Governance Lab Successfully Concludes Two Day National Symposium 2023
The Governance Lab (Govlab) proudly announced the successful conclusion of the National Governance Symposium 2023. Set against the backdrop of Nepal's significant milestones, including its graduation from Least Developed Country status, the symposium brought together key stakeholders in the nation's federal transition. Furthermore, the symposium was honored to have the support of key governmental entities, including the Ministry of Federal Affairs & General Administration, Ministry of Finance, National Planning Commission, and the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The event was organized in collaboration with Daayitwa and Nepal Leadership Academy.
The theme for the symposium was "Governance Innovations for Inclusive Development,” which featured thought-provoking sessions concentrating on political, economic, and social inclusion from distinguished dignitaries and experts who emphasized on innovative prospects and interventions for inclusion and collaborative governance approaches in Nepal.
The event started with an inaugural session that included Dr. Pukar Malla, Chairperson of the Governance Lab giving his remarks. Dr. Mukta Singh Lama-Tamang, Central Department of Anthropology, Tribhuvan University gave his Keynote Remarks.
The inauguration was enriched by the valuable contributions of prominent figures who graced the occasion and shared their perspectives:
Ms. Rita Thapa, Feminist Activist, Founder, Tewa, and Nagarik Aawaz
Mr. Bhim Prasad Dhungana, Mayor, Neelakantha Municipality, and President, Municipality Association of Nepal
Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, Chief Secretary, Government of Nepal
These distinguished individuals provided special remarks, adding depth and nuance to the discussions surrounding inclusive development.
The two-day event hosted engaging sessions, from which first day included 3 sessions:
Session 1: Cultivating Innovation: Nurturing Youth-Government Collaboration for Evidence-Based Policy Decisions
Opening Remarks: Mr. Sushant Vaidik, Economic Advisor, Lumbini Province, Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers
Moderator: Ms. Prakriti Basyal, Program Coordinator, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Panelist:
- Dr. Sohan Sha, Member, Policy and Planning Commission, Madhesh Province
- Dr. Kiran Rupakhetee, Joint Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
- Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder and CEO, Catalyst Technology Pvt. Ltd.
- Dr. Amina Singh, Adjunct Faculty, Kathmandu University
Chairperson: Mr. Ek Narayan Aryal, Secretary, Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Session Partner: Nepali Academics in America
Session 2: Breaking Barriers: Advancing Beyond Representation to Dignity and Self-Determination
Opening Remarks: Mr. JB Biswokarma, Chairperson, Dignity Initiative
Moderator: Ms. Kailash Rai, Social Science Researcher
Panelists:
- Ms. Sudha Regmi Pant, Social Inclusion and Social Protection Section, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration
- Ms. Mohna Ansari, Former Member, National Human Rights Commission of Nepal
- Dr. Bal Krishna Mabuhang, Associate Professor at Department of Population, Tribhuvan University
Chairperson: Mr. Suman Raj Aryal, Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens
The Session Partner was Dignity Initiative
“The National Governance Symposium is a platform that brings together diverse voices from Nepal's development sector”, says Dr. Pukar Malla, Chairperson of Governance Lab. He further stated that events like these play a pivotal role in bridging the possible gaps between policymakers, the executors, and the public which contributes to identifying practical solutions and pathways for inclusive development”
The symposium witnessed participation from esteemed personalities, including representatives from academia, bureaucratic offices, federal ministries, local government, development organizations, entrepreneurs, and think tanks who provided valuable perspectives on governance innovations for inclusive development.
“The event is aimed at celebrating achievements and fostering collaborations among various stakeholders for inclusive development in Nepal's federal transition.” Stated Dr. Nisha Onta, Executive Director of Governance Lab.
The second half of NGS 2023 unfolded in Session 3, "Building Bridges: Making a Case for National Women Enterprise Development Policy," where a transformative tapestry of insights and stories emerged. The session, guided by Ms. Sama Thapa, Associate Editor at AP1, featured a captivating "Video Story of Rural Women Entrepreneurs" presented by Ms. Sahina Shrestha,
Online Editor of Nepali Times. Dr. Neelam Dhungana Timsina, Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, shared financial wisdom, while Ms. Aava Shrestha Karn, Joint Secretary, highlighted government initiatives. Mr. Jiblal Bhusal, Joint Secretary, brought an industrial perspective, and Ms. Shova Gyawali, President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal, represented grassroots voices. Ms. Radhika Aryal, Principal Secretary of Lumbini Province, skillfully chaired the dialogue, and the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (TBC) played a vital role as the Session Partner.
The Closing Session featured Mr. Chandra Ghimire, Former Secretary, reflecting on the day's discussions, and Mr. Yam Lal Bhusal, Joint Secretary, National Planning Commission, providing a strategic overview. The symphony of voices on this first day set the stage for what promised to be a transformative event. As NGS 2023 continued, the echoes of that day's discussions undoubtedly shaped the inclusive governance landscape of tomorrow.
Session Partner: Hon. Indira Rana Magar, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives
Following a successful first day, the Governance Lab (Govlab), in collaboration with Daayitwa Abhiyaan and Nepal Leadership Academy, is pleased to share the exciting developments of the second day at the National Governance Symposium 2023. As Nepal celebrates significant milestones, including its graduation from Least Developed Country status, the symposium continues to serve as a pivotal platform for key stakeholders in the nation's federal transition.
Building on the theme, "Innovations for Inclusive Development," the symposium's second day unfolded with a series of engaging sessions, further solidifying its commitment to identifying innovative solutions for inclusive development in Nepal.
Day 2 Sessions:
Session 4: Using Large-scale Data Collection and Analysis to Understand Governance Challenges and Inform Policy-making
Presenters:
- Ms. Medha Joshi, Senior Research Manager, Inclusion Economics Nepal
- Mr. Chandra Bhandari, Research Fellow Consultant, Inclusion Economics Yale
Discussants:
- Dr. Bhishma Bhusal, Province Secretary, Ministry of Social Development, Bagmati Province
- Mr. Trilochan Pokharel, Senior Director, Nepal Administrative Staff College
Chairperson: Mr. Binod Prakash Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration
Session Partner: Inclusion Economics Nepal at Governance Lab
Session 5: Inclusive Climate Governance Challenges and Way Forward
Opening Remarks: Dr. Manohara Khadka, Country Representative, IWMI
Moderator: Ms. Sumitra KC, National Researcher, Policy & Water Governance, IWMI
Panelists:
- Ms. Kalpana Kumari Katuwal, Mayor, Barathawa Municipality
- Dr. Bharat Kumar Pokharel, Chairperson, GREAT International
- Prof. Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey, Water Expert, Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Engineering
Chairperson: Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Forest and Environment
Session Partner: International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Session 6: Rebuilding Hope: Reintegrating Migrant Returnees in Domestic Employment in Nepal
Moderator: Ms. Salina Bhattarai, Senior Governance, Research and Partnership Coordinator, Governance Lab
Presenters:
- Ms. Juna Mathema, Chairperson, Startup and Innovation Forum, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry
- Ms. Sadikshya Bhattarai, Research Coordinator, Centre for the Study of Labour and Mobility
Discussants:
- Mr. Saroj Guragain, Rural Enterprises and Remittances Project (Samriddhi), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies
- Ms. Madhushika Lansakara, Team Leader, Reintegration of Returnee Migrant Workers (ReMi) Project, HELVETAS
- Ms. Manju Gurung, Co-founder of POURAKHI Nepal (TBC)
Chairperson: Mr. Kewal Bhandari, Secretary, Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security
Session Partner: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TBC)
Keynote Panel: The Road to Inclusive Development in Federal Nepal
Panelists:
- Mr. Sawitra Devi Aryal, Deputy Mayor, Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City
- Mr. Manoj Kumar Sah, Mayor, Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City
- Ms. Sushila Shahi, Mayor, Lamki Chuna Municipality
- Ms. Sangita Subedi, Deputy Mayor, Kohalpur Municipality (TBC)
- Mr. Khom Raj Koirala, Joint Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
- Mr. Kamal Prasad Bhattarai, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (TBC)
Moderator:
- Mr. Rupesh Shrestha, Journalist
Session Partners: International Development Enterprises (iDE) and Nepal Urban Resilience Program (NURP)
The National Governance Symposium 2023 has successfully concluded its two-day event, bringing together diverse voices from academia, government bodies, and developmental organizations to delve into the theme of "Innovations for Inclusive Development." With insightful discussions and thought-provoking sessions, the symposium provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Esteemed speakers and contributors illuminated the complexities of inclusive development, offering innovative solutions. Gratitude is extended to organizing partners Daayitwa Abhiyaan and Nepal Leadership Academy, along with key governmental support, for their contributions to this enriching event. The symposium serves not only as a forum for dialogue but as a catalyst for actionable insights and partnerships, contributing to the trajectory of inclusive development in Nepal.
Closing Remarks:
- Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Secretary, Ministry of Finance
- Mr. Krishna Gyawali, Former Secretary and Senior Governance Advisor, Daayitwa Abhiyaan
The two-day event came to its end with a vote of Thanks from Dr. Nisha Onta, Founder and Executive Director of Governance Lab.
