Journalists Abroad Connect Nepal and World, Says FNJ Chair Sharma

Japan. Nepal Journalists Federation Central Chairperson Nirmala Sharma has said that Nepali journalists living abroad are a bridge connecting Nepal and the world. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 'FNJ Global Media Conference Japan 2026' organized by the Nepal Journalists Federation Japan Branch in Tokyo on Saturday, Chairperson Sharma said that the role of journalists is important in empowering the voice of the diaspora.

During her address, Sharma discussed how the field of journalism is facing new opportunities and serious challenges simultaneously with the development of information technology. 'Not all content that appears on social media is journalism,' she said, 'We need to distinguish between misleading content appearing on YouTube and TikTok and professional journalism. The main duty of a journalist is to convey true, factual, and impartial information.'

Chairperson Sharma expressed concern that in recent times in Nepal, attempts are being made to curb press and freedom of expression under various pretexts, emphasizing that Nepali journalists worldwide must unite against this. She said, 'The Federation is always fighting for the protection of democracy, the constitution, and press freedom. The solidarity and support of journalists living abroad in this fight of Nepal is a great strength for us.'

She expressed confidence that this 'Global Media Conference', organized for the first time in the history of the Federation, will further institutionalize and strengthen the relationship between foreign branches and the center. She stated that diaspora journalism should play the role of a 'watchdog' in conveying the issues and problems of more than 5 million Nepalis living outside Nepal to the Nepali government and relevant bodies.

She expressed her best wishes for the success of the conference, stating that the 'Tokyo Declaration' to be issued by the conference will provide important guidelines for making diaspora journalism dignified and making the state responsible.

Central officials from Nepal, presidents of various provinces, and representatives from 11 foreign branches were present at the program.