Kathmandu, Nepal – The NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) organized a pivotal meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between government officials and civil society organizations (CSOs) on Tuesday. The event, chaired by NFN President Ram Prasad Subedi, saw the participation of Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah, Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Social Affairs, as the chief guest.
Prominent speakers included social activist and human rights defender Gauri Pradhan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Bimala Rai Paudyal, and Taranath Dahal, Executive Director of Freedom Forum. Discussions centered on the critical role of CSOs in Nepal’s governance and development and the need for legal and institutional reforms to enhance their effectiveness.
Key Discussions and Recommendations
Gauri Pradhan emphasized the importance of maintaining the independence of CSOs from political affiliations, underscoring their role as neutral agents of social change. Bimala Rai Paudyal highlighted global trends leading to shrinking civic spaces and stressed the urgency of enacting new laws to safeguard the role of CSOs. Taranath Dahal criticized the outdated Association Registration Act, calling for the introduction of clear regulations and governance mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
Speakers collectively urged the government to recognize CSOs as allies in development and federal governance. They called for the formulation of a new legal framework that aligns with Nepal’s federal structure and addresses inconsistencies in existing governance mechanisms.
Commitment to Action
Representatives from civil society organizations echoed the importance of collaboration with the government. Members of Parliament in attendance pledged to expedite legislation to address the challenges faced by CSOs and work towards better coordination among government ministries.
Hon. Kiran Kumar Shah acknowledged the significant contributions of CSOs to Nepal’s development and committed to supporting joint initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable progress. Ram Prasad Subedi concluded the meeting by urging lawmakers to prioritize supportive legislation that empowers CSOs as key partners in national progress.
The meeting served as a crucial platform to bridge gaps between the government and civil society, fostering mutual understanding and paving the way for collaborative solutions to national challenges.
