Non-Resident Nepali Association Discusses Fourth World Nepali Knowledge Conference with Government Officials

Kathmandu. A high-level delegation from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has begun intensive discussions at the government level for the preparation of the 'Fourth World Nepali Knowledge Conference-2027' to be organized by the association. Presenting the concept paper for this conference to be held in January 2027, the association held separate meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Science and Technology, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and the Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission on Tuesday. In these meetings, the government has pledged full cooperation to make the conference successful and to utilize the knowledge, skills, and technology of non-resident Nepalis for the benefit of the country.

In the meeting with Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, the NRNA delegation informed about the objectives of the conference and presented a plan to mobilize the capabilities of Nepali experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs worldwide in the national priority areas of Nepal. Minister Khanal, recalling the first conference held in 2018, stated that such programs play an important role in reducing the technical distance between the diaspora and the motherland. Assuring that the government will provide necessary facilitation to make the fourth conference successful, Khanal mentioned that the government is committed to utilizing the experience of Nepali experts for the country's prosperity.

Similarly, in the meeting with Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, discussions were held on creating an environment for innovation and technological development in Nepal. Minister Pun emphasized the need to effectively connect the knowledge of skilled manpower residing abroad with Nepal's development. He informed that the government is preparing to bring the 'Brain Gain Center' back into operation and stated that NRNA's role would be indispensable in this campaign. Pun expressed confidence that the conference will build a solid foundation for knowledge transfer and international cooperation in research.

In the meeting with the Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, the association's Vice-Chairman Dr. Gyanendra Regmi informed that this time the conference is being organized with a 'solution-oriented' model, moving beyond just discussions like in the past. According to Dr. Regmi, the plan is to create an action plan focused on six major thematic areas and integrate it with the policy process of the Planning Commission. Dr. Regmi stated that the plan is to bring together approximately three hundred thousand Nepali experts from around the world on a single platform and utilize their expertise in Nepal's infrastructure, education, and digital transformation. Vice-Chairman Bhatta pledged full support from the commission, stating that the knowledge of non-resident Nepalis would be useful in improving good governance, strengthening institutions, and developing infrastructure such as tunnels.

In the discussion with the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Bikram Timalsina, emphasis was placed on making the conference result-oriented rather than merely formal. Minister Timalsina said that the ministry will provide necessary coordination to utilize the high expertise of Nepalis living abroad in the fields of artificial intelligence and information technology for Nepal's development. He particularly emphasized that the conference should present implementable and long-term impactful plans for Nepal.

During the discussions, the association's Vice-President Rojina Pradhan Rai raised the practical challenges seen in the implementation of the Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship Act and the issue of amending the NRN Act. She urged that if amending the act takes time, issues such as land purchase, investment, banking, and visa facilities should be immediately facilitated through a cabinet decision. She argued that there should be clear legal provisions to connect the second generation of Nepalis with the motherland and attract them to contribute to Nepal. In response, the ministers informed that some legal provisions related to property and investment are in the process of amendment.

The delegation also provided information about the progress of the NRN Development Fund and the preparations for the upcoming Europe and Asia-Pacific regional conferences. Analaraj Bhattarai, Chief Executive Officer of the NRN Development Fund, stated that final preparations are underway to fully operationalize the fund to attract small and large investors to Nepal. Similarly, Deputy Secretary-General Krishna Pokharel drew the government's attention to removing the complexities in the process of repatriating returns from investments.

The meeting was also attended by the association's Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Kumar Raut and Senior Officer Kunal Mishra. The upcoming 2027 conference is expected to build a strong foundation for connecting the intellectual and professional capabilities of Nepalis worldwide with Nepal's national goals of good governance, economic transformation, and sustainable development.