Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, cofounder and chief executive officer of the foundation, arrived in Nepal a couple of days ago. Gonzalez came to Nepal on the occasion of her late son’s birthday and interacted with the patient who was undergoing treatment with the help of the foundation. She has said that the help she gave has been put to good use. She says that despite losing one child, she was able to save millions of children. An interview by Dhan Bahadur Khadka and Romika Neupane :

Talking about The Max Foundation, how did the concept for the foundation evolve?

Yeah, thank you so much. (With a heavy emotional voice, Pat said) So, The Max Foundation was established in memory of Max. Max was my stepson. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 14. We’re from Argentina, and at the time when Max was sick, for his type of leukemia, there was no treatment available, only a bone marrow transplant—if we could find a matching donor. So we searched for two and a half years for a donor for Max, but we never found one. He passed away at 17. We started The Max Foundation to help other families avoid going through what we did, to provide a bridge between resources and families. Along the way, we learned that there are many resources, but they can be difficult to find. When you first get a diagnosis, you don’t know anything. So, we started a website—themaxfoundation.org—and opened an email for people to reach out for help. Through that email, we received many messages from all over the world, particularly from low- and middle-income countries, where patients needed treatment that wasn’t available locally. We dedicated ourselves to trying to bring this treatment to these patients.

That’s great. The Max Foundation is doing amazing work in 83 countries, if I’m not mistaken, and it’s been 22 years now.

Yes, it’s been 22 years. We’ve developed a smart model to bring innovative medicines to people because we believe that no matter where you are, you want the best for your family. We’re not God, so sometimes the outcome isn’t what we hope for, but at least you try, and you give your loved ones the best chance. We work with pharmaceutical companies to get support, and with oncologists and hematologists who diagnose the patients. Then, we send the necessary medication to the doctor treating that patient. We are currently helping around 40,000 families every year across 83 countries, working with about 200 hospitals, particularly in low- and middle-income regions.

That’s wonderful. We’re somewhat aware of The Max Foundation’s vision. But why focus specifically on medicines? Why not shift towards prevention or screening programs?

That’s a great question! No one has ever asked me that before. When we started The Max Foundation, we made two philosophical decisions. First, we wanted to be a bridge between resources and patients. Second, we wanted to help those who no one else was helping. Many organizations focus on prevention and screening, but no one was providing medicines. So, every time we had to make a decision, we chose to do what others weren’t doing. That’s why we focus on delivering medicines.

Speaking of medicines, specifically in Nepal, how many areas does The Max Foundation cover for distributing medications?

We have mainly worked in two hospitals: Patan Hospital and BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital. Recently, we opened a program at SushilKoiralaPrakhar Cancer Hospital, where we distribute only one medication. (Sweta Agrawal, Program Coordinator of The Max Foundation, assisted Pat in providing this information). Through Patan Hospital, we distribute 13 medications; through BP Koirala Memorial, we distribute 8, and 1 medication at SushilKoiralaPrakhar Cancer Hospital.

Have you faced any policy barriers during this process in Nepal?

Sweta Agrawal (Program Coordinator): Yes, there are a few barriers. One is the timing of diagnosis—patients in remote areas often can’t access the facilities they need in time and have to come to Kathmandu or Bharatpur for diagnosis and treatment. After diagnosis, their socioeconomic status can also prevent them from continuing treatment. We’ve had to follow up with patients, asking why they haven’t come for their supplies, only to find out they couldn’t afford to travel, or faced road blockages.

Pat added: Another issue is that no one covers the cost of diagnostics. If cancer is suspected, the patient’s family has to pay for confirmation before any support is available. This is an area where policy improvement is needed—there should be funds to help with diagnostics.

Sweta further added: There’s also a lack of awareness. And when a female is diagnosed, especially after marriage, many families don’t support her. In some cases, parents hide a diagnosis to get their daughter married, not wanting to reveal her illness to the in-laws. These are just a few examples of the barriers we face.

The Max Foundation is clearly doing unique work. Have you thought about expanding beyond Patan Hospital to other hospitals or rural areas?

This program started 20 years ago at Patan Hospital, which was chosen by the company that developed the medicine. Seven years ago, we took over the program. We’ve since decentralized to BP Koirala Memorial and Sushil Koirala Prakhar Cancer Hospitals. While we’re mindful of decentralization, cancer requires specialization. Even Patan Hospital, with its excellent setup, faces challenges. Instead of decentralizing and risking a drop in treatment quality, Wechose to support patients with transportation to ensure they receive the best care. However, we do recognize the need for more oncologists, particularly in the public sector.

Shifting from medications, are there any plans to introduce Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in Nepal?

It’s on my wish list! We don’t have a specific plan yet, but we hope to bring NGS to Nepal. However, it requires significant support, both for the instruments and for ensuring a steady supply of reagents. It would also need to come hand in hand with the expansion of oncology units.

You’ve been in Nepal for three days now. How has your experience been?

I’m so happy to be here. It took me 20 years, but I really wanted to visit the hospitals, meet the patients, and see the systems in place. (With eyes full of tears, Pat said) It has been a dream. Meeting the patients and seeing Max’s legacy continue has been emotional for me. I feel energized to go home with a list of things we need to do to improve. But I’m confident in the strong systems here and in the capacity of the country to manage the program.

Do you have any suggestions for our doctors or physicians?

I do not have any specific suggestions. The doctors are doing a great job, though the hospitals are very crowded. (Dr. Arun added, “But we’re not complaining.”) Pat replied, “Yes, not complaining, even with the crowd, everything is managed so well. And I must mention my colleague Sweta, who has been representing The Max Foundation in Nepal for eight years and is doing an amazing job keeping everything together.”

As you said, you interacted with the patients, what feedback did the patients give you?

Patients are incredibly grateful. They have formed a bond, supporting each other like family. This helps break the stigma of cancer. It was a dream for me to meet them, and it was wonderful.

You mentioned it took you 20 years to come to Nepal. Do you feel your dream has been fulfilled?

It’s more than fulfilled. When I saw Max’s photo on the wall in the consultation room at Patan Hospital, it was overwhelming. I never dreamed that his name and legacy would be in a hospital in Nepal. It’s beyond anything I could have imagined.

Thank you so much for everything you’re doing for our country.

I’m grateful to you for helping raise awareness. In the past, we focused solely on helping patients, but I’ve come to realize that talking about our programs can bring more resources and help more patients. Amplifying our voice is now one of our top priorities. Thank you for helping with that.

Why are negotiations more critical than ever in today’s complex and interconnected world?

The interconnectedness of our world has intensified the importance of effective negotiation. From geopolitical hotspots to global health crises, the actions of one nation or entity can have far-reaching implications. 

For example, tensions in Eastern Europe or the Middle East can destabilize entire regions, while the global impacts of climate change necessitate international cooperation. Another example–wealth inequality, both within and between countries, presents a significant challenge. Fair trade agreements and the protection of workers’ rights are crucial for addressing this issue. Similarly, businesses operating across borders must navigate complex regulatory environments and cultural differences, requiring skilled negotiation to establish partnerships and resolve disputes.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for international collaboration. Negotiations on vaccine distribution, public health measures, and economic recovery plans were essential to mitigate the global impact of the crisis.

It is through flexibility, creativity and cooperation that we can resolve conflicts, build relationships, and create sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges of our time. In fact, the ability to negotiate effectively is not just a skill but a necessity.

What are the key challenges that modern negotiators face when dealing with diverse stakeholders across different cultures and regions?

Modern negotiators in today’s globalized world face challenges stemming from cultural differences in terms of values and beliefs, which can have implications for individual behavior and social ethos. Take the case of communication style. In some cultures, communication methods could be direct and informal, while in others they could be indirect and informal.  Some cultures might use a lot of nonverbal cues, while others might not do so. Misunderstandings can arise if negotiators are not aware of such differences. Hence a need to be sensitive to these differences to build trust and mutually acceptable outcomes in negotiations.

Challenges for effective negotiations emanate from political and economic differences too. For example, different countries have varying legal and regulatory frameworks that can impact negotiations. Economic disparities can influence bargaining power and priorities, while political instability can create a challenging environment for negotiations. In addition, there are two important technological challenges modern negotiators frequently face. First, technical issues such as poor internet connectivity or software incompatibility can disrupt negotiations. Secondly, protecting sensitive information and ensuring data privacy becomes a challenge in a digital age.

Overcoming these challenges requires cultural awareness, effective communication skills, flexibility, patience, and a deep understanding of the interests of the stakeholders involved. By addressing these issues proactively, negotiators can build trust, foster cooperation, and achieve successful negotiation outcomes even in diverse and complex environments.

How do we learn negotiations? Can we learn from the way children negotiate with their parents?

Negotiation is a valuable skill that can be learned and honed through various methods such as observing negotiations in action, enrolling in negotiation courses or workshops and by analyzing one’s own negotiation experience to identify strengths and areas for improvement. While children’s negotiation tactics might not always be the most sophisticated ones, observing their interactions with parents can provide valuable insights.

Children often exhibit persistence in pursuing their goals. This is a quality that can be beneficial in negotiation. Children can be creative in finding solutions and compromises, a skill that can be applied in adult negotiations too. Children are often more adaptable than adults, willing to adjust their strategies based on the situation. Also, children are not afraid to express their emotions, which can be a powerful tool in negotiation. More importantly, children negotiate with their parents without any assumptions, whereas adult negotiators generally come to the negotiation table with preconceived notions about the counterparty. Unrealistic and false assumptions can lead to negotiation failure or suboptimal agreements.

It is important to note that children’s negotiation skills are still developing, and their tactics might not always be effective or appropriate in all situations. But observing children can provide valuable insights. It is important to combine these insights with formal training and practice to develop a well-rounded understanding of negotiation.

What are some strategies and techniques that are particularly effective in resolving conflicts during negotiations?

A blend of strategies and techniques are needed for resolving conflicts during negotiations. These strategies and techniques include finding the underlying interests of the counterparty, active listening, and taking a problem-solving approach rather than pursuing a “you vs. me” framework. How one looks at the counterparty in negotiations very much depends on what frame of reference (called framing in negotiation literature) one uses. For example, one can approach a negotiation event as an opportunity for joint gain, developing a relationship, and building trust. One can also use it for negotiating over a position to win, whether reasonable or not, using all kinds of unethical tactics. But the outcome of such negotiation will not be optimal because it ignores the legitimate interests of the counterparty, which would hurt the relationship between the negotiating parties and could lead to problems in implementing the negotiated agreement.

A classic approach developed by negotiation experts and scholars at the Harvard Negotiation Project asserts that people should negotiate based on principles, not positions. They articulate four such principles: separate people from the problem; focus on interests, not positions; invent options by being creative and through brainstorming; and use objective criteria to decide on a debatable issue. Using the principled approach, a negotiator can change a distributive (you lose, I win) negotiation into a win-win negotiation. The story of one orange and two sisters, first told by the mother of modern management, Mary Parker Follett, shows how a “win-lose” negotiation can be converted to a “win-win” one.

The story goes something like this—There is one orange on the table in a dining room. Two sisters walk into the room, and both want it. They both argue about how to share it for a while and decide to cut the orange in half. One sister takes her share, eats the orange and throws the peel away. The other throws the orange away and uses the peel for making marmalade from her share. What happened here? Half the peel and half the orange got wasted. If the sisters had discussed why they wanted the orange, the outcome for both would have doubled.

We see the principle—focus on interest, not position—for an optimal outcome from a negotiation in action here.

Do you see any prospect of deploying the latest technology like artificial intelligence in negotiations of the future?

Yes, I do think that artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a significant role in future negotiations as data and information play an important role in formulating a negotiation agenda and devising negotiation strategies. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends, which can be tremendously helpful. Also, AI-powered platforms can create virtual negotiation environments. This will allow parties to negotiate remotely and efficiently, reducing travel inconvenience, cost and time.

Two other benefits of AI tools are (a) predictive analytics and (b) automated negotiation assistance. AI can predict potential outcomes of negotiations based on historical data, helping negotiators anticipate challenges and develop contingency plans. AI-powered assistants can handle routine tasks such as scheduling meetings, drafting documents, and summarizing key points, freeing up negotiators to focus on more strategic aspects of negotiation.

AI tools could also be used to track progress, ensure compliance, and make adjustment to the agreement as needed. Thus, there is a critical role for AI in negotiations and it will continue to expand in the future.

What role does trust play in negotiations, and how can negotiators build and maintain trust with their counterparts?

Trust fosters cooperation, open communication, and a willingness to compromise. When there is trust between negotiators, they are more likely to reach mutually beneficial agreements. However, building trust is not easy. Negotiators need to modify their own behavior in areas such as listening actively, showing empathy, being respectful, avoiding power plays, and building rapport.

Negotiators are generally not trained for active listening. If one does not actively listen to the counterparty, there is no way of finding their interests and understanding their perspective. One needs to look at things from the viewpoint of the other party. Thus, empathy is an important tool in finding out how the other party feels about the ongoing negotiations. This will be helpful in finding some common ground. Treating the other party with respect, even if you disagree with their position, is crucial for trust building as well. In some cultures, “saving face” is more important than anything else. One needs to avoid personal attacks and insults at any cost.  Use of power tactics or threats to coerce are related to position bargaining. Instead of helping to build trust, such tactics can damage even existing relationships. So, negotiators need to avoid power plays in negotiations. Finally, building a rapport can help foster trust and create a more positive negotiation environment. Negotiators need to take time to get to know the other party.

How could small countries negotiate for better outcomes with their giant neighbors?

Small countries often face significant challenges when negotiating with larger, more powerful neighbors. However, they can still achieve favorable outcomes, provided they use the right strategies and hone negotiation skills and use them appropriately.

Insisting on using objective criteria is one of the most useful strategies for small countries while negotiating with larger, more powerful neighbors. By doing so, they can rely on international law, treaties, and organisations in showing how fair and equitable the counterparty’s position is. By aligning their actions with international norms and seeking support from global organisations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization and International Court of Justice, they can gain legitimacy and create a level playing field.  They can also use public diplomacy to gain international sympathy and support. By highlighting the small country’s challenges and the larger neighbor’s potential to overreach, they can influence global public opinion and put moral pressure on the larger country.

Small countries can also invest in developing high-level negotiation and diplomatic skills within the country’s leadership and diplomatic corps. Skilled negotiators can often achieve better outcomes by understanding the larger neighbor’s interests and finding creative solutions.

How can negotiators ensure that the agreements reached are sustainable and beneficial in the long term, considering the rapidly changing global environment?

This is an important question given the ever changing, extremely volatile global environment of our time when the sustainability of negotiated agreements becomes a challenge. Modern negotiators need to be creative in structuring agreements with enough room for flexibility for accommodating changes required due to changes in the environment. If core interests of all parties are in alignment, it is more likely that the agreement will be upheld. For this to happen, negotiators need to stick to principled negotiation rather than position bargaining.

Also, a negotiated agreement should incorporate such conflict resolution mechanisms as arbitration, mediation, or third-party intervention should a dispute arise during the life of the agreement. This way, it will ensure sustainability of the benefits of negotiated agreements within the parameters as agreed upon. Negotiators can also leverage technology and innovation to enhance the implementation and monitoring of the agreement. In fact, technological solutions can sometimes help adapt to changes more efficiently.

How did you arrive in South Africa?

When I was in fourth grade at Gyanodaya Bal Batika in Kathmandu, my father suggested that we join him in South Africa, as he had been there for a few years and saw the potential improvement of our future by having his family living together with him.  So, I, along with my mother, sister, and infant brother, went to South Africa. We came together with another Nepali lady, who was also traveling to join her husband in South Africa. The flight trip took four days from Kathmandu to our destination, with stops in Delhi, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and finally, Mthatha. Looking back, I wonder how my mother managed to get us here. She spoke no English, and I was just a child, but she recalls that I assisted in navigating  the journey by speaking and asking questions. I am sure that the other lady who traveled with us may have helped us. 

Upon arriving in South Africa, specifically in the small town of Umtata (now Mthatha), my sister and I enrolled in Excelsior School. When apartheid officially ended in 1994, I transferred to a model C  school and completed my Matric (Grade 12) there. Then I applied for medical school and was accepted at the University of Transkei. And the rest is history.

How were you involved in the Non Resident Nepali Association during the Covid time?

I was engaged in online education for the Nepali diaspora, addressing topics such as actual Covid-19 diagnosis, mental health issues, and general health concerns. Also, I played a key role in establishing and supporting a telehealth program for the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), collaborating with esteemed members of the Global Health team.

I also took the initiative to organize and conduct a suicide prevention workshop for Africa during the December 2020 to January 2021 period. On a local level, I participated in efforts to provide food parcels for Nepali residents in South Africa, particularly during the initial challenging lockdown period when many Nepali were facing hardship due to loss of livelihood.

In my capacity as the General Secretary of the NRNA Women’s Health Forum, I was involved in arranging webinars focused on general health topics. This included tasks such as coordinating relevant healthcare providers of Nepali origin from various continents to participate as speakers, contributing to webinar presentations, and overall supporting the education of the Nepali diaspora worldwide through these online platforms.

What type of challenges Nepali professionals, especially women, face abroad?

Foreign professionals, including Nepali individuals, often face discrimination based on their status as outsiders in their chosen places of residence. However, this obstacle can typically be overcome through the demonstration of professionalism and dedication. Nepali professionals are qualified and capable of integrating into workplaces smoothly. 

One significant challenge for Nepali professionals, particularly those trained in Nepal, is the requirement to undergo numerous exams, including entrance exams, board exams, and English proficiency exams such as the IELTS. Language proficiency is often a critical barrier that affects Nepali individuals who relocate to other parts of the world as adults. 

Regarding gender, women frequently encounter barriers such as being overlooked for promotions or excluded from residency/training programs simply because of gender biases. They are often perceived as the weaker gender and are expected to prioritize family over work, particularly in male-dominated fields such as surgical specialties. This gender disparity is a widespread issue not only in medicine but also in various professions worldwide.

What is your advice to Nepali diaspora, especially women, to progress in their chosen field?

The advice remains the same for men, women, and individuals of any diaspora. The secret to success is the willingness to work hard and educate yourself further in the field you are working in. As an expat living abroad, one must keep in mind that to be considered employable and valuable, foreigners need to demonstrate their capability and willingness to put in extra effort and hours.

Nepali didi and bahini [Nepali females] must understand that discrimination exists everywhere. However, one must not let it cloud our judgment or cause unnecessary upset. Every field is challenging, and every specialty requires effort. But with education, joy, and passion in your work, everything becomes easier, and your superiors/managers will recognize your potential. Maintaining good relationships with both ground staff and managerial colleagues is crucial for progressing up the corporate ladder fairly.

Ladies must also remember that there is no need to burn bridges if things go wrong in a company you work for. Finally, there is not a single job in the world that we cannot do if we put our minds to it.

On November 26, the government announced its plan to organize the NIS 2024 in April in Kathmandu. In light of this, Pushpa Raj Acharya from the Investment Board Nepal sat down with Baikuntha Aryal, Chief Secretary & Ex-Officio Member of Investment Board Nepal. Aryal, who also serves as the chairperson of the Third Investment Summit Implementation Committee, shared about Nepal’s current investment climate, among other topics. 

Below are the edited excerpts:

The fiscal budget 2023-24 has underscored the need to mobilize domestic and foreign investment (capital and technology) by developing an investment-friendly environment considering the sluggish growth of private investment and vowed to initiate reforms to attract private investment. What are the major initiatives of the government to create a conducive investment climate in the country?

The fiscal budget has announced the promotion of private investment, both domestic and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), through reforms in legal, procedural, and structural (institutional) fronts. Legal reforms fall mainly within the jurisdiction of the Parliament; however, the government has been taking the initiative to submit amended Bills to the Parliament. Apart from laws, the government will make necessary amendments to policies and regulations, as well as procedural reforms. The government is set to convene the Nepal Investment Summit in April 2024, with the objective of attracting and mobilizing domestic and foreign investments. In this regard, the Implementation Committee, under my leadership, has been preparing a comprehensive report listing the required reform agenda and actions for implementation.

Also, prompt service delivery and gaining the confidence of investors (by ensuring returns on their investments) should go hand in hand. There needs to be an efficient platform, mechanism, and promotional activities for sharing information with investors. Investors should have access to all the required information regarding investing in Nepal through a single platform. We should, at the very least, be able to disseminate investment-friendly arrangements to investors. For example, company registration fees have been drastically lowered, exit provisions have been eased, and the One Stop Service (OSS) has been made functional and effective. Along with delegating authority to OSS, the authorized person shall be equally accountable.

We have One Stop Service at the Office of the Investment Board and Department of Industry. Could you briefly explain how these platforms will be made more effective?

We have established different organizations/operators, however, problems have surfaced due to the reluctance of the concerned people to delegate authority with regard to the Department of Industry. If a similar situation occurs at the Office of the Investment Board, Nepal, the OSS will not be able to function unless the concerned ministries and agencies act on this. These are some of the illustrations that legal reforms alone cannot push forward the desired change until we make some interventions at the functional level. Institutional reforms are equally important. We do not have to do big things; we can bring about a big change by tinkering with small things.

The government has already announced it will host the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 in April. What are the priority areas, projects and investors?

Different technical teams in various ministries are working on priority areas. As we are talking about mobilizing private investment, we are also onboarding the private sector to explore potential areas and projects. While talking about potential areas, traditionally, we used to speak about ‘TEA’ – Tourism, Energy and Agriculture. That has been further revised over the period of time as ‘ICETEA’ – Information and Communication Technology, Export-oriented products and services, Tourism, Energy and Agriculture. Some have also been talking about ‘HAT’ – Hydropower, Aviation and Tourism. We will not stick to only the aforementioned areas, for instance, Manufacturing is another priority area. We might invite more franchises and production of intermediary goods, among others. The Technical Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, has been assigned to develop potential projects to be showcased at the summit. In addition, we might showcase some brownfield projects as well. Moreover, we will invite potential investors from around the world as well as encourage our private sector to invest in both Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and direct investment projects.

What are the plans to make the summit more outcome-oriented?

We are going to make the summit outcome centric by attracting investments in low hanging sectors and projects. We will not just take pledges. We want the commitments to be realized within a desired time frame from capable investors. We will be showcasing credible projects that are screened through proven practices for de risking them during their execution and operation.

Will we just showcase or carry out market sounding of the projects or also call for Expression of Interest?

We are yet to make any decision and we will discuss it in the Steering Committee meeting chaired by the Hon’ble Finance Minister. We will make a decision based on the preparations carried out by the Technical Committee. If we are able to make all necessary preparations to call for the Expression of Interest (EoI), that will be a lot better. I think all the necessary preparations of a few projects will be completed in the near term and we will be able to call for EoI and also Request for Proposal (RfP) for them.

Considering the expanded committed liability of the government and shrinking revenue base, when will the government come up with the concrete categorisation of projects to be executed through sovereign funds, PPPs and direct private investment?

I think that will not take much time and we have to do it. With regard to public expenditure, the government has been trying to avoid the situation of financing recurrent expenditure through borrowing. Borrowing should be mobilized for capital formation only and I have been consistently advocating this since long. Not only in private investment, but we must also have to distinctly outline which source of public expenditure namely, revenue, borrowing, foreign aid, can be mobilized on what. Similarly, we must categorize projects to be executed through sovereign funds, public-private partnership and exclusively from private sector investment. Otherwise, we will miss the opportunity to efficiently use the sovereign funds. PPP has different modalities and options, including blending the resources as well as viability gap funding (VGF). 

Specifically, investments for public goods creation should be carried out through sovereign funds because the government’s investment is not always for profit, it could be for social benefits as well. Apart from that the private sector is more profit oriented but we can create public goods from private investment too, however, that requires the government’s strong support to harness the potential. Hydroelectricity development in Nepal is a successful example under PPP modality. The upcoming Investment Summit will be an opportunity to showcase the reform initiatives for PPP and direct investment projects to attract private investment including FDI, where investors can lodge their interests in different sectors.

The Public Private Partnership and Investment Act, 2019 has given authority to the concerned ministries and subnational governments to develop projects under public-private partnership. Why is PPP often ignored by the concerned ministries and subnational governments and what should be done to develop PPP culture?

I would like to reiterate again that the legal framework only is not sufficient to make things workable. Subsequently, it demands functionaries with understanding and expertise and we will take it forward.

How favorable is the macroeconomic situation of Nepal to attract FDI as far as the stability of the economy is concerned?

The macroeconomic situation is stable and improving. We have been able to contain inflation to below six per cent. The external sector is more stable though we’ve got to worry about deteriorating exports. The recent review of the Monetary Policy has eased out the ongoing complexities faced by the private sector, however, it requires improvement in government financing and private sector investment for stability as government expenditure stimulates private sector investment mobilization. The first quadrimester has given a sign of hope for further improvement in the economy. However, the government still needs to cautiously watch the situation to ascertain whether the current situation is cyclical, seasonal or sustainable. In spite of that we can confidently say that Nepal’s macroeconomic situation and more stable external sector are favorable for FDI.

As the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, what message would you like to convey to investors across the world?

I would like to invite investors from across the globe to come and invest in Nepal, where they can earn better returns. We welcome feedback and suggestions from our valued investors. If they face any hassles, we will promptly take the initiative to resolve such issues. The Government of Nepal is committed to provide security to your investment and effective hand holding for the entire project lifecycle.

(This interview was first appeared in IBN Dispatch, bimonthly newsletter of the Investment Board Nepal)

In the field of hernia surgery, against the prevailing sentiment at the time, he was one of the earliest advocates of the sutured closure of defects for laparoscopic ventral abdominal wall repair with sac excision—a procedure that has since become the standard operating protocol. He also described, practiced, and taught the triangulation placement of ports when performing totally extraperitoneal (TEP) groin hernia repair. This approach allows for an extended view and ample space creation to manage even the so-called ‘difficult hernias.’

Recently, Palanivelu, who is also the founder president of the Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India, visited Nepal to attend a conference organized by the Society of Surgeons of Nepal. This center offers training to surgeons from India and foreign countries. While in Nepal, a team from Swasthya Khabar, sister publication of Nepal Live Today, caught up with him to discuss various issues. Excerpts:

What is the purpose of your visit to Nepal?

Over the course of the two-day conference, individuals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and various other countries convened, presenting a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and gain insights into developments across borders. The visit proved to be quite enriching, offering a platform to learn about ongoing initiatives and challenges faced by professionals in different nations. Personally, I found it particularly enlightening to listen to the experiences shared by Nepali surgeons, allowing me to better understand their unique situation.

I found that the Nepali surgeons, while dedicated and skilled, could benefit from additional support. I had a chance to broaden my perspective and contribute to the collective knowledge shared during this event.

How would you assess the state of the surgical process in Nepal?

The surgical landscape in Nepal has a commendable enthusiasm among Nepali surgeons to enhance their skills and knowledge. The primary challenge lies in the limited availability of training centers within the country, hindering their professional development. Recognizing this gap, surgeons from Nepal seek opportunities to expand their expertise by attending training programs at external centers, including mine, where we conduct regular sessions.

The cultural similarity between Nepali and Indian societies facilitates a smooth learning process. Technological advancements, particularly in fields like robotic surgery and the integration of artificial intelligence in medicine, have revolutionized surgical procedures. Procedures such as hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, and colon cancer treatment now leverage cutting-edge technology, often controlled through keyboards. This technological progression has significantly elevated the quality of surgical interventions. Given these advancements, the need for ongoing training remains crucial to keep Nepali surgeons abreast of the latest techniques and technologies. My keen interest in supporting and training Nepali surgeons stems from a shared commitment to advancing surgical practices and ensuring that they can provide the highest quality care to their patients.

What measures have you taken to successfully implement advanced technology in India, considering the potential for the cost of treatment to be perceived as too expensive?

We must not blindly adopt new technology and advanced procedures. The success of any scientific or medical treatment is only meaningful when it becomes accessible to the majority of people. Coming from an ordinary agricultural background, I am well aware of the challenges faced by common people. I focused on developing cost-effective techniques that are affordable across all socioeconomic strata. Also, I provided training to rural surgeons, making these technologies accessible even in remote areas of India. This approach ensured that our methodologies were followed not just in urban centers but also in Western countries.

What should be there to improve the health system in Nepal?

To enhance the health system in Nepal, a multifaceted approach is needed. The introduction of a comprehensive health insurance system is essential, providing financial security for citizens and enabling broader access to medical care. This initiative should be coupled with robust education and awareness programs, emphasizing preventive measures and healthy lifestyles.

Is there any message from Nepali doctors from your side?

Nepali doctors need to understand that training is just the beginning of a lifelong journey. Continuous learning is the key to staying abreast of medical advancements and evolving with the changing times. So Nepali doctors need to learn and train more. In this way, we can ensure that the healthcare landscape in Nepal evolves in tandem with the ever-changing demands of modern medicine, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for all.

What is the major difference of Nepali and Indian health systems?

In the Indian context, the healthcare system operates under the purview of state governments, while education receives substantial support from the central government, reflecting a national commitment to both sectors. India has made commendable strides in health and education. However, challenges persist, particularly in the realm of insurance services, where there is a recognized need for improvement. Premium insurance services have yet to reach their full potential.

Despite these challenges, the healthcare scenario in India has seen significant positive shifts. There is a perceptible decline in the fear of diseases like cancer, attributed in part to increased awareness, improved diagnostic capabilities, and advancements in medical treatments.

Are there any specific programs for Nepali doctors?

A few months ago, we successfully conducted a training program in Nepal. Building on this momentum, we are now signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further collaboration and extend our efforts. The focus of our upcoming initiative is to organize training programs for young Nepali doctors in minimal access surgery, specifically emphasizing advanced techniques. Our aim is to empower Nepali doctors with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform complicated surgeries confidently.

While basic laparoscopic surgeries are common in Nepal, our current goal is to elevate their expertise to encompass advanced procedures. By doing so, we aspire to equip Nepali medical professionals with the capabilities to undertake intricate surgeries, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare standards in Nepal. Through collaboration and focused training, we believe we can significantly enhance the proficiency of Nepali doctors, enabling them to provide high-quality healthcare services and make a lasting impact on the medical landscape in the region.

You started colleges in the UK and later moved to Nepal, UAE and are now planning to go to Canada. How would you like to recollect your journey as an edupreneur?

Education is a fundamental element of any development and progress of society. I think imparting education has been in our genes. Our great grandfather was a teacher and ran “Gurushala” in a remote village in Nepal. My father set up schools and ran community schools in Baglung district of Nepal. I am also following in his footsteps.

Reflecting on my journey as an edupreneur has been a remarkable adventure marked by diverse experiences and an unwavering pursuit of educational excellence. Originating in the UK provided a solid foundation, honing my skills in establishing and managing educational institutions. The subsequent transitions to Nepal and the UAE were transformative, offering unique challenges and opportunities that enriched my perspective on education within distinct cultural contexts. Witnessing the positive impact of our institutions on students and communities in these regions has been gratifying. As I embark on a new venture in Canada, the anticipation is high, and each transition has expanded our reach and allowed us to tailor our approach to local needs. Grateful for the collaborative efforts of dedicated teams and supportive communities, I look forward to embracing the Canadian educational landscape, building connections, and contributing to diverse learning experiences. The evolution of our institutions reflects a commitment to quality education and innovation in pedagogy, shaping futures through education. I express gratitude for prompting this reflection and eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Canada.

What has been your response to running The British College and other academic institutions in Nepal?

Operating The British College and other academic institutions in Nepal has been a fulfilling and enriching experience, marked by a commitment to excellence and adaptability in response to the dynamic educational landscape.

Running any business or educational institution in Nepal has very different challenges and at the same time very satisfying. Although I was born and raised in Nepal, most of my working and business career started in the UK. I had re-learn Nepali way of managing challenges in business in the country that is full of bureaucratic hassles and problems.  

Embracing cultural diversity and understanding local nuances, we integrated international educational standards with the Nepali context, tailoring programs to meet community needs. Engaging with the academic community and local stakeholders, we fostered partnerships with educational bodies, government agencies, and industry leaders. Prioritizing infrastructure and resource challenges, we invested in conducive learning environments with modern facilities. Additionally, our commitment to community engagement and social responsibility extended beyond the classroom through participation in local projects and support for educational outreach. In summary, our approach to running educational institutions in Nepal reflects adaptability, collaboration, and a dedication to providing high-quality education, with a continued commitment to advancing the educational landscape in Nepal.

There is huge demand for technical and IT-based courses in Nepal. What courses are you offering at The British College?

In response to the demand for technical and IT-based courses at The British College in Nepal, we recognise the growing significance of these fields and remain devoted to meeting the needs of students and the global job market. Currently, our institution offers a diverse array of technical and IT courses, including the BSc (Hons) in Computing, providing a foundational understanding of software development, database management, networking, and cybersecurity. The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Data Science focuses on network design, implementation, and security, preparing students for roles in network administration. Additionally, our BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence caters to those passionate about software development, covering programming languages, software architecture, and project management. Addressing the escalating importance of cybersecurity, our programme, BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensic, tackles the challenges of safeguarding digital assets. These courses are meticulously designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the dynamic and competitive global IT industry. Furthermore, we offer the MSc Advanced Computer Science. We are committed to consistently reviewing and updating our course offerings to align with industry trends and technological advancements. Our dedication remains unwavering in providing educational pathways that empower students in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

We have made a huge investment in the college so that students can experience cutting edge technologies in Nepal. We were the first institute to run an AI Conference in 2019, we were the first institute to have an IT forensic lab and the first college to launch Virtual Reality in learning.

You are offering three-year Undergrad courses at The British College. Doesn’t squeezing time compromise the quality of teaching and learning?

Our undergraduate program spans four years, including a foundation year, and is meticulously designed to uphold high academic standards while delivering a comprehensive educational experience. Our focused curriculum covers essential theoretical concepts and prioritizes practical, industry-relevant skills to provide a well-rounded education within the designated time frame. Innovative teaching methodologies, intensive learning modules, and the expertise of our highly qualified faculty contribute to an accelerated yet effective learning environment. We leverage technology to enhance the learning experience, incorporating cutting-edge tools and online resources. Continuous assessment and regular feedback ensure that students stay on track with their academic progress. The four-year duration aligns with international standards, and our curriculum is benchmarked against recognized educational frameworks. Our commitment remains steadfast in delivering a high-quality education that prepares students for the challenges of the professional world.

Tens of thousands of Nepali students are leaving for the US, Australia and other countries for higher education every year. What do you think should be done to provide quality, affordable education at home?

The increasing trend of Nepali students pursuing higher education abroad prompts a crucial examination of how to improve the quality and affordability of education within the country. Also, how we need to create job opportunities in the country after graduation. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, several key measures could contribute to achieving this goal. Adequate investment in educational infrastructure, including modern facilities and well-equipped laboratories, can significantly enhance the learning experience.

Continuous professional development for faculty members ensures their proficiency in the latest pedagogical methods and industry trends, directly impacting the quality of education. Establishing strong ties with industries, introducing scholarship programs, leveraging online learning platforms, and implementing government policies that prioritize education and provide regulatory support are crucial steps. A collaborative approach, involving a long-term vision and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, is essential to provide quality, affordable education in Nepal, addressing the multifaceted challenges and nurturing intellectual capital within the country.

There is a very important role for the government and policy makers in the country. Currently, 125,000 students are leaving every year and there are another 200,000 Nepali students studying in India. The Nepali ministry of education must allow high quality foreign degree teaching in the sector of engineering, healthcare and medicine. There is currently a syndicate and unofficial ban on colleges like The British College to offer these qualifications. Nepal should allow multiple medical colleges to open and the cap on student numbers (quota) must be removed. It will at least stop students travelling to India, Bangladesh to some extent. If we allow major high quality international degrees in Nepal it will not only discourage Nepali students to study in the country but also attract international students from the region to come and study in Nepal.      

What do you think the government and private sector should do to give students an opportunity to work while they are studying?

Empowering students to work while pursuing their studies is a commendable approach that necessitates collaborative efforts from both the government and the private sector. To provide students with opportunities to work while studying, several measures can be undertaken. These include encouraging the private sector to facilitating internship programs, providing government incentives for private companies to hire students, fostering industry-academia partnerships, collaborating on skill development programs, establishing job placement services, enacting supportive legislation for students’ workplace rights, expanding financial aid programs, conducting awareness campaigns about work opportunities, and encouraging entrepreneurship among students. Implementing these measures collectively can create an environment that enables students to balance work and study, promoting a holistic and practical approach to education. Currently, foreign educated Nepalis who return to Nepal need to apply for equivalence from Tribhuvan University. This process is not easy and frustrating. Many Nepalis have left the country again due to this hassle. Government must immediately change policy to remove this hassle for foreign educated Nepali students.

‘A collaborative approach, involving a long-term vision and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, is essential to provide quality, affordable education in Nepal, addressing the multifaceted challenges and nurturing intellectual capital within the country.’

Government needs to introduce various seed funds and discounted interest rate loans for start-up businesses. It will encourage young graduates to stay back in the country and start businesses and create jobs.      

We at the British College are doing various such activities already. We organize international internships for students and we organize start-up fest with seed money for students. However, this needs to be done at a bigger scale by the government.    

How do you see the prospect of foreign investment in the education sector in Nepal? What are major obstacles, if any?

The potential for foreign investment in Nepal’s education sector offers significant opportunities but requires careful navigation of various challenges for long-term success. The opportunities lie in Nepal’s growing population and increased focus on education, making it an attractive market with substantial demand for quality education. Foreign investment can bring diverse educational offerings, international collaborations, and advanced teaching methodologies, contributing to enhanced educational quality. Additionally, investments can aid in infrastructure development, global partnerships, and skill development programs, aligning education with workforce demands. However, obstacles such as regulatory complexities, cultural sensitivity, affordability concerns, infrastructure challenges, political stability, the necessity of local collaboration, and the crucial aspect of quality assurance need to be addressed. Successful foreign investment hinges on overcoming these challenges through collaborative efforts between the government, local stakeholders, and foreign investors to ensure sustainable success in Nepal’s education landscape.

There are still many challenges in bringing foreign investments to Nepal. One problem we face at the moment is bringing talents to Nepal. The current work permit system is so outdated and takes several months. The Ministry of Education takes years to approve new courses at these colleges. If you want to open branches around the counties, you have to apply for separate approval for each site.  The current process does not support growth at all.

Until all the other major indicators are positive in Nepal regarding FDI, I still see big challenges in Nepal to attract FDI. However, in the meantime Nepali diaspora can play an important role in bringing investments, technologies to Nepal. 

What is the future plan of your company?

Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about our strategic initiatives focused on continued growth and success. Our plans include expanding educational offerings with new courses and specialisations to meet evolving student needs and global job market demands. Technological integration is a priority, aiming to enhance the learning experience through innovative educational technologies and online platforms. We aspire to strengthen global collaborations with international educational institutions, fostering diversity and cultural exchange. Research and innovation are integral, with investments planned for faculty and student engagement in ground-breaking projects. We maintain a student-centric approach, enhancing support services, mentorship programs, and extracurricular activities. Infrastructure development is prioritised to create modern learning spaces equipped with the latest technology. Community engagement and social impact initiatives are central to our future plans, along with continuous adaptation to industry trends. These plans underscore our commitment to providing high-quality education, fostering innovation, and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world. We are working hard to create an affordable education network globally. It will also create global mobility and cultural exchange for our students and staff.

‘Until all the other major indicators are positive in Nepal, I still see big challenges in Nepal to attract FDI. However, Nepali diaspora can play an important role in bringing investments, technologies to Nepal.’ 

We are also working to make Nepal an education HUB of South Asia. Similarly, we are expanding into creating jobs in IT services sectors in Nepal. Nepal is becoming very popular for many American and European companies to house their back-office or business processing outsourcing (BPO) centres. This will hopefully reduce the number of Nepali youths leaving the country.

We are also expanding outside Nepal. We are at the final stage of opening a campus in Canada. We are expanding our provisions in the UK by offering degree courses. We are exploring opportunities to expand in Germany, the EU, Middle East and India. We would love to create a global university/college for our students and staff. Global collaboration is the future of education. 

It is often said that ‘earthquakes don’t kill people, buildings do.’ How true was it in the case of the recent earthquake that hit Rukum west and Jajarkot districts in Nepal?

A slight modification to the saying could be “earthquakes do not kill people but improperly designed buildings do”. Almost all the buildings that collapsed in the recent Jajarkot earthquake were non engineered, meaning none of them had followed earthquake design principles. Therefore, the result was disastrous as predicted by research and studies.

Health posts and school buildings have been destroyed due to the Jajarkot quake. It seems we haven’t learnt much from the 2015 earthquakes. What would you say?

There have been several major earthquakes in Nepal even well prior to 2015. In each event, the government focuses on the reconstruction of the affected areas only. An effort to enforce earthquake resistant design for new constructions and retrofit the existing buildings in other areas should have been carried out as a long-term strategy for the nation.

By observing the photos of the destruction, it is evident that the health post and school buildings destroyed were not engineered at all. These structures might have been constructed before the earthquake codes came into effect. As I mentioned, retrofit policy on already constructed buildings shall also be brought into effect specifically for the structures that fall under higher importance levels such as schools and health posts.

‘In the past 500 years there has not been a big earthquake recorded or documented in the western region of Nepal. This seismic gap is worrisome.’

It is sad to see enormous casualties in each event, which could have been prevented, had earthquake principles been followed in the construction. In the past few years, awareness in earthquake design has increased among people in urban areas. As a result, they have been willing to follow the codes unlike in rural areas.

The government introduced new building codes following the 2015 earthquakes. But local bodies seem reluctant to enforce the code. What would you suggest?

The enforcement of construction codes in the government buildings has been observed to be more prominent but not in private constructions. The main reasons for this are cost impact to make the structure earthquake resistant and a lack of technical resources.

The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) proposed a number of models to build earthquake resistant houses but local communities don’t seem happy with those models. What’s the reason? Have you or your company developed any alternative models?

As I mentioned, cost impact and lack of technical resources are the main reasons that local communities are reluctant to adopt these models. I think the government should initiate programs providing economic incentives for people who construct the buildings following earthquake design code and also use the policy to train more manpower in the construction sector.

Our company “Robust Consulting Engineers Pty Ltd” is involved in earthquake resistant design. However, it has not currently developed any building models. Nevertheless, if opportunities arise, its extension in the field cannot be ruled out.

The NRA had trained masons (including women) in the aftermath of the 2015 quakes. How do you see the possibility of employing them as trainers?

Training of masons is one of the most important steps that the NRA has taken. However, this has been more concentrated in urban and past earthquake affected areas only. Considering the entire country is situated in an earthquake prone zone, such training should be extended all over the country including in rural areas.

I feel employing experienced and trained people as trainers is one of the best strategies to overcome a lack of skilled manpower such as masons. Masons training was initiated by organizations such as NSET (Nepal Society of Earthquake Technology) over two decades ago. It needs to be followed at a government level and extended in the rural and remote areas as well.   

Engineers say locally available materials should be used while reconstructing destroyed buildings. How feasible will that be? Is the use of concrete and cement necessary to build quake resistant houses?

It is true that locally available materials should be used for the reconstruction. As local materials are abundantly available, their use makes construction projects economically feasible and environmentally sustainable. Having said that, the traditional method of construction will need to be modified to make buildings resistant to earthquakes.

No doubt, cement and concrete are good construction materials but constructions using local materials such as stone, brick, mud, timber and bamboo can also make structures earthquake resistant if joint detailing is properly followed. It is also worth mentioning here that a small portion of cement when mixed with mud mortar can significantly enhance the strength of joints. Similarly, mud mortar walls can be tied by cement concrete bands to enhance the earthquake resistance of a building. Further use of galvanized steel members should be considered in the structures constructed with local materials. The use of steel is better because its mass is lower and its production is more environmentally friendly than the production of cement.

‘An effort to enforce earthquake resistant design for new constructions and retrofit the existing buildings in other areas should have been carried out as a long-term strategy for the nation.’

Scientists say there is a huge risk of a big earthquake in western Nepal. But most of the houses are made of mud and stone and are likely to collapse. What would you suggest?

In the past 500 years there has not been a big earthquake recorded or documented in the western region of Nepal. In earthquake terms, it is called seismic gap and it is worrisome. The seismic energy has not been released for a long period of time in the region, which increases the risk of having a major earthquake in future. We need to be prepared for this and take action to mitigate the potential enormous losses from future earthquakes.

Random rubble stone masonry walls in mud mortar are more prominent in constructions in the western parts of Nepal.  This type of construction is vulnerable to earthquakes due to a number of reasons. First of all, the bonding of such walls is considerably weak compared to those constructed of bricks. Further, stones have greater mass compared to brick and other materials which attract more seismic forces. The constructions of these types should be assessed and retrofitted if necessary.

The government is said to be considering forming an NRA-like authority to oversee the reconstruction works in the quake affected districts of western Nepal. What would you say?

Yes, it is a good idea to form an authority to oversee the reconstruction works considering the massive scale of destruction. The aim of the authority should be to provide assistance to constructions and monitor the works as well. We will also need to simplify the bureaucratic procedure to speed up the reconstruction program. 

Many see the latest earthquake as an opportunity to ‘Build Back Better.’ But the majority of the people are poor and are unable to afford constructing quake-resistant houses? What would you say?

The government should bring a feasible policy in this regard. Lack of funds/technical resources can be overcome by seeking assistance from donor/loan agencies. To attract these agencies, a proper mechanism to curb corruption should be in place.

There have been a lot of documents and detailing prepared since the Nepal Building Code was enforced. Now is the time to effectively implement them.  This requires long term policy to be initiated at the government level.

With twenty years of work experience in the development sector and an additional decade in the private sector, Sanjay Karki has been working as a Country Director for Swisscontact in Nepal. Nepal Live Today spoke with him on a range of topics related to vocational and technical education, economic development, and empowerment. Excerpts:

What is Swisscontact’s overall strategy in Nepal and how does it contribute to sustainable development in the country?

Swisscontact focuses on strengthening the competencies of people and improving their employability through upskilling and reskilling, initial vocational education and training, and labor market insertion in Nepal. We engage with private sector enterprises to increase their competitiveness to achieve impact and scale. Swisscontact in Nepal also supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem by working with startups and growing enterprises and entrepreneurs by supporting access to a plethora of business development services and financial needs by linking them to private service providers. We also work towards sustainable agriculture development through commercialization and agricultural market development.

Swisscontact Nepal implements projects in a pragmatic way to address complex development challenges, which are participatory, inclusive, and sensitively adapted to local conditions. It is key that we partner and engage with the private sector in all our initiatives for sustainable development. The approach helps in empowering local actors to develop capabilities and networks to overcome existing barriers. Addressing equal access for women and men, as well as disadvantaged groups, are critical aspects of any initiative we at Swisscontact Nepal take in all levels. 

Could you explain recent key achievements from any one of your projects?

The Step Up project, in close collaboration with the local and provincial government, has supported the development of a Labour Market Information System (LMIS)- Shramsansar. Shramsansar is a holistic platform that not only provides intelligence on employment and entrepreneurial opportunities but also allows greater engagement and information exchange among the actors of the employment and entrepreneurial system.  As of now, over 2,700 jobseekers have registered on the platform gaining access to a range of employment, training, and business development services offered by more than 50 service providers. The Ministry of Social Development of the Koshi Province will lead the implementation of the platform in close collaboration with the municipalities.

Shramsansar is available at https://shramsansar.koshi.gov.np and also through a mobile-based application. It has helped increase the access of the platform. Through Shramsansar, we expect a behavioral shift in the use of databases, digital technology, and information systems at both demand and supply sides which will help strengthen the employment ecosystem of the Koshi Province.

That sounds like a unique initiative. You mentioned having six programs currently being run by Swisscontact. Do any of these projects work in the TVET sector and are they in line with the policies and programs of the government of Nepal?

In fact, we provide technical assistance to three projects on behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and two of these projects are currently working in the TVET sector. Nepal Vocational Qualification System Project (NVQS-P) Phase-II is driving transformative change in the country’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) landscape, aligning seamlessly with Swisscontact’s mission to harness private sector engagement or even partnership for system building in the TVET sector in Nepal.

The project has undertaken comprehensive groundwork, instigating systemic changes essential for the successful implementation of the NVQS. It is equipping Nepali youth, including discriminated groups and women, with skills and certifications to bolster employability. The project’s relentless efforts in skills standards revision, accreditation of assessment centers, and robust awareness campaigns have contributed to the certification of thousands and a clearer pathway to gainful employment. The approved qualification framework gives the possibility of higher-level mobility to young people, thus making TVET stream aspirational.

Keeping the youths in mind, the Quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for Youth project is a bilateral project between the Government of Nepal and Switzerland. It aims to support systemic changes in the TVET sector through accreditation of TVET schools, TVET instructors licensing, and the development of a national curriculum framework. It is expected that this will enable TVET schools to increase the quality of programs they offer, ultimately increasing the enrollment and retention of the youth thus providing better employment opportunities and higher income. Though the project began in September 2022, we have already been able to set up the project in all seven provinces, selection and workshops are ongoing with 279 schools across Nepal to help them move forward with accreditation, and various committees at the federal level are working on finalizing the policy documents needed for different components.

You also run a project called the Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (NAMDP)– Sahaj. Could you shed more light on the work being done by this project?

Sahaj, funded by SDC, works with both the public and private sectors to commercialize agriculture in Koshi province. The program supports service providers and Agri-SMEs in priority sectors (i.e. vegetables, maize, cardamom, and dairy) to develop better quality products and services, increasing Nepal’s consumption of domestic produce.
For instance, in the maize sector, we have collaborated with four machine rental providers to address quality and quantity challenges through mechanized post-harvest solutions. This initiative directly addresses the problem of labor shortages due to increased migration. Furthermore, this project offers training programs to maintain and repair agri-machinery, reducing dependence on technicians outside of Nepal.

Sahaj recently collaborated with the local engineering campus in Dharan to design sorting and grading machines for fruits and vegetables, with winning designs to be produced by local fabricators. In the large cardamom sector, our partnership with local fabricators created a smokeless dryer, enhancing quality and income. Additionally, the project also supports local municipalities in producing traditional Nepali foods like Gundruk and Sinki with machines meeting quality standards.

That sounds interesting. Do any of your projects work in the area of climate change as well?

We do. In fact, the Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) program is promoting sustainable agriculture by forging strong partnerships with the private sector to unlock constructive ways to deal with climate change challenges as well as promote solutions for the efficient use of resources. At the farm level, the project encourages partnered Agri-SMEs to build a climate-resilient supply chain by designing activities that promote Good Agriculture/ Manufacturing Practices, Post-harvest Management and Integrated Pest Management that improve water and irrigation management and soil conservation techniques, while also improving productivity. CASA also promotes the use of organic fertilizers and climate-smart technologies such as drip irrigation, mulching, and tunneling that have improved the farmers’ adaptation to climate change and increased yield while simultaneously curbing GHG emissions through reduced food wastage. At the firm level, CASA has supported the development and incorporated environment, social, and governance policies to create new green growth models for our partnered agri-businesses, which ensures reduction of costs and increased productivity, resource efficiency and sustainability, access to new markets, and eligibility for green financing. The project has executed energy audits and increased the uptake of digitization to conserve power and increased the uptake of energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy.

With the ecosystem undergoing rapid transformations, the significance of climate change initiatives has notably amplified. Moving forward, could you enlighten us about the Senior Expert Contact (SEC) project? Apparently, this is one of the longest running projects.

The SEC project is ‘Promoting Entrepreneurship through Expertise’ where SEC experts have been providing direct and uncomplicated support, since 1994, to SMEs in the private sector who aim to grow with specialist knowledge where it is needed. We have provided our SEC Services to over 750 SMEs and institutions in 5 provinces, with 40 SEC assignments conducted on average every year in Nepal. SEC expert assignments are conducted to SMEs in the areas of Skills Development, Education, Food, Hospitality, Tourism, Agriculture, Construction, Hydropower, Health, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, IT, and Management among others.  

Through our SEC services, the private sector eco-system is strengthened by generating value for business development services and technical assistance services. The SEC IMPACT Evaluation conducted in 2018 for 5 years (2013-2017) shows 93 percent growth in SEC clients–40 percent of them rating the contribution of SEC Expert advice as crucial for their growth. This study of 205 SEC assignments shows that SEC experts have contributed to the creation of 4700 jobs and an increase in turnover of USD30 million in 138 institutions. Behavioral change in staff and management is the primary outcome of the contribution.

What approaches are taken by the organization to ensure that the impacts of all these initiatives are channeled to the most disadvantaged groups?

Swisscontact designs projects in a way that enable equal participation of men, women, disadvantaged groups in project activities, and project benefits are distributed equally to men, women, and the disadvantaged groups. In addition, we analyze and integrate, as part of our adaptive project management, the way “how” specific groups participate and what the impact of the project on the relation between men and women is. To create gender-positive and transformative outcomes and impacts, projects must consider affirmative actions regarding access to resources, opportunities, and rights that are aligned with our project goals and activities. In a context like Nepal, Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) is key to sustainable and inclusive development. We ensure that GESI is mainstreamed in all our initiatives in Nepal.

To ensure that the impacts of all our initiatives in Nepal are channeled to the most disadvantaged groups, sex-disaggregated data are analyzed to monitor projects and to measure outcomes and impacts regarding gender equality. We collect sex-disaggregated data in all our projects for all indicators on all levels and aim at further disaggregation based on social status. In addition, we measure change with quantitative and qualitative indicators defined by each project. Based on reporting regarding gender and social exclusion, we continuously adapt our project interventions and document our experiences.

Over the past 17 years, the issue of transitional justice in Nepal has remained unresolved. The government established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons. However, both commissions failed to complete their work and have since been dissolved. At present, there are neither functional commissions nor a consensus between political parties. Why has the matter of transitional justice become so convoluted and complex?

You have rightly pointed out that the issue of transitional justice in Nepal, one of the major promises of the Nepali Peace Process, has remained unresolved for the past 17 years. It is primarily due to four key reasons. First, there is a noticeable lack of a sound understanding and commitment to this issue among political leadership, which may be described as our collective shallowness. Why I say this is linked to our history. Many of our political movements, be it the 1950 or 1962 (going to autocracy) or 1990, concluded in compromises to “forgive and forget” the past and promised to start anew. But, such a fresh start always failed to materialize. On the contrary, the 2006 CPA mandated for a unique opportunity to address the legacy of the past, which makes it stand out from previous arrangements. So, the CPA did not settle for business as usual, which our political class has completely missed out.

The second reason involves the delicate balance between peace and justice, a topic also of significant academic value and a common trajectory for post-conflict societies. In the years immediately following the CPA, decision-makers were hesitant to engage in justice discussions, fearing that it could jeopardize the hard-won peace. Since the Maoists still retained their arms and combatants, any substantial investigation was seen as a potential threat to returning to conflict. The third reason is that the CPA primarily represents a compromise between perpetrators, with little involvement from the victims. After the CPA, both the Maoists and the governing political parties became part of the political establishment, leaving victims to struggle for justice while the government leadership largely remained apathetic to their demands. This situation has led to a continuous challenge for victims to force the government to prioritize justice. The fourth reason is the initial lack of clarity regarding the principles, foundation, and implementation processes of transitional justice, despite its global recognition as a concept to address post-conflict trauma. While there is a lot of clarity regarding the second and fourth reasons, the first and third challenges continue to persist in the case of Nepal.

You appear to be theorizing some of the core issues here. Would you clarify further?

Let’s continue from the discussion about the tension between peace and justice, for it perpetuates and impacts the others. There exists a substantial body of academic literature on this topic. When politics provides a platform for academia, it can aid in finding an informed “compromise,” which must then be carried forward by political actors themselves. However, we are not there yet, and there is no guarantee that we will ever reach that point. Let me provide you with an example. In the first week of September 2023, Ana Caterina Heyck Puyana, the Magistrate of Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction of Peace, visited Nepal. I bring up this example because a few months earlier (in April 2023), a Nepali delegation comprising Subas Chandra Nembang, Pradeep Gyawali, Ramesh Lekhak, and others had visited Colombia to observe the status of their peace process. While many may not have paid close attention to what Puyana said in Nepal, academics will not forget her words: “Colombia has no peace and no justice; Nepal has peace but no justice.” This succinctly summarizes the dilemma faced by many post-conflict societies where transitional justice is pitted as a zero-sum game between peace and justice. In Nepal, we’ve been witnessing this for seventeen years. Ensuring victims’ right to truth, justice and reparations out of the pact between perpetrators entails a long arduous struggle, where civil society, human rights defenders and victims must stand together to draw up a compromise, through which justice options are balanced by other transitional incentives like reparations, truth, memorialization and so forth.

You mentioned civil society, human rights defenders and victims. But, to arrive at a current point, how responsible is the instrumentalization of transitional justice for the pursuit of personal and group interests by political parties, civil society, and even the international community?

The role of civil society and the international community in the context of Nepal’s transitional justice has generally been positive, though not without occasional limitations. They are the primary drivers of creative solutions, alongside the victim communities. It’s essential to recognize that the Nepali Congress, the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Center), and the Nepal Communist Party (Unified Marxist-Leninist) are three major political parties that significantly impact the outcomes of transitional justice. The Nepali Congress and the Maoist party were directly involved in the conflict. Congress was responsible for suppressing the insurgency, running the army, and conducting operations like “Romeo” and “Kilo Sera Two,” while the Maoists raised weapons against a democratic state. Interestingly, even after the peace agreement, both of these parties have remained continuously in government. There hasn’t been a time when either of these two parties have not been in power. This reflects their role in the transitional period, where they have effectively chosen to overlook each other’s past atrocities and crimes. In contrast, the CPN-UML’s lesser role in the conflict provides it with moral and political grounding to uphold human rights and democratic principles, though it may not have done enough in terms of transitional justice. However, UML has been an effective check on the Maoists, both ideologically and politically. It’s worth noting that, in recent times, transitional justice has been employed as a geopolitical tool to influence and, at times, manipulate Nepal’s political power dynamics.

What kind of geopolitical tool? Would you elaborate more?

We find ourselves amidst a significant transformation in the international political landscape. Even for those who perceive change as the sole constant in the global order, the present state of international politics and the global economy has increasingly adopted a multipolar character. While the world’s military power structure still largely adheres to a unipolar framework, it encounters formidable competition from numerous actors. Not even the Cold War imposed the kind of strain on the global system that we are presently witnessing. The focal points of this shift are in our neighborhood, both to the north and south. India and China are on the path to becoming great powers. For the world we live in, this is an entirely new environment, one that exerts direct and visible influence on our domestic politics. Consequently, this has created pressure on the Maoist party and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who, despite lacking long-term political gains, is compelled to collaborate with the Congress party and use transitional justice as a means to maintain an unlikely coalition. The Congress and Maoist equilibrium therefore is not driven by expectations or aspirations. The primary reason behind this unprincipled alliance is geopolitics. Any political equation that is not based on principles only spreads depression as we see today in our economy, education, health and society. It makes opportunism a norm.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has oftentimes said he would prioritize bringing closure to the Transitional Justice during his current tenure. As someone watching this process closely, don’t you think his efforts are rightly placed?

Transitional justice isn’t a task that the Prime Minister can tackle single-handedly. Prime Minister Dahal, who has held the office on two prior occasions, is not alone in seeking a resolution to this issue. Even his comrade of the past, Baburam Bhattarai, who rose to the premiership from the same party, initiated efforts to bring this chapter to a conclusion. But what’s at stake here? They’ve been striving for closure with impunity concerning all human rights violations from the conflict era. Prime Minister Dahal’s current priority appears to be pushing a flawed law and pursuing amnesty via pliable commissions, despite his repeated public assurances against such amnesty. The stark disparity between his words and actions is evident in the ongoing process to amend transitional justice law in parliament, where he supports pardoning cold-blooded murders, maiming, and sexual violence. The driving force behind his current enthusiasm as Prime Minister is the influence he wields through coalition partners like the Nepali Congress in the legislative process, subsequent commission formation, and even court trials, all aimed at absolving himself and his associates from past transgressions. His supposed promise of initiative is therefore rooted in blatant dishonesty.

On one side, some view certain civil society groups as hindrances to achieving full transitional justice, while you argue that Prime Minister Dahal and his party are reluctant to find a solution. Aren’t both sides essentially pursuing the same goal of preventing a closure here?

What I am saying is that Prime Minister Dahal is currently pursuing objectives that are in stark contrast to the Main Opposition CPN-UML, certain civil society groups, victims of the conflict, human rights activists, and the international community. CPN-UML, as an opposition party, may have its own political considerations that prevent it from yielding ground to the ruling coalition. However, the victims of the conflict maintain a consistent position and enjoy substantial support from civil society, the international community, and human rights defenders. Finding common ground is where our focus should lie, a feat that may become more attainable when Prime Minister Dahal exhibits flexibility. We must not expect the victims to compromise on the principles of justice, as those who have suffered injustice should not be burdened with further inequities.

Part of your question is on civil society. The diversity of ideas within civil society reflects the plural space that democracy provides. Pursuing uniformity in civil society is therefore a futile endeavor. When civil society homogenizes in its ideas, the logical step would be to encourage them to form a political party. Therefore, in the context of transitional justice, empowering and representing the victims remains the primary duty of civil society. Their proximity to certain political parties is often issue-based and tends to be shifting.

Returning to the politics behind transitional justice, a protracted situation without conclusion would be detrimental to Prime Minister Dahal and his Maoist party. Then, why shouldn’t he take the bill straight to the House when he is in the position of advantage?

Transitional justice is the process of achieving lasting healing for the wounds of conflict and addressing the painful legacies of the past. Neglected wounds can worsen, requiring more intense and costly treatments. There is an argument that Prime Minister Dahal and his Maoist party, having initiated the conflict, must face the guilt according to the Law of Natural Justice. Yet, I stand for a different perspective as long as the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement remains relevant.

‘Prime Minister Dahal’s current priority appears to be pushing a flawed law and pursuing amnesty via pliable commissions, despite his repeated public assurances against such amnesty.’ 

The Maoist insurgency posed a significant challenge to Nepal, and the peace process required collective resolution, including addressing issues of transitional justice. However, Nepal’s political landscape is on the brink of transformation, and we might soon reach a turning point where the Maoists may be burdened with the entirety of the insurgency’s consequences. This could come at a substantial cost to them, with the nation bearing its share of the burden too. This is why I say Prime Minister Dahal must come across with flexibility on the law before taking it to the House floor.

Recently, the Subcommittee of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights has drafted a report regarding the amendments to the Transitional Justice bill. The report highlights that there are still four unresolved issues, but many contentious points have been addressed. Is it possible for this to progress into a viable and acceptable law?

The subcommittee’s meticulous seven-month scrutiny of the government’s bill is commendable. While delving into the bill to seek a compromise, it becomes imperative to distinguish between the bill’s ‘substantive’ and ‘technical’ elements. The primary emphasis should remain on the substantive matters, where Prime Minister Dahal himself must demonstrate flexibility. It is essential to underscore that mere technical competence does not suffice to ensure the bill’s standard. Progress on substantive issues is more vital. Following the subcommittee report, six substantive concerns persist. Firstly, the bill categorizes murder, severe sexual violence (excluding rape), and maiming as amnestiable offenses, classifying them as human rights violations, which is completely unacceptable. Secondly, it neglects the question of witness protection, despite referencing the rights of victims under the ‘Act on the Rights of Crime Victims, 2018.’ The establishment of witness protection mechanisms is mandated by various Supreme Court orders, making it an imperative that the bill cannot afford to overlook. Thirdly, the bill retains the prevailing definition of enforced disappearance without elevating it to the status of a grave human rights violation. Fourthly, it fails to address the critical issue of child soldiers. Fifthly, the legislation lacks a legal foundation for the Commission to provide recommendations for action in cases of severe human rights violations. Lastly, it allows for amnesty without the consent of victims in cases of human rights violations, a matter categorized by the subcommittee as warranting further discussion.

The technical aspects related to the Commission’s tenure and associated matters, while significant, do not enhance the overall quality of the bill. These concerns should find due consideration within the Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights, and also in the parliament. For the benefit of readers less familiar with Nepal’s transitional justice landscape, it is essential to clarify that crimes categorized as ‘human rights violations’ are amnestiable, whereas those classified as ‘serious human rights violations’ are non-amnestiable, although their perpetrators may become eligible for reduced sentencing.

In this context, do you see the likelihood of the TRC bill being approved during this parliamentary session, with both commissions being formed at the very least?

Due to the limited efficiency of our parliamentary committees, our kind of arrangement requires the government to provide business to the parliament. In mature parliamentary systems, such business comes from both the government and the committees. Over the past seven months while the House has been in session, this government has struggled to create business, resulting in only two laws being adopted by the parliament. In fact, we had reached the point of House prorogation just before the Dashain festival. The parliament has been kept in session only to save transport costs for the required assembly of the Members of Parliament during the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ visit, where he is scheduled to address a joint session of both Houses. Given the need for further scrutiny of the transitional justice bill by the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee of the Lower House. It does not appear possible for the parliament to deliberate on the bill during this session. However, efforts of compromise can continue even when the House is in recess.

As you mentioned, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is visiting Nepal. One of the agendas of his visit is said to be the Nepali Peace Process of which Transitional justice is an integral part. Does this interest of the UN make any difference to our ongoing TJ process? What role do you see for other members of the international community?

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s  visit to Nepal is eagerly anticipated. His visit is only natural given Nepal’s potential role in climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals-2030, and contributions to peacekeeping operations through Nepali security forces. The agenda for his visit will likely encompass these issues. As mandated by the CPA, the United Nations has been closely monitoring Nepal’s peace process, which is also a natural focus of the Secretary-General’s visit. The role that Nepal’s Supreme Court played in the decisions related to transitional justice and Nepal’s international commitments conveyed through various treaties and the voice of victim communities has, to me, been unprecedentedly positive. The Secretary-General should encourage expedited reforms and a diligent search for solutions while respecting our ongoing legal process in the parliament. Support of the democratic world, including of the UN will be crucial for transitional justice to conclude as the last leg of Nepali peace process. I would like to emphasize here that India’s role will decide which way Nepal’s transitional justice goes as it was the key factor behind landing of the Maoists into democratic polity. India, also as a catalyst of the 12-point understanding and the CPA, will have to come forward positively on the matters of human rights. And as far as I know, it certainly will.  International community comprises also of international organizations of the democratic order, which have lent moral and material support for Nepal’s transitional justice. We as a nation have the responsibility to honor this goodwill through our actions.

If the issue of transitional justice remains unresolved, the peace process will not conclude. In such a scenario, what specific role can the United Nations play?

Our transitional justice process may be concluded as follows and in this order: amending the law by addressing all substantive issues, expression of collective commitment to the public by political parties in parliament, apology from the Maoists and state for their atrocities, forming competent and credible commissions, and ensuring that the commissions complete their work within a set timeframe. This is the final opportunity for us. For this, we need legal, financial, and material support from the international community, including the United Nations. After we know that the final opportunity no longer works, we need the international community to exercise universal jurisdiction.

There is an opinion that credits the NC and Maoists for their effort to conclude transitional justice. It sees the security agencies also as being supportive to the process, but alleges Main Opposition CPN-UML of double standard. What is your perspective?

Concluding the transitional justice process must not be mistaken for imposing a predetermined outcome that disregards the rights of victims. Those who perceive the Nepali Congress and the Maoists as driving the conclusion of Nepal’s transitional justice process may either lack an understanding of the intricate details or may be complicit in a scheme aimed at permanently obstructing justice. I challenge them to take the bill, along with the subcommittee’s report, to the House and witness NC and Maoist Members of Parliament defending heinous crimes such as murder, sexual violence, and maiming. I want to see them boldly proclaim on the House floor that these crimes should be made amnestiable by law. It is unthinkable for any rational mind to endorse such a proposition. This is precisely why the bill remains trapped in committee limbo, even though the ruling coalition enjoys a significant majority in the parliament.

Regarding the CPN-UML, I disagree with the premise of your question. Within the subcommittee, UML MPs Subas Nembang and Mahesh Bartaula were the sole representatives advocating for substantial reforms in the law. The four issues included by the subcommittee as ‘questions yet to be addressed’ align with the UML’s position. Thus, I do not perceive any double standard here. In fact, I would go a step further–the UML should clarify its stance and, if Prime Minister Dahal desires, allow the bill to be presented in its current form. In this case, the UML should declare from the House floor its commitment to launching comprehensive reinvestigations into all conflict-era cases from scratch if elected to power in the upcoming elections, irrespective of the outcomes of this law. If Prime Minister Dahal wants to push the flawed law, my concern will not center on this legislation but rather on whether the UML will exhibit the resolve to take this additional step and pave the way for all conflict-era cases to be tried under regular judicial process. On security agencies, they follow the direction of elected leadership, and no political group in Nepal would ever contemplate compromising the institutional integrity of the Nepali Army.

Based on your statement, can we infer that the CPN UML had limited involvement in the conflict, and its leaders are unlikely to be associated with crimes from that era, leading them to take a hardline position against compromise? Is this interpretation accurate?

CPN UML’s minimal involvement in the conflict is a fact, giving the party a strong platform to champion human rights, justice, and the rights of victims. Yet, I’m doubtful about the party’s commitment to a clean transitional justice system. While compromise on TJ is necessary, we should ask ourselves: what exactly should be compromised? The Nepali Congress and the Maoists stand for a compromise that favors those responsible for past crimes, potentially leading to transitional injustice. I hope to see opposition parties like CPN UML and the Rashtriya Swatantra Party take a firmer stance against this.

Setting CPN UML aside for a moment, there’s a growing oppositional idea in society. It advocates for abandoning the concept of transitional justice entirely and instead pushing all conflict-era crimes through the regular judicial process. This viewpoint argues that the power balance has shifted since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, with the Maoists no longer capable of resorting to guerrilla warfare. This suggests that prioritizing justice need not undermine peace in Nepal. Consequently, all conflict-era crimes should be resolved through regular legal process. My concern is whether CPN UML will fully embrace this approach.

‘Nepal holds a unique position in South Asia as the most open society and the only country where transitional justice is a subject of deliberation. To ensure the enduring strength of this democratic foundation we must address the sufferings of conflict victims.’

Furthermore, all our political parties appear to be in election mode, despite actual elections being some time away, as seen in their ‘Mission-84’ slogans. We can already sense that the next elections could pose quite a challenge for established parties. Even if the transitional justice law were passed today and commissions were formed in the coming months, their four-year tenure would leave unfinished business until the next elections. Hypothetically, if a new political party wins and legitimately repeals the transitional justice law, it could pave the way for judicial trials for all conflict-era crimes through regular judicial process. Those advocating compromise on an imperfect law should pay attention to this evolving scenario, which I believe would be most undesirable for Prime Minister Dahal. Victims on the other hand have nothing to lose.

To sum up, many scholars and activists including yourself have repeatedly said that Nepal’s TJ is at a concludable stage. How can the logical end of this process reproject the image of Nepal? 

When you look closely at the approximately fifty transitional justice processes currently underway around the world, Nepal’s situation appears relatively low-hanging fruit. To realize this potential, it is imperative that Prime Minister Dahal and his Maoist party refrain from pursuing a broad generalization of criminality and amnesty. It’s also crucial for the Nepali Congress, which would like to call itself a democratic vanguard, to avoid being swayed by the Maoist narrative. Successfully concluding the transitional justice process carries significant incentives, as it has the potential to redefine Nepal’s image, associating the country with a successful peace-building process. This achievement will instill newfound self-confidence in the nation and garner greater respect for the leadership that has steered the country through a tumultuous and complex political history. Such a transformation can positively recast Nepal’s overall national image and elevate its global standing, providing a successful example for others.

Nepal holds a unique position in South Asia as the most open society and the only country where transitional justice is a subject of deliberation. To ensure the enduring strength of this democratic foundation we must address the sufferings of conflict victims. This is a challenging yet attainable objective.  

Nepal-Finland diplomatic relations reached its 49th year this September. How do you assess the evolution of the relations between the two countries?

Nepal and Finland have maintained very close collaborations since they started diplomatic relations in 1974. There has been genuine partnership and collaboration between the two countries where the focus has been on development cooperation.  Finland’s focus areas in development cooperation today are education, gender equality as well as water and sanitation, climate resilience and livelihoods. But we started with forestry.  We are a country with thousands of lakes and a lot of forests. Thus, in a way, it was natural for us to start with that sector.

At the moment, we work in education and water and sanitation, climate resilience and livelihoods, and gender equality and social inclusion.   These partnership programs have been a joint journey of the government of Nepal and the government of Finland. We have jointly planned our work together taking into account the needs of the communities. We are pragmatic and we are striving for solutions. We really value collaboration and partnership. These have been the hallmarks of the Nepal-Finland relations.  It’s about doing and learning together and striving for results. I am happy to share with you that both Nepal and Finland have been working according to this spirit.

Can you enumerate some of the areas in which Finnish assistance has contributed to Nepal’s development in the last 49 years?

 There are some very concrete examples to show in this regard. First, like I said, water and sanitation has been close to our heart. A matter to celebrate for Nepal and Finland on this front is that over two million Nepali people have access to clean water because of the work we have jointly conducted with Nepal. That is one remarkable example. Apart from supporting quality education and teacher training with the government of Nepal, we have built hand washing facilities and toilets in schools. We have also focused on bringing skills and economic empowerment to women.  These initiatives have contributed to the fact that the literacy rate has increased in Nepal. When we talk about the education sector, it is natural for us to lay special emphasis on it because Finland is the example of the country that prospered due to investment in education. We believe that Nepal too can prosper with proper investment in education.

We have been working in extremely remote areas in Nepal. So, we have concentrated very much on work in Sudur Paschim and Karnali and we are seeing the results of our work there. People in remote areas have been building their communities in a very resilient way. We do know and realize that Nepal is very prone to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.  Therefore, this area requires attention. As such, we have worked to improve the capabilities to respond to increased disaster risks.  And we are partnering with the Finnish Meteorological Institute.   Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Nepali Department of Meteorology and Hydrology collaborate and work together for forecasting, preparedness and sharing and disseminating information and research on impacts of climate change and disaster risks, to improve capabilities and have data  for analysis and planning. It is about preparedness so that the people can learn about the threats and can mitigate the risks. The other area we work on has been on reducing arsenic in drinking water, groundwater problems being mostly an issue in Tarai .

Earlier you mentioned climate change impacts and your work on Nepal. How has Finland been affected by climate change? Or has it been affected at all?

Actually, climate change has impacted us all around the whole globe, which is why we need global action to tackle climate change impacts.  In the case of Finland, we have had warmer summers and also warmer winters, which is completely different from how it was a decade ago or two decades ago.  We have had less ice and less snow in southern parts of the country. I remember that during my childhood I saw more snow and more ice. So the impact of climate change has come to our doorstep too. We also have started to witness weather extremes such as heatwaves, heavy rains and droughts, many uncertainties that have impacted among other things our crops and productivity.  If we, a Nordic country, up north of the globe, are feeling such impacts we can imagine what may be happening elsewhere in the world.

Climate change is  interlinked with biodiversity and it is of utmost importance to address these both challenges through global action. Biodiversity is about keeping our flora, fauna and whole ecosystem rich and diverse. We work with Nepal on climate change because we are in it together.

‘Climate change has impacted us all around the whole globe, which is why we need global action to tackle climate change impacts.’   

At the moment we are very much focused on implementing our current country program for development cooperation in Nepal for years 2021-2024. Climate resilience is one key factor in our work. This requires long term commitment and work. One area I would also wish to highlight is  disaster risk management which is also related to climate change and which we are working on as well, with different partners.

The number of Nepali people going to study in Finland is increasing.  What impressions do the Finnish people in general have about Nepal? How do they perceive our country?

 We Finnish are outdoor, nature loving people. So many Finns know Nepal and the Himalayas. This respect and interest in nature is something that we share. It’s kind of a dream for many Finnish to come here and experience the country and its beautiful landscape. There is something very tempting and mystical in Nepal that is completely different from Finland because we do not have the mountains back home. We have thousands of lakes and a lot of forests instead. 

I would also say that because Nepal has been one of the major partners in our development cooperation, people in Finland have knowledge about this beautiful country and the development cooperation Finland has been committed to. Finnish civil society organizations working here with their local partners and other partners tell a lot of positive stories of Nepal in Finland, which resonates with  many. We tell the stories to the Finns about the work we are doing in Nepal, for example on our efforts on gender equality and school education–which have been the key drivers of the prosperity of Finland.  We see the value and meaning of investing in education and in women and girls both politically and economically because of our own experience and our own commitment.  Finland’s recently published Development Policy Results Report highlights Nepal within the area of development cooperation and it brings out concrete examples of our work.  

So what will be the future initiatives to solidify the Nepal-Finland relations in the days to come?

At the moment we are guided by our country program to Nepal for years 2021-2024 with the focus on education, water, sanitation, climate resilience and gender equality. The planning for our future work after this time period will be done together with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Helsinki. At the moment we are fully implementing the country program and its long-term focus areas.  I also see the possibility of diversifying our collaboration on the economic front as Nepal will be graduating from the LDC status by 2026.

A lot of Nepali students go to Finland for studies. How does your office here facilitate the process?

Indeed more Nepali students are showing their interest to study in Finland. But as a government we don’t have direct scholarships. So, it is much up to the interested individuals themselves to look into the possibilities that different institutions such as colleges and universities offer. We provide general information through the website of the ministry and through our website in the embassy.  We also participate in relevant events with the aim to distribute information. For example, we were in the ‘Study in Europe’ fair organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal in April through which we provided information to the Nepali students who wanted to pursue their higher education in Finland. 

You have been the ambassador of Finland to Nepal for a year now. You have also been traveling to various parts of the country and interacting with people. What are your impressions?

Before I took office here in Kathmandu as the Finnish ambassador to Nepal, I had been working in development cooperation and the human rights field and I had already visited Nepal. So it was wonderful to be posted in Nepal because I knew that we  have a great cooperation portfolio here guided by a great team at the embassy. Professionally it was really a driving factor for me to know that I am going to a place with which we have such a good portfolio and such good collaboration. On a more personal level, the beauty of nature and the majestic mountains and the Himalayas of this country, the whole atmosphere and the depth of this country and the people were already deeply embedded in my memories since I had come here on my field visits.

As ambassador, I have had the privilege to travel around the country and our project areas, especially in Sudurpaschim and Karnali. This has been in many ways the highlight of my stay. Interacting with local communities and people—women, youth and children especially—learning from them and learning from our collaboration has left a very strong memory lane. The people of this country make the difference.

‘Traveling in the country and meeting with local people have really been highlights for me. And the snow-capped Himalayas take my breath away every time.’

Their resilience, their commitment and energy, their lovely spirit and kindness. This I will always treasure. Together with the amazing cultural richness and the snow-capped Himalayas, which really take my breath away every time. 

To start with, what initiatives have your organization taken to provide support to Nepal during the disasters?

 In Nepal, we constructed 1,800 units of permanent houses during the 1993 major flood for the flood victims in three villages which we called Great Love Village. Now these 1,800 families are living a self-sustaining moderately affluent lifestyle. We also provided the children of these families with education grants. Now these children have achieved very good accomplishments. During the 2015 earthquakes, we arrived in Kathmandu immediately upon receiving the news. At that time, the airplane could not land in Nepal due to the air congestion and so we had to land in India. Once the air congestion was cleared we immediately flew over to Nepal. We carried out a lot of disaster relief work at the disaster sites. We were the first batch of disaster relief medical team to arrive at the disaster site. We immediately set up a treatment area to treat and conduct surgery to those injured victims.  Because there was no light, we had to rely on using the solar light to treat the wound or to perform the surgical treatment. We even helped in the birth of the first baby after the earthquake disaster. 

Actually, our support to Nepal goes way back since 1993 during the major flood to 2015 major earthquakes and up until now, Tzu Chi has never left Nepal, the homeland of the Buddha. The Buddha was born in Nepal and grew up here for 29 years before he left this sacred land in Nepal to go to India. Nepal is the homeland of the Buddha. It is also the homeland for us, the Buddhist disciples. Wherever we work, we do not forget to introduce Nepal as the homeland of the Buddha. Now we are doing these charity works in Lumbini, in the hope that Buddha’s accomplishments will be known to the people worldwide.

Recently we performed a live musical sign language performance drama of the “Life of Buddha” that attracted more than 20,000 spectators.  From October 20-22, we will be performing at the Taipei Arena. If we are able to broadcast just a short section of the live performance, we will try to set up Zoom so that you can join and see the actual scene and how we have the drama on the “life of Buddha” from his birth to how he grew up in Kapilavastu to when he left Kapilavastu to renounce his secular life for spiritual cultivation on stage.

What other activities does the Foundation engage in apart from charity?

Tzu Chi does not get involved in political activities. We only offer assistance and spread love. In 1991, Tzu Chi went to Mainland China for disaster relief work. Tzu Chi has a huge mass of volunteers and they were all the local volunteers in Mainland China. We have hospitals in Beijing and Hebei.  During the flood disaster in Harbin, Tzu Chi distributed 200,000 of relief provisions to the disaster victims. We had built schools and the Great Love Village there, but we never participated in politics. In Lumbini, we will reach out to provide aid to the impoverished areas.

How did your Foundation help Nepal during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Nepal did not approach Tzu Chi for help but we spontaneously approached the government of Nepal and said that we are willing to offer help to the country. At that time, we chartered nine units of airplanes loaded with Covid-19 medical devices including N95 and surgical masks. We delivered these medical aid provisions to medical institutions in Kapilavastu. We provided medical aid to the rural villages up in the mountains. Because there were no roads, we used donkeys and horses to carry the medical supplies up to the mountaintop. We hope to provide our assistance, driven by pure love, kindness and compassion, to other places as long as there is the need. We are most willing to work together with the country and co-operate with the country’s needs to do what the country requires. While doing so, we comply with Tzu Chi’s principles.

What are some of the notable activities that Tzu Chi has conducted in Nepal?

In 1993, Tzu Chi spontaneously approached Nepal to find out how we could help you in disaster relief. The process was quite tough because at that time the people were not familiar with Tzu Chi. But we were able to construct 1,800 units of the permanent houses.

In 2015, we went back to that place again. When the people saw our blue and white uniform, they recognized the uniform and said ‘we know your people.’ The local people asked Tzu Chi volunteers where they came from. They said they came from Taiwan. The local residents there said ‘we are living in Taiwan village.’ We realized that they called the Great Love Villages ‘Taiwan villages.’ We connected with them through love and kindness, caring concern and enthusiasm. We tried all means to render our help and support to them. 

How do you get connected with Nepal? 

Tzu Chi was founded on the grounds of Buddhism. Tzu Chi attaches special importance to Nepal because it is the birthplace and homeland of the Buddha. Like I said earlier, the Buddha was born here and grew up here. He bestowed love and concern everywhere. He gave up his own luxurious lifestyle and let go of the worldly fame and status to be the King. He left his fabulous palace to seek the path of liberation and enlightenment. 

When I came to Nepal, I found the residents very friendly and amicable. They have mutual respect for each other. They are full of kindness and love and they are forbearing and accommodating. In Lumbini village, for example, there are those who live a very good life. There used to be caste-based discrimination in the past but there is no such discrimination at the moment. People live there together in harmony. This makes me feel that people in Nepal are very amicable, respectful and friendly. Despite these good things, Nepal still has impoverished places. This is because of lack of education and poverty. So children cannot still pursue their education. We must let these impoverished children pursue their education so that in future they would be able to live a good life.  “Education Promoting Zero Dropout Plan” is very important for Nepal. We must thoroughly implement this Plan and convince the parents to allow the children to go to schools.  

Our Tzu Chi volunteers are worried that this plan might not be fully realized simply by taking children to schools to study. The Buddha has said that regardless of any caste, everyone has the innate Buddha nature. We need to create a situation whereby the innate Buddha nature gets manifested. The only way to enable all people to be on an equal level is through education. 

You talked about “Education in Promoting Zero Droplet Plan.” How do you implement it in Nepal? How would it contribute to the development of the country? 

As I have already mentioned, the most important thing for transformation is education. Second, although Nepal is the birthplace of the Buddha, Buddhist devotees are few here. Thus not many people are aware of Buddha’s philosophy and teachings. We really want everyone to understand Buddhism and its philosophy. The Buddha has left behind the most important precious treasury and his wisdom. If everyone could hold this precious treasury in their hands and polish it and make it shine, everyone could understand Buddhism in accordance with Buddha’s heart of compassion to have mutual love for each other. Then the people would be able to transform themselves. 

I have come to Kapalivastu many times. Each time, I saw that roads were dirty and the traffic was in a mess. This time it was different.  I saw the traffic order is very good, the roads are clean and the environment is much better. I saw that citizens are willing to cooperate with mayors to accomplish development. 

We plan to build schools in Kapilavastu. Basically, the women in the rural villages have never stepped out from their houses. We introduced education and skills programs such as sewing skills for them. Now they sew clothes which we buy thus helping them in income generation. With the source of income, they are able to support their household needs. They have benefited from the program. They are not confined to household chores like in the past.

We plan to construct houses there. The male members of the community will participate in construction and they will also acquire skills and technology to construct houses. Then we will employ them to build houses in other places. This way, they will earn for themselves too. When both men and women are engaged in income generation they can better support the health and education needs of their children. Apart from this, we will also establish medical care services. We can have public health care services in the community. 

You participated in the Health Awards ceremony organized by Nepal Live Group. What did you feel about it? 

As I was in that august gathering of award distribution on September 8, I was thinking your health magazine, Swasthya Khabar Patrika, is very popular in Nepal. Health magazines are popular in Taiwan as well. We are grateful to you for recognizing our efforts in Nepal’s health sector by honoring us with a letter of appreciation. I am happy to see that our supplies of medical devices, wherever we have distributed them, are being used by the hospitals. I am grateful to those hospitals who accepted our provisions of the medical devices. I strongly believe and hope that Tzu Chi will become one of the sustainable partners of Nepal. 

That said, I would also like to emphasize that as much as physical health, mutual care and concern among the people and encouraging people to fulfill their social responsibility is equally important. Let me give you an example of a handful of rice. Suppose you are cooking a meal. You put five cups of rice inside the cooking pot, but you take out a handful of rice from the pot and put it in a container. When you do this for a month, for example, you will have collected enough to feed an impoverished family for one week. So this small act of kindness can do a lot to change the situation. This is what we have been doing in all places worldwide through our organization.

The second way in which you promote mutual well being is by working in cooperation with other overseas NGOs. Putting one dollar for charity, according to the International Economist, will have the effect of 13 dollars. If all the charity organizations from all places worldwide are able to come here to help out the people in need, they will be able to achieve a lot for Nepal.  

Any final words to our readers? 

Tzu Chi Master Cheng Yen believed in the idea of selfless contribution. She used to say that everyone has one lamp, when my lamp lights up your lamps, everyone’s lamp will be brightened up, yet the brightness of my lamp still remains. Every one person is like the firefly, with only one firefly, it will not glow, but with multi millions of fireflies, it will brighten up the world. 

She really hoped to light up the brightness of love. In the same way, everyone has the power of love. If everyone can come together to participate, every day without affecting your daily livelihood, deposit 50 cents or one handful of rice or half handful of rice, to participate in this act of kindness, accruing sand to form a tower, accumulate together, then you can reach out to help other villages. 

We envision a world where everyone has rice to eat, where there is no poverty. You can act as the little ant. It is not easy to eliminate poverty. But everyone puts in efforts, every one becomes the little ant and a firefly, everyone saves up one mouthful of rice, then we can make a difference in the lives of others. This is the greatest aspiration of Master Cheng Yen. 

We are also collaborating with a medical institution on a fatal acute leukocyte disease patient. The medical team from Taiwan and the medical team from Nepal team up together in this initiative. We hope that through such networking, we have the opportunity to come together to uplift the standard of medical care in Nepal. I also hope that for a sustainable planet, everyone will come together to promote plant-based vegetarianism. When people eat less meat, it will also contribute to reducing climate change impacts. Your media can also promote this cause. We want to spread the teachings of the Buddha across the world. Let all the people around the world know Nepal better. Let all the people around the world know the birthplace of the Buddha.

The government of Nepal nominated Dr Acharya for the post of South East Asia Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) last month. The election of the regional director will be held at the WHO Regional Committee Meeting in October. He has received best wishes for success from Nepal and beyond. Nepal Live Today spoke to Dr Acharya about the public health challenges at the WHO Southeast Asia region and why he is the right person for the coveted post. 

Nepal has nominated you for the post of Regional Director, WHO South East Asia. Could you tell us what are the main public health challenges in the WHO Southeast Asia region? 

Thank you for inviting me to this interview. Your question is crucial based on my experience. The Southeast Asia region has achieved significant progress in healthcare over the years. However, there are lingering challenges. In terms of health challenges, the region has made notable strides in combating communicable diseases. Yet, there remain communicable diseases that require elimination. This challenge calls for action.

Another issue is the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region. Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer are becoming more prevalent. NCDs are no longer confined to higher-income countries but affect even low-and middle-income nations. This needs a comprehensive response, including financing, healthcare access, capacity-building, and robust policies. 

Thirdly, the region faces natural disasters and humanitarian crises, which demand attention alongside health emergencies. Collaborative efforts among member states are crucial in addressing these challenges, as diseases disregard no borders. WHO, as a secretariat, plays a vital role in fostering cooperation and solutions. 

The WHO Southeast Asia region is known for its diversity in terms of economy, population, and development levels. How can WHO aid member countries in achieving their health goals? 

This diversity is indeed a strength with countries learning from one another. Those countries excelling in universal health coverage can guide others in achieving it. Economically, there’s variance; some are grappling with communicable diseases while others have tackled them. Collaborative partnerships can bridge these gaps. 

Advanced nations like India, Indonesia, and Thailand can share their capacity and innovation to support other member states. WHO’s role is to provide tailored assistance, recognizing each country’s context. My intention is to enhance this support and foster cross-country learning. 

The WHO Southeast Asia region faces high disease burdens but also boasts rapid economic growth. How can economic growth be harnessed to improve healthcare access and address resource shortages for diseases like TB and malaria? 

The region’s investments in health have been increasing, exemplified by India’s efforts to bolster health programs. Thailand’s universal healthcare is also commendable. To leverage economic growth, my priority is twofold: first, promoting health investment as an asset, not just an expense, focusing on human capital development. 

Secondly, fostering international partnerships with organizations like the Global Fund, the development banks, and climate-focused initiatives. Collaborative investments can bring substantial value to healthcare, helping overcome resource limitations. 

In managing public health crises like COVID-19, cooperation among nations is vital. What regional initiatives can facilitate such collaboration? 

Collaboration across nations is ongoing but can be strengthened further. Existing regional networks like ASEAN and SAARC can be harnessed. Moreover, disease-specific networks can be established, like the program against malaria. Tuberculosis efforts can also benefit from coordinated partnerships among nations like India, Indonesia, and Nepal. A multi-layered approach involving regional mechanisms and inter-regional cooperation is a key to effectively addressing these global challenges. 

‘My priority is twofold: First, promoting health investment as an asset, focusing on human capital development and second, fostering international partnerships.’

What makes you the right candidate for the post of Regional Director and what would be your priorities if elected? 

While I hesitate to claim superiority, I offer substantial experience in public health across three decades. From grassroots work to collaborations with global agencies, I’ve been immersed in the field. My journey spans national, regional, and global levels, shaping my understanding of health’s complexity. I’ve engaged with diverse stakeholders, particularly the UN system, demonstrating partnership skills. I’ve supported Dr Tedros closely in navigating the COVID-19 crisis. My vision for the region entails focusing on universal health coverage, resilient health systems, battling diseases, and ensuring preparedness against emergencies. 

How do you envision resolving the challenge of resource mobilization for WHO SEARO’s work? 

Resource challenges persist across the UN and WHO. The WHO has secured a 20 percent increase in contributions. This is unprecedented in its history. However, we’ll need more. Advocating for increased domestic financing is crucial, given the region’s progress and its potential to benefit from health investments. Collaborating with other health-focused agencies and promoting their resource allocation is also important. By demonstrating impactful results, we can motivate more contributions. The WHO’s role goes beyond its own funding. It involves encouraging investments in the broader health ecosystem by other allied organizations also. 

To conclude, can you briefly outline your vision for the region? 

I envision building on the region’s economic growth, young population, and healthcare achievements. My focus would be on universal coverage, resilient health systems, addressing diseases, and responding to emergencies. Collaborating across levels and organizations, I aim to facilitate tangible health improvements in the Southeast Asia region.

What actions has the government taken to bring the economy back on track and accelerate economic activities?

The government has initiated crucial interventions for improving investment climate through reforms, boosting the confidence of the private sector to encourage them to further inject investment in the productive sector, improving the quality of public spending, control of red tape/corruption, and bringing efficiency in service delivery, among others. Against the current backdrop, these interventions will definitely deliver positive results. External sector stability with sound foreign exchange reserves will give confidence to the actors of the economy. Remittance inflow has witnessed significant improvement. Increase in tourist arrivals will help in the rapid recovery of the tourism sector that has been shattered due to the Covid pandemic for quite a long time. Timely monsoon might boost agriculture output and this is critically important to feed the people in the context of surging import duties and import ban from food exporting countries. We are self-sufficient in hydroelectricity generation and not only are we becoming an energy surplus nation, but we are also exporting energy to India. With this evidence, we can foresee that the Nepali economy will certainly rebound from the ongoing fiscal.

How does the government plan to address the rooted structural problems of the economy including low-productivity, unemployment and nosediving growth?

The problems lying in the economy in terms of low productivity, unemployment and nosediving growth require fresh investments. To bring in more private investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI), we must reform our investment regime. The Budget for FY 2023-24 has given top priority to reforms in the investment regime. Legal, administrative and procedural reforms have been given top priority. Reforms are a continuous process and it should not stall at any cost. Some of the reforms do not require financial backing. We have classified these reforms and will execute them gradually. A transparent legal regime provides a smooth procedural environment that in turn improves the investment climate. The manifold impact on the economy caused by the pandemic will be addressed and the economy will be lubricated through reforms. We have already started witnessing an improvement in the investment regime.

Questions have always been raised about the government’s budget execution capacity. What are your strategies for change on this front?

Government spending will gather pace based on our budget execution guidelines. We have had several rounds of interactions and discussions with relevant ministries and I am hopeful and confident that our spending performance will improve in the coming days. I admit that there has been inaction and the pace of work is rather slow. We always wait for the end of the fiscal year to get work done and that attitude must change and change fast. We have been strictly informing all the stakeholders that we must change our style of work for efficient delivery and align resources for productive capacity enhancement of the economy. Similarly, the investment climate, including availing credit, should be improved at the private sector level.

High cost of funds is considered to be the major barrier to expanding private sector investment, creating jobs and boosting productivity. What are the government and central bank doing to minimize this high cost of funds mainly driven by the high lending rates?

It is true that the quantum of investment is not as expected. The interest rate on lending is still high and the percentage of non-performing loans is going up, which means the capacity of banks and financial institutions to mobilize loans is shrinking. I hope Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will seriously think about this issue. Considering the requirement of fresh investment, the current interest rate has to be rationalized for credit expansion. The dismal credit expansion in the previous fiscal squeezed the potential of private sector expansion and their contribution to growth and jobs. I have been told by the central bank that it has been proactive towards improving the lending atmosphere. On the other hand, bankers also have to cooperate to minimize the interest rate spread keeping in mind the profit they have made in the last several years. All the stakeholders must contribute to improving the economy during these turbulent times by motivating fresh investments in every sector of the economy. I am confident the investment climate will improve at the private sector level.

There have been challenges in meeting the revenue collection target since the beginning of the month. Do you think the revenue collection target is rational considering the challenging economic situation at the moment?

We are doing homework to broaden the tax base and make the tax system more prudent and efficient to meet the revenue mobilization target set by the fiscal budget. I do admit that the problems also lie within the taxation system and we are doing our best to address the shortcomings and make it more scientific, efficient and relevant as well as bringing more taxpayers within the tax net.

The lower public spending has deteriorated the foreign aid absorption capacity. Again, the government has not been able to mobilize climate related aid from the international community.

Regarding this, I have had a series of meetings with multilateral and bilateral development banks and development finance institutions, among others. We will be able to mobilize foreign aid that we have estimated in the fiscal budget 2023-24 by improving government spending. We are also trying to bring in resources from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other climate-related funds. Development partners and developed countries must support Nepal to cope with climate change challenges and save our snow-capped Himalayas which are the source of water for billions of people of this region. Rapid melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and glacier lake outbursts could pose a serious challenge to our habitat. On the other hand, climate change induced disaster could cause colossal loss of lives and property. We have already started experiencing climate change impacts on agriculture and forest outputs, and health, which are a dire threat to the vulnerable and marginalized communities. As Nepal’s share in global carbon emission is only 0.06 percent, we must be compensated for the loss we are bearing due to the carbon emitting nations. Streamlining of climate financing will help countries like Nepal to cope with the climate change induced challenges as well as achieve the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2045 as promised at COP26.

Nepal at present has comfortable foreign exchange reserves. How is the government thinking of utilizing this in production and job creation?

People should look at the opportunities we have and invest in them. People have to be innovative and look for new avenues. But we have a herd mentality. If someone is making money in a particular sector, everybody starts doing the same business. There is a dearth of people with an entrepreneurial mindset. We want those who are living outside the country like the non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) to come and grab the opportunities by investing their skills, capital and technology in Nepal as we have a sound investment climate at present.

Sovereign credit rating facilitates the flow of foreign direct investment and avails financing from the international market. Why has the process of country rating stalled?

The Ministry of Finance has already initiated the process. It might have stalled due to the Covid 19 pandemic. We will proceed with it in the near future.

How is the government attracting the private sector to invest in infrastructure under the public-private partnership (PPP) modality?

There are also prospects to mobilize foreign direct investment in infrastructure including export-oriented projects with bankable project Development Agreement (PDA) and we are doing this through Investment Board Nepal. For domestic consumption too, hydroelectricity development is exceptional and that is due to the bankable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) from the sole power off-taker–Nepal Electricity Authority. That sort of modality might attract the private sector. We also welcome the private sector to enhance the quality of public services like health, education and transport, among others, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) modality. We are also encouraging private investments in the manufacturing sector. Information technology is another promising area where there is a lot of new talent emerging. We have provided a 50 percent income tax waiver for the IT sector. At the same time, we have also allowed IT professionals and firms to utilize some of their foreign exchange earnings to procure technology and for marketing purposes.

The fiscal budget 2023-24 has mentioned about hosting the Nepal Investment Summit. How have the preparations for the summit been going on?

The government has announced plans to host the Nepal Investment Summit. We need adequate preparations for that and we have already started organizing preparatory events through the Office of the Investment Board Nepal. Considering the dire need of investment in the country, we are going to host the Nepal Investment Summit to tap potential investors as we have found that the interest of the international community to invest in Nepal has been growing. Hosting the summit just for the sake of it is not important.

‘We are hosting the Nepal Investment Summit to tap potential investors as we have found that the interest of the international community to invest in Nepal has been growing.’

The important aspect is whether the commitments translate into real investment. Rather than commitments, we will focus on credible and serious potential investors to realize more investments in the country. Along with credible investors from the private sector of potential source countries, we will invite the heads of government from the major FDI source countries and also the key representatives from multilateral development agencies.

[The interview was first published in IBN Dispatch, an official publication of Investment Board Nepal.]

Shailee Chaudhary, hailing from Madhesh province, is an ardent activist who has dedicated the past decade to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Involved in various initiatives and organizations, Chaudhary’s passion knows no bounds. With a sincere commitment to the cause of Dalit Lives Matter, she has orchestrated impactful events like TEDxBirgunj to amplify unheard voices and fostered inclusive spaces in her pursuit of a more equitable world. Embracing a Queer Feminist identity, Chaudhary has tirelessly worked towards equal rights and inclusivity, traversing various intersections, and undertaking numerous initiatives. To delve into Chaudhary’s unique perspective, explore her thought-provoking writings on medium.

In my personal quest to better understand the dynamics surrounding the fight for justice that has been carried out by members of the Dalit community in Nepal, I recently visited the Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance.

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement in the USA that erupted following the murder of George Floyd in the street of Minneapolis in May 2020, the Alliance wants to build a global movement focused on the rights, dreams and aspirations of Dalits citizens, not only in Nepal but also in South Asia and throughout the world.

At the Alliance I met its founder Pradip Pariyar, an old acquaintance of mine and also Shailee Chaudhary who plays the vital role of organizer and campaigner there. 

Conversation with Pradip Pariyar

The conversation spanned the whole spectrum of the ongoing work being carried by them, from the current situation faced by Dalit to policy making and activism, two dimensions that are intrinsically related to each other like two sides of the same coin. 

But let’s start with the sparkle or better the anger that prompted Pradip to come up with the idea of the Alliance. It was June 2020 and the protests against the atrocious killing of six young Dalits in Rukum West were going on. The turnout at the manifestations was not as high as expected. Youths showed up but then something was missing. 

As explained by activists and human rights expert Tek Tamrakar at the time for The Himalayan Times, non-Dalit activists and senior members of the so-called civil society did not show up.

While in the USA the killing of George Floyd also brought millions of white Americans to reconsider many of their assumptions about privilege and the impact of racism in the society, the same did not materialize in Nepal. This is what brought Pradip to start barnstorming about a global movement focused on the rights of Dalits citizens, in Nepal but also outside the country.

This overall goal is as straightforward as daunting:  Ensuring rights of Dalit citizens.

So far the Alliance has been working to prepare the ground for actions on the field even if one of its most visible undertakings was the wall painting in Patan depicting the portraits of the Rukum West’s victims. This, Pradip explains to me, can be achieved through the implementation of three distinct strategies.

“First, instituting a comprehensive reform of state mechanisms guided by the principle of proportionate inclusivity. This entails ensuring that the state fulfills its constitutional responsibilities and is held answerable for any lapses,” Pradip told me. ‘Then,” he continued, “by nurturing a new generation of leaders who champion rights-based advocacy, address multifold discrimination arising from the intersections of caste, geopolitics, socioeconomics, and gender and sexuality questions, and lead grassroots movements. These emerging leaders will be instrumental in driving the agenda of equitable treatment and social justice”.

“Finally,” he explained, “by broadening the scope of discussions surrounding caste-related issues by fostering a global dialogue. This approach aims to raise awareness and encourage collaboration on addressing caste-based discrimination both within Nepal and internationally.”

What impressed me over the conversation with him and Shailee was two things: First the importance attached to leadership development; second the focus on inclusiveness, the realization that, in order to achieve the rights of Dalit citizens, there is a need of creating an inclusive alliance. In practice, this means bringing in people from different walks of life, including citizens from the so-called traditionally privileged groups. Leadership and personal ownership are essential tools to promote action, awareness and change at local levels.

That’s why the Alliance is working to establish independent and autonomous affiliates in each of the 77 districts of the country. In a way promoting youth leadership is a way to promote agency but also it is the best way to equip citizens, especially youths, to have the tools to fight discrimination and injustice. This, Pradip explains, must be done inclusively. 

That’s why the teams of young people that will lead the local associations will also be open to non-Dalit youths as well, especially members of the marginalized communities, youths from the LGBTQ communities, youths with disabilities and indigenous youths. They will work and this is the plan, as mobilizers but also as watchdog, supporting citizens who have been discriminated against.

The focus is certainly on providing redress to injustices committed against Dalits but at the same time, the participation of non-Dalits will also allow a broader advocacy work against patriarchism and discrimination. 

At the same time Pradip believes that achieving a truly inclusive society requires engaging the so-called upper caste. “We are not excluding anyone and we also try at the Alliance to lead the conversation and the change on the ground by example,” he said. “Our staff is made up of colleagues from different communities, including from Brahmin and indigenous groups”.

The fight is indeed against all forms of discrimination and Pradip is crystal clear that social justice is not only about ensuring the rights of Dalit citizens. “My overarching goal is to eliminate all manifestations of discrimination within Nepal, including members of indigenous communities, persons with disability and others.” While I knew Pradip’s tenacity and lifelong commitment for social justice, I was impressed by Shailee’ passionate resolve to the cause.

Views of Shailee Chaudhary

Shailee has a very unique view on the issue, something stemming from her own identity as a queer woman. “As an individual who does not belong to the Dalit community, I am not immune to the pervasive impact of the caste system. Its influence permeates various facets of my life, including social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions,” she said.

She further emphasized: “It is crucial to recognize that caste exerts an effect on all individuals; the differentiating factor lies in the degree of discrimination faced. For instance, in my case, marrying someone outside the Marwadi community might result in familial restrictions or potential estrangement.”

 “Conversely, when a Dalit individual seeks to make a similar choice, the consequences are far more severe, often resulting in targeted violence and even fatalities perpetrated by families and caste-dominant groups,” she said.

The question of proportionality and different degree of propensity of levels of discrimination is a key and it is something that requires further analysis and reflections. Untangling it could provide venues to get the overall society on board in the fight against discrimination.

It is something that we might discount but it is true that the whole society has been rigidly divided along castes and different treatments, a nice word for discriminatory behaviors, were at the foundations of it. Everyone was, and to some extent, is still influenced by these long-established behaviors and mindsets but some are paying a much higher price.

“This motivates me” Shailee further elaborates “to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary challenges linked to the caste system. It impels me to recognize my privilege and critically evaluate my standing within this hierarchical framework.” “It drives me to scrutinize and actively contest biases and unfair treatment stemming from caste. It compels me to initiate thought-provoking discourse, demonstrate solidarity, foster connections, and be an ally in the journey of Dalit and marginalized communities attaining dignified lives” she shared with the conviction of someone deeply involved in the issues.

Afterthoughts

It is noteworthy to say that the Alliance, as the name itself explains, has global ambitions.

Pradip was recently at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the occasion of the High-Level Political Forum, the global SDGs focused mechanism. He was there to advocate the Dalits’ rights worldwide because, as we know, it is occurring that the same discriminatory dynamics, either conscious or unconscious at play in the societies throughout South Asia, are reverberating also in North America. There have been several cases of alleged discrimination against Dalits by other members of the Hindu community living there.

The Alliance is also a key constituent of the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) that works to uplift the “most excluded, segregated, and marginalized groups at the global and local level within their social, economic, political, and cultural systems.”

Working for social justice requires grit, determination and commitment to dialogue. It also requires a strong resolve to use all the venues provided by the law to punish the perpetrators of caste-based discrimination.

Working for social justice requires grit, determination and commitment to dialogue. It also requires a strong resolve to use all the venues provided by the law to punish the perpetrators of caste-based discrimination.

I am looking forward to hearing from Shailee and Pradip about the work at local levels, a real process of empowerment that the Alliance is focusing on. The overarching aim, for Pradip and Shailee and the team at the Alliance, is to create a much-needed movement at grassroots level.

The work of the local associations that they are trying to enable is going to be challenging because it takes endurance, commitment, dedication, expertise and knowledge to fight prejudices and discriminatory behaviors punishable by law. And training the new batch of young advocates is paramount. They will act as “informal” junior paralegal dialogue practitioners because we need tons of dialogue to change the status quo.

Wrapping up, I hope the members of the civil society that were missing in action during the protests in June 2022 will still reach out to the Alliance and brainstorm with them about venues for collaborations. Hopefully also members of indigenous and disability communities will try to build bridges with the Dalit movement. I see the potential for a network of networks, something agile and focused on a holistic fight for social inclusion. I also hope that more powerful wall paintings will show up around the towns of the country. I wish I was there in June 2022 but I wasn’t and I regret it.

Simone Galimberti is the pro-bono co-founder of ENGAGE and The Good Leadership. He writes about social issues, politics and youth empowerment. Views are personal.