The Nepali diaspora has pledged to utilize their skills and capital to contribute to Nepal's economic development. During the inaugural international convention of the United Nepali Diaspora Organisation (UNDO), which began in Kathmandu on Saturday, representatives from various countries committed to uniting Nepalis worldwide under the principles of equity, cooperation, and inclusion. They expressed their dedication to advancing Nepal and its people.
Prominent philanthropist and CNN Hero (2010) Anuradha Koirala urged the diaspora to reinvest the knowledge and wealth they have gained globally back into Nepal, inspiring future generations to maintain a connection with their homeland. Similarly, former Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) President Shesh Ghale urged the government to create an investment-friendly environment to attract contributions from the diaspora.
UNDO President Sonam Lama highlighted the organization's mission to bridge Nepal with its diaspora and promote sustainable development in the country. Lama also emphasized the organization's focus on addressing critical issues such as climate change and capital flight.
The two-day convention featured discussions on key themes, including climate change, infrastructure, and policy. In the session on climate change and migration, experts such as journalist Kunda Dixit, immigration specialist Dr. Ganesh Gurung, ICIMOD's Dr. Amina Maharjan, and Naresh Sharma from the Ministry of Forests and Environment examined the relationship between climate change and migration. They assessed the consequences of climate vulnerabilities, including the brain drain affecting Nepal.
In the session focused on innovative infrastructure and diaspora engagement, panelists including Nepal Electricity Authority’s Managing Director Kulman Ghising, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Sushil Babu Dhakal, Public Transport Authority’s CEO Kuber Nepali, and energy expert Kushal Gurung discussed how the diaspora could contribute to Nepal’s infrastructure and transport sectors. Another session on policy and partnership addressed the gaps that hinder effective collaboration with the diaspora. Speakers included CEO of Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi, legal policy expert Yubaraj Sangroula, Dr. Jitendra Upadhyay Timilsina from McGill University, and Dr. Indra Adhikari from the Policy Research Institute.
The event, themed "Diaspora Engagement for Sustainable Nepal," brought together around 70 representatives from various nations. A key highlight was the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MIT Group Foundation, which supports research in Nepal's transport sector, and the government. The convention will conclude with the election of a new leadership for the organization during its annual general meeting. -- RSS
