A call to the European business community to support relief and recovery
7 September 2026 | Brussels
The EBO Worldwide Network (EBOWN) expresses its profound sorrow and solidarity with the people of Nepal, our member, the European Economic Chamber (EEC)-Nepal, and all communities affected by the catastrophic flash floods and cascading debris flows.
The disaster has caused a devastating loss of life, left many people missing and displaced communities across the affected areas. Homes, schools, health facilities, agricultural land, businesses, roads, bridges, hydropower installations and other critical infrastructure have been severely damaged or destroyed. Search, rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing, and the full human and economic consequences are still emerging.
Preliminary UNDP modelling estimates approximately US$158.6 million in potential building damage alone, with a significant margin of uncertainty. This does not represent the total losses caused by the disaster and excludes damage to roads, bridges, hydropower infrastructure, agriculture and other essential assets.
Behind these figures are families mourning loved ones, people who have lost their homes and livelihoods, children whose education has been disrupted, and communities and businesses confronting the immense challenge of rebuilding.
As a worldwide network of European Business Organisations, EBOWN believes that our commitment to stronger economic and people-to-people ties between Europe and international markets also carries a responsibility to stand with our members and their communities in times of crisis.
A call to the European business community
EBOWN calls upon its member EBOs to mobilise their networks and encourages European companies—including those with relevant ESG and corporate-responsibility programmes—to support Nepal’s humanitarian relief and early recovery efforts.
Support may also include appropriate in-kind assistance and targeted recovery initiatives. Particular attention should be given to:
Affected families — support for people who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Schools and community facilities — repair or rebuilding of damaged education and essential service infrastructure.
Workers and local enterprises — assistance to affected workers, farmers and small businesses.
Local recovery — restoration of livelihoods, local economic activity and essential community infrastructure.
Organisations considering in-kind or targeted assistance are encouraged to coordinate with EEC-Nepal and the relevant national relief authorities so that support responds to verified needs and reaches the communities most affected.
At this profoundly difficult time, EBOWN stands with EEC-Nepal, the people of Nepal and every community affected by this disaster. We urge our worldwide network to respond with solidarity, generosity and practical support for the relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts now urgently required.
