Nepal preparing to host World Bank event, IDA21 from June 18 to 21

KATHMANDU: Ministry of Finance has set up the organising committee and the management and coordination committee for the 21st replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA21). This event is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from June 18 to 21. 

IDA21 is perceived as a key event that Nepal will host on behalf of the World Bank Group. 

According to the Finance Minister's Personal Secretariat, the organising committee is led by Finance Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini, while the management and coordination committee is under the leadership of the Ministry's Joint Secretary, Shreekrishna Nepal.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is expected to inaugurate IDA21.

The event will consist of three sessions: the inaugural session, a closed session, and the closing session.  

Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun is reported to chair the closing session. 

Furthermore, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Sumana Shrestha will serve as a speaker at IDA21.      

The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) has been a dedicated partner in South Asia for over six decades, sparking transformative change to enhance the quality of life for millions, as noted by the World Bank. 

"In light of the overlapping challenges in the region, the 21st replenishment of IDA (IDA21) signifies a crucial moment in South Asia’s development and recovery journey," it further stated. 

Ajay Banga, World Bank Group President; Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnership at the World Bank Group; Sheku Sambadeen Sesay, Independent Co-Chair of IDA21 Replenishment; and other senior officials are scheduled to visit Nepal to participate in the meeting. 

Joint Secretary Nepal has indicated that around 60 donors of the World Bank Group and over 300 representatives from more than 90 partner countries will be present at IDA21. 

Joint Secretary Nepal conveyed that it is a source of pride for Nepal to host such a large-scale meeting.

The organising committee has also voiced confidence that IDA21 will afford Nepal diplomatic benefits.

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