The two-day South Asian Parliamentary Dialogue on Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development commenced today in Thimphu, bringing together parliamentarians and experts from across South Asia to deliberate on shared challenges and opportunities in climate resilience, environmental conservation, energy transition and sustainable development.

The dialogue, organised by the South Asian Regional Parliamentary Forum (SARPF), is being held from 5–6 September 2026 at Yarkay Thimphu – IHCL SeleQtions. SARPF is a non-partisan platform of parliamentarians and legislators from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, established to promote regional parliamentary cooperation and policy dialogue on climate, energy and the environment.

The inaugural session was graced by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan, Hon. Sangay Khandu, as the Guest of Honour, and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, H.E. Lyonpo Sonam Tashi, as the Chief Guest. The programme also featured the presentation of the South Asia Energy Transition Status Report 2026 by Dr Samantha Stratton-Short, Chief Climate Officer, UNOPS.

The first day focuses on Bhutan’s climate change agenda, with discussions on environmental conservation, climate resilience and energy challenges from the Bhutanese perspective. The second day will bring together parliamentarians from across South Asia to exchange experiences and best practices and explore a possible regional approach to addressing common climate and environmental challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Sangay Khandu highlighted Bhutan’s longstanding commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, noting that the country’s experience demonstrates that economic development and environmental stewardship need not be viewed as competing priorities. He underscored the important role of Parliaments in translating scientific evidence and community concerns into policies, legislation and national action.

He also called for stronger parliamentary cooperation across South Asia, particularly in areas such as climate finance, renewable energy, water security, disaster preparedness, biodiversity conservation and resilient infrastructure. He emphasised the need for South Asian Parliaments to strengthen their collective voice in global climate and sustainable development discussions. The Minister for MoENR minister's remark also stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and also incorporating voices of youth in decision making.

The dialogue seeks to strengthen parliamentary partnerships and collective action towards a greener, more resilient, cooperative and sustainable South Asia.