Kathmandu, Dec 17 - As the United Nations marked 80 years since its founding in 2025, Nepal commemorated 70 years of partnership with the United Nations, reflecting on a relationship that has played a significant role in shaping the country’s development journey while positioning Nepal as an active contributor to global peace and cooperation.
Nepal formally became a Member State of the United Nations on 14 December 1955, a decision that laid the foundation for seven decades of cooperation between Nepal and the UN system. Since then, the partnership has expanded across humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, development planning, public health, education, gender equality, labour rights, climate resilience, and democratic governance.
The UN Day 2025 celebration, held at UN House in Kathmandu, was marked by strong national ownership and high-level participation. The Rt. Honourable Prime Minister of Nepal, Madam Sushila Karki, attended the event alongside five Cabinet Ministers, the Chiefs of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, civil society representatives, and the United Nations Country Team.
The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on how seven decades of cooperation have supported Nepal’s national priorities-from strengthening institutions and expanding social protection systems to advancing human development and responding to crises. Speakers also highlighted Nepal’s evolving role, noting that the country is no longer only a recipient of international support but also a contributor to global peacekeeping, multilateral dialogue, and development cooperation.
Various UN agencies working in Nepal, including UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, FAO, ILO, UN Women, IOM, UNESCO, UN-Habitat, and UN Volunteers, reaffirmed their commitment to aligning their work with Nepal’s development goals and to supporting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth.
As Nepal moves forward amid global uncertainties and domestic transitions, the milestone served as both a moment of reflection and a call for renewed cooperation. The partnership, built over 70 years, continues to adapt to emerging challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts, migration, and inequality-areas where collaboration between Nepal and the United Nations remains crucial.
