Kathmandu, Nepal - The AIN Development Dialogue 2026 brought together government leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, media representatives, and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) to reflect on Nepal’s development journey and explore pathways for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The inaugural session was graced by Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shishir Khanal, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Minister Khanal acknowledged the significant contributions made by international NGOs toward Nepal’s social and economic development over the past decades. He highlighted the Government of Nepal’s renewed priorities, aligned with the aspirations and mandate of the Nepali people, and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving national development goals.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with development partners and stakeholders to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth while improving the quality of life at the grassroots level. He stressed that meaningful reforms require strong partnerships, transparency, and mutual trust between the state and civil society.
The event was chaired by AIN Chairperson Dr. SP Kalaunee and attended by distinguished guests, including Hon. Top Bahadur Magar, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission; Radhika Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities, and Social Security; Hon. Samikshya Baskota, Parliamentary Committee Chairperson; Geertrui Louwagie, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the European Union; Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Nepal and Bhutan; Hon. Reshu Dhungana Aryal, Member of the National Planning Commission; and Arjun Bhattarai, Chairperson of the NGO Federation.
Marking three decades of partnership and collaboration, the dialogue highlighted Nepal’s notable development achievements across multiple sectors. Participants reflected on progress made in reducing poverty and hunger, improving agriculture, health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), emergency response systems, and strengthening community resilience. These achievements were attributed to the collective efforts of AIN member INGOs, local NGOs, government agencies, and development partners working in alignment with national priorities and plans.
The event also featured parallel sessions and panel discussions focusing on critical development themes, including health, education, gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), livelihoods, water governance, and climate change. Experts and practitioners exchanged insights on emerging challenges and opportunities in these sectors.
Interactive exhibition stalls organized by AIN member INGOs provided nearly 400 participants with an opportunity to explore development initiatives and their impacts firsthand. Through presentations, data displays, and field stories, the stalls showcased the contributions of the development sector in supporting communities across Nepal and fostering inclusive and resilient development outcomes.
A significant highlight of the event was the celebration of AIN’s 30th anniversary. During the ceremony, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal honored AIN’s founding members, former chairpersons, and long-serving staff in recognition of their dedication and contributions over the past three decades.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment among government representatives, civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen cooperation and continue advancing policies and programs that promote inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development throughout Nepal.
Participants underscored a common message: lasting progress is achieved through partnership, collaboration, and collective action that reaches communities across the country.
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