5th China-Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation in Nyingchi, Tibet Autonomous Region, on Friday, emphasizing regional connectivity, climate action, and strengthened Nepal-China relations.
Leading a five-member parliamentary delegation, the 26-year-old deputy speaker—one of the youngest senior officials to represent Nepal at the forum—delivered remarks highlighting the Trans-Himalayan region as a shared historical heritage of civilization, culture, trade, and people-to-people ties spanning thousands of years.
“The Himalayas have not divided our nations but have connected them as a bridge of mutual trust, cooperation, and coexistence,” Kumari said in her address.
Climate Action and Regional Challenges
Kumari identified climate change as an urgent shared challenge, noting that the Himalayan region is among the world’s most vulnerable areas. She pointed to rapid glacier melting, glacial lake outburst floods, biodiversity loss, and water resource challenges affecting the entire region.
She called for joint research and collaboration among academic and scientific institutions to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem, water resources, and traditional knowledge systems, including the Amchi medicinal system.
Connectivity and Economic Integration
The deputy speaker emphasized that robust connectivity—roads, railways, air links, energy grids, and digital infrastructure—forms the foundation of regional prosperity.
“Nepal is a natural bridge between South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia,” she stated, adding that the development of multi-dimensional Trans-Himalayan connectivity holds special significance for Nepal.
As a participant in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Nepal is committed to expanding practical cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, energy, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, Kumari said.
Nepal-China Relations
Kumari expressed gratitude for China’s continued support in Nepal’s socio-economic development and recalled the historical contributions of Bhrikuti and Arniko in strengthening Nepal-China cultural ties.
She reaffirmed Nepal’s respect for the One-China policy and commitment to continued friendship and cooperation.
The forum, held from July 16 to 18 under the theme “Harmonious Coexistence of Man and Nature, Sharing Cooperative Development Achievements,” focuses on green development and ecological conservation.
Kumari also held bilateral talks with Wang Junzheng, Secretary of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee, on the sidelines of the forum.
The Nepali delegation is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on July 20.
