1. Political Inclusion
i) Cultivating Innovation: Nurturing Youth-Government Collaboration for Evidence-Based Policy Decisions
The first session of the National Governance Symposium, themed "Cultivating Innovation: Nurturing Youth-Government Collaboration for Evidence-Based Policy Decisions," featured opening remarks by Mr. Sushant Vaidik, tracing his journey from a Daayitwa Nepal Public Policy fellow to an Economic Advisor. Stressing the importance of evidence-based policymaking, he highlighted citizen engagement and youth collaboration. The following panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Prakriti Basyal, delved into innovative governance based on evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Sohan Sha emphasized youth-government collaboration in research and policy implementation, while Dr. Prativa Pandey discussed the culture of trust deficits towards youth and challenges for women in their respective fields. Dr. Amina Singh accentuated the importance of assessing youth capacity. Mr. Ek Narayan Aryal, the session's chairperson, praised the Governance Lab's efforts and expressed the government's commitment to inclusive policymaking.
Session Partner: Nepal Academics in America
Link to the video recording of the session:
ii) Using large-scale data collection and analysis to understand governance challenges and inform policy-making
The session on "Using Large-scale Data Collection and Analysis to Understand Governance Challenges and Inform Policy-making" took place with a collaboration between the Governance Lab and Inclusive Economics Nepal. Ms. Medha Joshi, Senior Research Manager of Inclusive Economics Nepal, and Mr. Chandra Bhandari, Research Fellow, Inclusive Economics Yale, presented insights from local government surveys (2020–2023) and administrative data, emphasizing the varied responses to COVID-19 and the necessity of enhancing climate change knowledge among local government officials. Mr. Trilochan Pokharel, Senior Director, Nepal Administrative Staff College, highlighted the importance of evidence communication in policymaking, while Dr. Bhisma Bhusal, Province Secretary, Ministry of Social Development, Bagmati Province, discussed leadership significance during crises and emphasized efficient utilization of government-collected data. Mr. Binod Prakash Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, concluded the session with his remarks on research methodologies incorporating local perspectives, transparency in sharing government data, and extending research beyond infrastructure development to inform policymaking and strengthen local governance.
Session Partner: Inclusive Economics Nepal
Link to the video recording of the session:
2. Economic Inclusion
iii) Rebuilding Hope: Empowering Returnee Migrants for Employment Generation in Nepal
The session centered on the crucial theme of "Rebuilding Hope: Reintegrating Migrant Returnees in Domestic Employment in Nepal." Ms. Sadikshya Bhattarai, Research Coordinator, CESLAM, emphasized the need for comprehensive reintegration addressing economic, social, and psycho-social aspects, particularly in the context of post-COVID-19 returnee spikes. Ms. Juna Mathema, Chairperson, Startup and Innovation Forum, FNCCI, highlighted the importance of understanding returnees' willingness and preparedness and proposing solutions involving research, mental health support, and government-led awareness campaigns. The discussants included 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; and Ms. Manju Gurung, Co-Founder, Pourakhi Nepal. The discussion focused on the multifaceted challenges faced by returning migrants, stressing the necessity for comprehensive policies addressing economic, social, and gender-specific needs. Key points included addressing social stigma for women returnees, gender-sensitive programs, diversifying income options, and nuanced approaches tailored to individual factors for effective reintegration.
Link to the video recording of the session:
iv) Breaking Barriers: Making a Case for Women Enterprise Development Policy
The session, in collaboration with FWEAN and titled "Building Bridges: Making a Case for National Women Enterprise Development Policy," featured a speech by Ms. Sahina Shrestha and a video showcasing rural women entrepreneurs supported by the Daayitwa Rural Enterprise Acceleration Program. The panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Sama Thapa, emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive national women's enterprise development policy to boost women's entrepreneurship. The President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (FWEAN), Ms. Shova Gyawali, advocated for a shift from the traditional narrative to a more entrepreneur-friendly policy, stressing effective budgetary allocation. Miss Aava Shrestha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, highlighted the role of women's economic empowerment in driving positive change globally, emphasizing the need for collaboration and clarity on leadership roles.
Session Partner: Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (FWEAN)
Link to the video recording of the session:
3. Social Inclusion
v) Moving Beyond Representation to Dignity and Self-determination
The second session of the Governance Symposium 2023, titled 'Breaking Barriers: Moving Beyond Representation to Dignity and Self-Determination,' in collaboration with the Dignity Initiative, addressed the historical challenges faced by marginalized communities. Mr. JB Biswokarma started the session with his remarks, highlighting issues with "progressive policies" and inequitable party representation. The panel, moderated by Ms. Kailash Rai, featured insights from Ms. Mohna Ansari, former Commissioner of the Nepal Human Rights Commission, on post-federalism concerns and a call for a progressive approach to women's leadership. Dr. Bal Krishna Mabuhang, Associate Professor, Tribhuvan University, emphasized democracy and the need for constitutional amendments for genuine inclusion. Ms. Sudha Regmi Pant, Social Inclusion and Social Protection Section, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, discussed government initiatives for marginalized communities, urging collaborative policy improvements. Chairperson, Mr. Suman Raj Aryal, Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, concluded with reflections on identity, the right to dignity, equity management, and the role of research in achieving true inclusion.
Session Partner: Dignity Initiative
Link to the video recording of the session:
vi) Inclusive Climate Governance Challenges and Way Forward
The second session on December 13th, titled "Inclusive Climate Governance Challenges and Way Forward," was organized in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Dr. Manohara Khadka, Country Representative of IWMI, emphasized the global significance of climate governance and justice, particularly in Nepal. Ms. Kalpana shared local government achievements, highlighting challenges like manpower capacity and educational quality. Prof. Dr. Vishnu Prasad Pandey, Water Expert, Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Engineering, advocated for evidence-based solutions, emphasizing capacity building, awareness, and inclusive participation beyond gender. Dr. Bharat Kumar Pokharel, Chairperson, GREAT International, discussed adaptation-mitigation, governance compliance, and the role of civil society. Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Forest and Environment, chaired the session, stressing the importance of evidence-based research and a strategic approach to climate initiatives, differentiating between mitigation, adaptation, and neutralization efforts.
Session Partner: International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Link to the video recording of the session:
