Raj Kumar Silwal, Kathmandu.The Governance Lab (Govlab) successfully wrapped up the National Governance Symposium 2023, a significant event in Nepal’s federal transition landscape. Held under the theme “Innovations for Inclusive Development,” the symposium convened notable stakeholders and received support from 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.

Distinguished figures from various sectors, such as academia, government, development organizations, and grassroots initiatives, convened to discuss inclusive governance and delve into innovative approaches for Nepal’s development.

Highlights of Day 1:

• The first day witnessed engaging sessions focusing on fostering collaboration between youth and government, breaking barriers to achieve dignity and self-determination, and advocating for women’s enterprise development policies.
• Esteemed speakers like Ms. Rita Thapa, Mr. Bhim Prasad Dhungana, Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, and others shared valuable insights on inclusive development and governance innovations.
• The sessions were enriched by partnerships with organizations like Nepali Academics in America and Dignity Initiative.

Day 2 Insights:

• The second day of the symposium continued the momentum with sessions addressing challenges related to data collection for policy-making, climate governance, reintegrating migrant returnees, and a keynote panel discussing inclusive development in federal Nepal.
• Experts, including representatives from various ministries, international organizations like IWMI, and grassroots initiatives, contributed to these sessions, emphasizing innovative solutions and collaborative strategies.

Closing and Future Outlook:

• The symposium concluded with heartfelt gratitude to the organizing partners, government support, and participants for their valuable contributions to shaping the discourse on inclusive development.
• Dr. Nisha Onta, the Executive Director of Governance Lab, expressed the event’s significance in fostering actionable insights and partnerships for Nepal’s inclusive development trajectory.

The National Governance Symposium 2023 provided a platform for diverse voices, paving the way for collaborative strategies and actionable insights towards Nepal’s inclusive development. The event showcased the importance of innovative approaches and collaboration across sectors in steering Nepal’s progress in the federal transition journey.