United Mission to Nepal (UMN), a missionary INGO has celebrated its sixty-years in Nepal. A programme was held on March 5, Wednesday at the UMN headquarter in Thapathali. The occassion was marked by staff members releasing one hundred balloons, commemorating the contributions of UMN to the country in health, education, industrial development, community development and capacity building.
Congratulating UMN on these achievements, the Minister for Energy, Radha Kumari Gyawali said, "The nation hopes for UMN's continuous service and contribution in the coming days; the work must go on." Recognising some current difficulties regarding UMN's headquarters property, Gyawali promised to work with all parties to achieve a fair and just resolution.
A commemorative stone was unveiled by UMN's Executive Director Dr Mark Galpin and Madan Prasad Rimal, director of the Social Welfare Council. Rimal praised the organisation's work and commitment to the poor in Nepal. "UMN came to work in Nepal in 1954. The Government of Nepal invited them to come and start work here. I can say confidently that all the work that UMN has done in these 60 years has been according to the priority and the need of the Government of Nepal," he said "They have always been transparent in matters of resources and finance." More than 300 UMN staff and former staff, representatives of other INGOs, government, and the christian community observed the programme.
