Nepal and UNDP Strengthen Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals

Kathmandu. The Government of Nepal and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have expressed a commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for the country's long-term development priorities and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This shared commitment was expressed at the annual review meeting of the 'UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023-2027' held at the Ministry of Finance in Singha Durbar on Tuesday.

The meeting evaluated the achievements made in 2025 and held in-depth discussions on Nepal's changing development landscape and the strategic priorities to be set for the upcoming year. The five-year strategic plan from 2023 to 2027 primarily prioritizes three areas: sustainable and inclusive economic transformation; good governance, federalism, and inclusion; and environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Addressing the review meeting, UNDP Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka mentioned that the six-decade-long partnership with Nepal is dedicated to institutional strengthening and the welfare of citizens. She stated, 'The CPD, prepared in joint efforts with the Government of Nepal and national institutions, provides a common framework for accountability and results. This review will assess our collective progress and pave the way to face future challenges.'

Dhaniram Sharma, Chief and Joint Secretary of the International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division at the Ministry of Finance, stated at the program that Nepal has now entered a new phase of political stability and economic reform. He said that the government has given high priority to good governance, effectiveness in public service delivery, and creating an investment-friendly environment for private sector growth.

Describing the UNDP as a reliable partner, Joint Secretary Sharma mentioned that further cooperation is expected in the areas of digital governance, institutional reform, and innovative financing in the coming days.

On the same occasion, the UNDP also released its 'Annual Report 2025' to mark its 60th anniversary in Nepal. The report covers the contribution made in achieving national development goals through collaboration with the government, civil society, local communities, and the private sector.

Various stakeholders present at the meeting emphasized the need to expand the reach of development programs and accelerate digital transformation. In the context of Nepal's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the UNDP reiterated its commitment to achieving integrated results by making coordination with development partners, diplomatic missions, and international financial institutions more effective.