Representatives of organisations working on disaster risk management and humanitarian agencies have called on the government to urge the international community to increase funding for humanitarian aid and build the capacity of low-income countries in disaster preparedness.

They made the request during a meeting on Wednesday with UN agencies and other development partners while discussing agendas for World Humanitarian Summit scheduled on May 23-24 in Istanbul.

As the authorities prepare to attend the summit, the participants have recommended that the government draw attention of the international community towards ensuring proper financing for humanitarian assistance and technical support for capacity building of the local communities for countries like Nepal to deal with disasters.

“Disaster preparedness at the national level to deal with any kind of disaster is crucial and needs adequate support from all sectors,” said Ram Chandra Neupane, executive director at Disaster Prepa-redness Network Nepal.