On Thursday, 19th May, we visited The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, a think tank serving the eight regional members of the Hindu Kush Himalayas through research on climate change and mountain development. Janya and Ingyin interviewed associates who specialized in climate change technology and the tourism industry in Nepal. After the interviews, we toured the headquarters and selected pamphlets to keep that provided insight on our areas of study. Later that day, Nyla interviewed the CEO of the Nepal Muslim Women Welfare Society, an NGO that empowers Nepali Muslim women in the fields of education, employment, and politics. The CEO, Seema Khan, shared her observations on how mainstream curriculua have helped further Muslim girls’ education in Nepal and stressed the importance of integrating religious and government education for Nepal’s Muslim community. Following this visit, Janya visited the Policy Research Institute in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, where she spoke with two policy experts who shared their thoughts on the divide between researchers' and policy makers’ efforts towards addressing climate change in Nepal. Towards the end of the day, we visited the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs where Arjun interviewed an expert who shared his thoughts on Nepal foreign policy and domestic political drivers, such as ruling party ideology and border disputes with Tibet.
On Friday morning, we visited Kumari Ghar, a palace in the center of the city next to Durbar Marg where we witnessed the Royal Kumari. Ingyin interviewed the owner of a local tour agency, who talked extensively about the impact of COVID-19 on his business. Afterwards, Janya interviewed the senior division meteorologist at the department of hydrology and meteorology who spoke about how forecasting and early warning technology can help farmers strengthen their response to climate change related disasters.