Kathmandu, July 28, 2025
In a bid to strengthen regional cooperation across South Asia, the World Bank Group is set to host a timely and high-profile webinar tomorrow, July 29, 2025, under its ongoing #OneSouthAsia Conversations series. Themed “Good Neighbors in South Asia: Partnerships for Progress,” the event will bring together influential voices from the region to discuss collaborative approaches to sustainable development, inclusive growth, and regional integration.
The webinar will take place from 8:00–9:00 AM Eastern Time (equivalent to 5:45 PM in Kathmandu), and will be moderated by Cecile Fruman, Director for Regional Integration, South Asia, at the World Bank.
The panel includes prominent South Asian thought leaders:
Veena Sikri, Convener, South Asia Women’s Network (SWAN)
Sujeev Shakya, Convener, Himalayan Future Forum
Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson, COO, 5-hour International Corporation
Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder and Director, SEHER
The session is expected to explore how partnerships across borders can unlock solutions to shared challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, gender gaps, and fragile connectivity. Each panelist brings a unique perspective, from women’s leadership and cultural diplomacy to regional business cooperation and green economy.
South Asia, home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, has vast untapped potential in areas of trade, tourism, water management, and people-to-people ties. The event comes at a time when regional stability and collaboration are seen as critical to long-term peace and prosperity.
Ecosphere News will closely monitor the discussions and share key takeaways relevant to Nepal’s role and opportunities in regional cooperation.
