Climate data is essential for protecting the future of learning and building resilience in and through the education system. It allows the education sector to move from reactive responses to proactive, evidence-based planning.
To help strengthen the capacity to integrate climate risks into education management, UNESCO, IIEP and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) organized the first in a series of capacity development workshops to help government officials use climate data to identify vulnerable schools and ensure learning continuity.
The workshop is part of the Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative (CSESI), a global programme supported by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), that helps countries integrate climate adaptation and environmental sustainability into education policies and plans. Held from 29 to 31 January 2026, it brought together 20 representatives from MoEST, the Centre for Education and Human Resource Development (CEHRD), and agencies that manage climate and disaster information, including the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. They reviewed current climate and education data systems, identified available information, and discussed how these data sources could better support educational planning.
“During these three days, participants worked together to map the different sources of climate-related data across ministries and agencies, A key realization was that significant climate information already exists, but the education sector has not always been able to access or use it effectively. The next step is to connect these data sources with our education information systems so they can support planning and decision-making for schools and learners.
Bhakta Bahadur Godar, Director at the Centre for Education and Human Resource Development (CEHRD).
Participants explored climate-related information available at various ministries and agencies and explored ways to better link it with Nepal’s main education data system (IEMIS).
Nepal has extensive climate observations and early warning data, including meteorological and hydrological information. However, much of this data is generated outside the education sector and is not systematically integrated into educational planning.
Since we are talking about climate-smart education systems, climate parameters and disaster-related indicators have a very important role. Our department generates different climate data that are used in many areas. This workshop has opened opportunities to work together and collaborate with the education sector. If additional information or data are needed, DHM is always ready to support.
Sujan Subedi, Senior Meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM)
The discussions opened new doors for intergovernmental coordination and emphasized the need for improved coordination between climate data producers and education authorities.
This workshop has provided an important opportunity for our colleagues in the education sector to deepen their understanding of the climate data landscape in Nepal. Climate-related data is produced by several institutions, including the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Strengthening collaboration with these institutions will be essential if we are to integrate climate considerations into education planning.
Shiba Kumar Sapkota, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
For example, participants discussed strengthening Nepal’s education data systems by adding climate-related indicators to assess the extent to which schools are at risk from climate-related challenges.
Our next step will be to strengthen the Education Management Information System (EMIS) so that relevant climate indicators can be integrated and used in planning processes,” Sapkota added. “This will require coordination across agencies and continued technical support from partners.
The workshop is part of the Climate data and evidence for educational planning component as part of the CSESI. Through this work, UNESCO and its partners will strengthen the capacity of Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to get and share data related toclimate to education information systems and improve the ability to use data for planning.
Integrating climate and education data will help Nepal anticipate climate risks, protect schools, and ensure uninterrupted learning for children nationwide.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-and-iiep-supports-nepal-strengthen-climate-data-systems-resilient-education-planning?hub=701
