National Governance Symposium 2024 highlights inclusive economic development

KATHMANDU: National Governance Symposium 2024, organised by Governance Lab in collaboration with the Nepal Administrative Staff College, opened with discussions on 'Strengthening Subnational Governance for Inclusive Economic Development' on Thursday.

Chairperson of Governance Lab and Programme Co-Chair, Pukar Malla, emphasised collaboration in his opening remarks. Keynote speaker Sapna Pradhan Malla highlighted the need for gender-inclusive policies and innovative strategies for economic development, stating, “Equality is the end result of an inclusive society, which is possible through the equitable participation of all subnational governmental bodies.”

Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal stressed that “Without digitalisation, transformation and inclusive economic growth are impossible. A proactive approach is essential to enhance the efficiency of economic development, and the National Governance Symposium serves as a vital platform for such dialogues."

The session on 'Strengthening Capacity of Subnational Governments,' chaired by Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) Secretary Bharat Mani Subedi, addressed local governance challenges. Speakers included Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan and former Chief Secretary Lila Devi Gadtaula. 

Mayor Maharjan stated, “Economic transparency is a must at every level of government to foster trust and cohesion among citizens as well as bureaucrats.” Gadtaula added, “In order to ensure hurdle-free services for citizens, there should be a faceless bureaucracy."

The 'Promoting Growth, Entrepreneurship, and Employment in Rural Nepal' session, chaired by Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) Secretary Krishna B Raut, focused on rural economic strategies. 

The session included insights of Sunwal Municipality Mayor Bimala Aryal and Koshi Province Ministry of Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Secretary Sharan Kumar Pandey. Mayor Aryal stated, "Promoting entrepreneurship and employment by fostering local enterprises; one product, one enterprise per ward. Targeted training for youth and women empowers communities to turn ideas into successful ventures."

The Mayors’ Roundtable, 'Local Governance for Inclusive Economic Development,' chaired by National Planning Commission (NPC) Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini, concluded the day. Panellists included Sunwal Municipality Mayor Bimala Aryal, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality Mayor Bimala Rai, Kapilvastu Municipality Mayor Sudeep Paudel, Rong Rural Municipality Chairperson Mani Kumar Syangbo, and Suryodaya Municipality Mayor Ran Bahadur Rai. NPC Vice-Chairman Marasini commended Governance Lab’s contributions to the NPC’s efforts.

Closing remarks were delivered by Darshana Shrestha, First Vice President of FWEAN; Kalanidhi Devkota, Executive Director of MuAN; and Kiran Rupakhetee, Joint Secretary at OPMCM, reflecting on the day’s rich dialogues.