Nepal, Sept. 16 -- Following the devastating floods last month that tore through settlements across several districts, the wave of support from global leaders and citizens has been extraordinary. It reflects the standing Nepal has built over decades: in UN peacekeeping, in intergovernmental forums, and most recently through a political renewal the rest of the world watched with real interest. The sympathy and support for Nepal arrived quickly because Nepal had credibility to draw on.

As Nepal confronts the challenges of rescue, resilient recovery and reconstruction, it possesses a unique blend of moral authority and political visibility. Could Nepal turn this moment into a global movement-rallying the world behind solutions that match th...