Ep#111 नेपालको संविधान जारी भएको नौ वर्ष पूरा भएको उपलक्ष्यमा पोड्स बाई पि.ई.आई.को आजको भागमा पी. ई. आई.का अविनाश कर्ण र तराई–मधेश लोकतान्त्रिक पार्टीका अध्यक्ष बृषेशचन्द्र लालबीच चैत्र २०, २०७९ मा कान्तिपुरमा प्रकाशित उहाँको लेख “नागरिकता विधेयकमा अनुचित अलमल” को सेरोफेरोमा रहेको संवाद पुन: प्रसारण गर्दै छौ| यस लेखमा अध्यक्ष लालले संविधानका शर्त पूरा गरी पारित भएको नेपाल नागरिकता (पहिलो संशोधन) विधेयक–२०७९ लाई कानुन बनिसकेको घोषणा गर्नुपर्ने र लोकतन्त्रवादी भनाउने राजनीतिक दलहरू, र समुहहरुले वर्षौंदेखि नागरिकतालाई राजनीतिक मुद्दाका रूपमा प्रयोग गर्दै सत्ता समीकरण बनाउने र नेतृत्वमा बसिरहन बिनाआधारको सिटबन्धन मात्र तिनका निमित्त पहिलो चासोको विषय रहेको भन्ने विचार र नागरिकता संग सम्बन्धित अन्तरवस्तुमा रहेर कुराकानी गरिएको छ| If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!! 

Ep#110

Shuvangi Poudyal is a public policy researcher based in Kathmandu, with a focus on South Asia geo-economics, regional connectivity, and local governance. As the Program and Outreach Officer at PEI, she contributes to research projects like Infrastructure Diplomacy and RENT, while also coordinating programs and communicating findings through publications and an in-house host at PODS by PEI. Previously, she worked with Nepal-based think tanks such as CESIF and Governance Lab. Shuvangi holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Warwick, UK.

Khushi and Shuvangi delve into PEI’s latest publication Of Infrastructure Diplomacy and Development, a comprehensive study that examines the aid dynamics between Nepal and its key partners—India, China, and Japan, and others. A key contributor to the study, Suvangi provides insights into the geopolitical context shaping Nepal’s infrastructure landscape, the trends in aid and investment, and the public perceptions of different donors. We also exploresthe distinctions between DAC and non-DAC partners, their environmental and social impacts, and discuss recommendations for the Nepali government on navigating this complex terrain.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome ), and click here ( https://patreon.com/podsbypei ) to support us on Patreon!! 

The practice of preparing an annual budget dates back to 1951, right after Nepal’s political transition that led to the end of the Rana regime in the country. Subarna Sumsher, the finance minister then, had publicly announced an outlay of NPR 50.25 million. The political context of the country then was such that the budget was not presented in the Nepali parliament but announced via Radio Nepal. It was only much later, in 1959, that a budget was first presented to the Nepali parliament. 

Nepal’s budgetary practice has evolved over the years, but it continues to hold significance, and with some fanfare. What is the day like?   Picture this: the Finance Minister walks to the podium with a document briefcase wrapped in a red ribbon. Anticipation and excitement fill the air as people eagerly await to hear what's included or excluded in the budget.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

Ep. Br#006

In 2018, the Supreme Court of Nepal, in response to public interest litigation filed by a group of human rights lawyers, issued a verdict to grant “external voting rights” to the Nepali diaspora. Today’s episode is a discussion between Anuj Tiwari, Senior Researcher at PEI, and Anurag Devkota, one of the lawyers responsible for that public interest litigation, about the issue of voting rights, or the lack thereof, for the Nepali diaspora. The discussion is based on Anurag’s 2020 op-ed piece, Nepal’s Own Mail-In Voting Crisis, which was published in The Record. The topic, however, is more relevant today as Nepalis get ready to partake in the 2022 general election in a matter of days, but without the Court mandated provision.

 

The two discuss Anurag’s reasons behind filing the public interest litigation in 2017 and his take on the failure of the Election Commission of Nepal to implement the verdict of the Supreme Court. Anurag argues that the lack of political representation of the Nepali diaspora, especially those who are out for labor migration, is a key reason behind the vulnerability that has resulted in the active exploitation of their human rights. And that it is our responsibility to ensure their right to vote, given that the country relies so much on their contributions. We also discuss some of the systemic and political challenges to implementing external voting, including logistics, cost, and political will, and the practices of several countries in Asia and Africa that are similar to Nepal.

 

Anurag is a human rights lawyer at the Law and Policy Forum for Social Justice. He holds an LLM degree from Loyola University Chicago. He is the incoming Global Criminal Justice Fellow at the Center for Criminology at Oxford University and the Civil Society and Public Administration Fellow at the Toronto Metropolitan University. He also runs “Rights Lab,” a research institution that works on the issues of rule of law, democracy, human rights, and migration governance. 

Ep. Br#005

PEI, in collaboration with SoAS, University of London, has been undertaking a research project that examines how federalism is being operationalized in Nepal. As part of this research, PEI followed the municipal elections held earlier this year in May and produced an election brief highlighting the concerns regarding candidacy selection by political parties and its implications on the potential representation of women and marginalized groups. The brief also pointed out the discontent among local leaders who had lost out on the candidacy, resorting to intra-party feud and violence and defections to rival parties.

In this Episode of The Brief, PEI’s Shreeya Rana discusses with Anurag Acharya and Avinash Karna the key trends that we have observed in the run-up to the upcoming general elections. These observations are based on PEI’s ongoing sub-national research on federalism in Nepal, done in collaboration with SOAS University of London. The research tracks issues of inclusion and representation, the nature of political alliances, the nexus of business and politics, and how this warrants a more vigilant role of the election commission. 

With Nepal all set for the November 20, 2022, general elections where more than 17.9 million registered voters will directly elect 165 members to the House of Representatives under the first-past-the-post system, while another 110 members will be elected through a proportional representation (PR) system. Anurag is PEI’s Director of Practice, with a background in international relations and journalism. He is a well-known political commentator and has written extensively on Nepal and South Asia for national and international publications. Avinash is PEI’s coordinator of subnational programs. He has a decade-long experience working in the areas of peacebuilding and governance.

Ep. Br#004

Nepal and India do not only share borders but also relationships with rivers. More than 6000 rivers flow from Nepal to the Bay of Bengal through India. Koshi, Gandak, and Karnali river systems are the three most important river ecosystems that feed and foster the Ganges river ecosystem. Annually these rivers swell up during monsoon season and flood the downstream area in the southern part of Nepal and the States of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India, affecting the lives and livelihood of people, and raising the vulnerability of those living in the floodplain. With the changing climate, the floods are becoming more disastrous, claiming thousands of lives and affecting the food-energy-water nexus of millions of people on each side of the border. There is animosity against each other, especially regarding the cause of the flood issue. However, for this shared problem, India and Nepal need to explore together and benefit from a critical ecosystem through transboundary cooperation alongside flood management.

In this episode of The Brief: Lasata discusses with Santosh Dahal, a humanitarian and disaster management professional with work experience for over a decade, on the latest paper he co-authored, “Rich water, poor people: Potential for transboundary flood management between Nepal and India”. The article explores flood-related transboundary challenges, particularly in Koshi and Gandak river basins, and potential actions for transboundary flood management. They would be discussing the changing pattern of floods in the region and the challenges faced. by the vulnerable communities in flood-prone areas and efforts at the Nepal-India Border for flood management.

Santosh Dahal has experience in various capacities, especially in the sector of emergency response, and disaster risk management. In the course of his professional career, he has experience in technical assistance in social mobilization, governance, advocacy, and capacity building including coordination with central-level government stakeholders, local government authorities, national Red Cross society chapters, and local partners. He is currently working as a senior technical advisor in Plan International and a visiting faculty for climate change and disaster management courses prescribed for master’s level students of Environment Science at Tribhuvan University.

Ep. Br#003

As the world gathers in Egypt for COP 27 this week, the discussion on climate change, its global impact, and the need to curb dependency on carbon-intensive sources of energy take center stage. Joining this spirit of climate consciousness and innovative rethinking, PEI colleagues - Saurab Lama and Nirjan Rai - discuss PEI’s 2021 paper “The Political Economy of Mainstreaming Renewable Energy in Nepal.”

The two discuss the hydro-dominant narrative of Nepal’s electricity sector and the significance of other-than-hydro renewable energy sources in pursuit of its energy goals. They go further into the politics of institutions in the sector and how the extant interests and incentives in the sector are obstructing mainstreaming initiatives. They conclude with recommendations on the need to increase the electricity consumption of the average Nepali and to change the sector narrative that includes issues of climate change and energy security, 

Nirjan is a researcher with over a decade of experience in designing, managing, and leading analytical studies on Nepal's energy and water governance. He helped establish Policy Entrepeneurs Inc and Niti Foundation, two Nepali policy research institutions, and has worked at the Asian Development Bank and The Asia Foundation. He is also a United World College alum and an Asia Foundation Development Fellow.

The paper is can be downloaded from PEI’s website

Ep. Br#002

The 2017 elections were lauded for their cognizance of the historically bleak presence of women in the political sphere of Nepal, to overcome this, the State mandated a Quota reserve of 40.4% of all nominee seats for women. The policy affirmed the presence and participation of Nepali women in politics, as approximately 14,000 women were elected into different positions in the Nepali Government.

In this episode of The Brief: PEI colleague Khushi Hang sits with Sumina Rai Karki to discuss the latest paper she co-authored, “Beyond Capacity”. As the tenure of the first set of elected officials in this particular inclusion quota comes to an end, Sumina Rai Karki et al. gauge the effectiveness of the affirmative action policies for women against the backdrop of Nepali patriarchal psycho-social contexts in their paper “Beyond Capacity”. The two explore what gendered implications exist in the informal or unofficial aspects of Nepali elections that hinder women’s chances at merit-based political opportunities during candidacy and their agency once they assume office. Sumina shares their findings on the challenges that limit the supply of politically ambitious women and signals the need for smarter policy interventions from the State and Development Partners that address the barriers that prevent women from fulfilling the space and responsibilities of the quota.

Sumina Karki is a development professional and researcher with ten years of experience in gender equity, social inclusion, governance, and peacebuilding. Currently, she is the Assistant Director of Social Development Programs at the Asia Foundation Nepal office. She is a founding member of Chaukath, a feminist collective that organized the Vote for Women Campaign and several feminist reading sessions along with March as Women in collaboration with Martin Chautari.

Note: This week’s episode of PxP:Conversations, between PEI’s Anurag Acharya and Ambassador Ranjit Rae, is a continuation of last week’s episode. Please listen to the earlier episode if you haven't already.

Ep. Co#006

The geopolitical landscape of South Asia continues to evolve, with India forced to concede its traditionally uncontested influence to other superpowers, namely, China and the United States. While the US is more strategically allied with India, increasing Chinese influence has directly challenged Indian hegemony in the region. Considering all of these moving pieces, there arises the question of what this geopolitical shift means for recipient countries like Nepal, which has continued to rely on aid provided by developed countries to expand its infrastructures and spur economic growth.

In this episode, Anurag asks Ambassador Rae to share intricate details about his engagement with Nepal and its messy politics, from his ring-side view of the 12-point agreement signed between Nepal’s political parties and the CPN-Maoist, to his challenging period in office as an Indian Ambassador to Nepal. The two then discuss Ambassador Rae’s proposition, detailed in his recent book  “Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting India-Nepal Ties” on how the two countries can overcome the historic and recent tensions, and mutual suspicion, to reset bilateral ties that are grounded on new geopolitical realities.

Ambassador Rae is a retired Indian diplomat. During his tenure of over 30 years in the Indian Foreign Service, he held various positions, including | the  Ambassador of India to Vietnam and Hungary; the First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York, and the head of the Northern Division in the Ministry of External Affairs dealing with Nepal and Bhutan. From 2013 to 2017, Ambassador Rae served as the Indian Ambassador to Nepal. During these years, Nepal witnessed some historic events including the promulgation of the new constitution and the earthquake of 2015. This was also a tumultuous period in the Nepal-India relationship, which Ambassador Rae has discussed extensively in his book.

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Our theme music (Evening Session: The Hill) is courtesy of Rohit Shakya of Jindabaad. 

Ep. Co#005

The geopolitical landscape of South Asia continues to evolve, with India forced to concede its traditionally uncontested influence to other superpowers, namely, China and the United States. While the US is more strategically allied with India, increasing Chinese influence has directly challenged Indian hegemony in the region. Considering all of these moving pieces, there arises the question of what this geopolitical shift means for recipient countries like Nepal, which has continued to rely on aid provided by developed countries to expand its infrastructures and spur economic growth.

In this episode of Conversations, which is the first of a two-part series, we have PEI’s own Anurag Acharya with our guest, the former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae. The two speakers examine India’s role in Nepal, in context of the recent domestic political developments that have shaped bilateral relationships and aid negotiations with New Delhi.

Mr. Ranjit Rae is an Indian diplomat with over 30 years of experience in the Indian Foreign Service, which includes participation in complex negotiations both at bilateral and multilateral levels and extensive work in conflict areas. He has since held various positions in international and state organizations, including the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), as well as Offices of the Minister of External Affairs and of the President of India, where Mr. Rae served as a Press Secretary to the President.

Ep. Di#001

आजको भागमा, हामी पी. ई. आई द्वारा हालै आयोजित ‘नेपालमा मिडिया, सर्वाजनिक बहस, र वैदेशिक सहायताको कुटनीति’ शिर्षकको प्यानल छलफलको लाइभ रेकर्डिङ साझा गर्दैछौं ।

यस सत्रको संचालन खोज पत्रकारिता केन्द्र नेपालकी कार्यक्रम प्रबन्धक अवस्ना पाण्डेले गर्नुभएको थियो । उहाँ यसअघि द काठमाडौं पोस्टमा सम्पादकीय पृष्ठको सम्पादकको रूपमा काम समेत गर्नुभएको छ। उहाँ संग अन्य तीन वक्ताहरू प्यानलमा सामेल हुनुहुन्थ्यो।

हाम्रो पहिलो वक्ता प्रमिला देवकोटा हुनुहुन्थ्यो, जो संग मिडियामा काम गरेको १५ वर्षभन्दा बढीको अनुभव छ र नेपालको परराष्ट्र नीतिका विषयमा नियमित रूपमा लेखिरहनु भएको हुन्छ। उहाँ हाल वुहानको सेन्ट्रल चाइना नर्मल युनिभर्सिटीबाट अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय सम्बन्धमा पीएचडी गरिरहनुभएको छ।

हाम्रो दोस्रो वक्ता सुधीर शर्मा हुनुहुन्थ्यो, नेपालको सबैभन्दा ठूलो दैनिक पत्रिका - कान्तिपुरका प्रधान सम्पादक। उहाँ नेपालकै सर्वाधिक बिक्रि भएको पुस्तक ‘प्रयोगशालाः नेपाली सङ्क्रमणमा दिल्ली, दरबार र माओवादी’ का लेखक पनि हुनुहुन्छ।

हाम्रो अन्तिम वक्ता कृष्ण ज्ञवाली हुनुहुन्थ्यो, जसले वातावरण मन्त्रालय र स्थानीय विकास मन्त्रालयमा सचिव र अर्थ मन्त्रालयमा सहसचिवको रूपमा काम गरिसक्नुभएको छ, जहाँ उहाँले वैदेशिक सहायता समन्वय महाशाखाको नेतृत्व गर्नुभएको थियो । सन् २०१४ मा नेपाल सरकारले मिलेनियम च्यालेन्ज कर्पोरेशनको राष्ट्रिय संयोजकको भूमिकामा ज्ञवालीलाई नियुक्त गरेको थियो ।

प्यानलले नेपालको लागि वैदेशिक सहायता, पूर्वाधार र कूटनीतिको विकसित परिदृश्य र एम. सि. सि. बहस वरपरको विवाद सहित, बैदेशिक सहायताको कूटनीति सम्बन्धि कथा स्थापित गर्न परम्परागत र सामाजिक संचार माध्यमको भूमिकाको बारेमा छलफल गरेको छ |

Ep. Co#004

Nepal’s hydropower narrative has always had the export of electricity to India as one of the key components. In this episode of PxP:Conversations, Saumitra Neupane and Sagar Prasai discuss how the Indian electricity market gets featured in Nepal’s hydropower imagination, the impact that this has had on Nepal’s ability to exploit its hydropower potential, and what differentiates the Nepali model from that of other bilateral arrangements such as those between India and Bhutan. They also examine India’s policy positions in the last ten years on cross-border electricity trade and how regional rivalry between India and China is complicating energy markets in South Asia. They also discuss the future market opportunities for Nepali hydropower and whether there are longer-term trends that support supply signals and investor confidence for Nepali hydropower. They end their conversation with a discussion on the possibilities of markets beyond India, primarily Bangladesh but also China, and evaluate whether there are realistic opportunities on these fronts.

Sagar Prasai is a development professional with over two decades of experience working in the areas of water, energy, climate issues, and regional cooperation in South Asia. He is currently based in Nepal and provides advisory services to various organizations, including The Asia Foundation and the Australian Government’s DFAT. Previously, he served as The Asia Foundation’s country representative in India. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

To catch the latest from us on Nepal’s policy and politics, please follow us on Twitter at Tweet2PEI, that’s TWEET, followed by the number 2, and PEI. You can also follow us on Facebook at policyentrepreneursinc, or visit our website: www.pei.center to learn more about our work.

Ep. Co#003

Countries in the Asia Pacific region are increasing investments in their physical infrastructures to stimulate growth and economic recovery, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. Three of the world’s largest economies – the US, China and Japan – are actively maneuvering for economic and geopolitical influence in the emerging Asian markets. But how should governments and markets that sit within targeted countries handle this newfound attention? How can they turn competing interests of big powers into advantage for their people?

In this episode of Conversations, the two speakers explore the rise of China as a superpower and its impact on the evolution of aid as a foreign policy tool. This episode features PEI’s own Anurag Acharya and our guest Anthea Mulakala, the Senior Director of International Development Cooperation at The Asia Foundation. Over the last decade, she has worked in Asian development cooperation, particularly understanding how rising powers, such as China and India, are transforming the 21st century aid and development landscape.

This episode examines China’s Belt and Road Initiative, its increasing use of infrastructure diplomacy in the Asia Pacific, and how the West is trying to counter its set of infrastructure-oriented development financing. The speakers also discuss the implications of the Great Power Rivalry in South Asia, how India is maneuvering to maintain its influence over the region, and the opportunities and challenges this holds for aid-recipient countries like Nepal.

#Ep.100

Sudeshna Thapa is a human rights lawyer and holds an LLM in International Human Rights Law from Lund University, Sweden. She is currently working as Research Coordinator at Social Science Baha, where she is involved in research on a range of issues including gender and social inclusion, minority rights and labour migration. She has previously worked as Research Assistant to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Toxics.  

Khushi and Sudeshna discuss majoritarianism in Nepal and recounting its historical and contemporary manifestations. They explore the illusive nature of Nepali majoritarianism as it persists and grows despite despite multiple efforts like electoral reforms. The conversation also explores effects on marginalized groups, and the role of social institutions in perpetuating it and considers future scenarios for creating a more inclusive society in Nepal.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: ⁠Of Policies and Politics⁠, and ⁠click here⁠ to support us on Patreon!!

Ep. Br#001

In the backdrop of Nepal’s status as the least developed country, one of Nepal's greatest challenges is to manage the natural resources and finance development interventions for Nepal’s sustainable future initiatives while navigating the risks associated with climate change. While a bulk of financing in Nepal is already happening on green infrastructure and green initiative – specifically on hydroelectricity and solar energy, there arises the question about the new opportunities and avenues that mainstreaming green financing could open for Nepal.

Today’s episode of the Brief features PEI’s Saurab Lama's interview with Rastra Raj Bhandari on Nepal’s Green Financing Future. The two discuss Rastra’s latest report, “A Background Policy Paper on Green Financing in Nepal” and take an analytical look at Nepal’s green financing future, and what green financing looks like for a developing country like Nepal.

The episode discusses the rationale for Rastra’s study within Nepal’s current socio-economic status and its historical dependence on foreign aid. The episode also informs listeners about the various green financing initiatives that are happening in Nepal, and the best way for Nepal to navigate green financing. It also focuses on the various roles regulatory agencies and banks and financial institutions, private and public entities can play in Nepal’s green financing strategy.

Ep. Co#002

For over half a century, Nepal has deeply held on to the established narrative of its immense hydropower potential. Proponents have long proclaimed hydropower as a source of clean and affordable energy and a means of achieving national prosperity through the export of electricity to markets in India and beyond. In reality, however, the country has realized only a fraction of its potential and the chronic power shortage has had a huge economic cost.

Today, Nepal has emerged from its decade of darkness, primarily by being able to import electricity from India. But Nepal is also on its path towards producing "surplus" electricity and is now, finally, beginning to trade in the Indian electricity market. Despite this positive outlook, however, systemic challenges of access, quality, and reliability remain unresolved.

In this episode of Conversations, the two speakers look into the past, the present, and the future of Nepal’s electricity sector narrative. This episode features PEI’s own Saumitra Neupane and our guest Satish Joshi from VRock & Company, who has worked in Nepal’s electricity sector for over a decade on issues ranging from institutional reforms to electricity trade. It will begin by dissecting the formation of Nepal’s hydro-centric energy narrative, the reasons behind the country’s failure to exploit the stated hydropower potential, and the impact that has had on Nepal’s energy sector and the overall economy. Putting all this in the context of the current global energy transition, we discuss a new narrative that is grounded on the concept of energy security and based on increased domestic consumption and efficient electricity trade with India.

Ep. Co#001

The geopolitical landscape of South Asia continues to evolve, with India forced to concede its traditionally uncontested influence to other superpowers, namely, China and the United States. While the US is more strategically allied with India, increasing Chinese influence has directly challenged Indian hegemony in the region. Considering all of these moving pieces, there arises the question about what this geopolitical shift means for recipient countries like Nepal, which has continued to rely on aid provided by developed countries to expand its infrastructures and spur economic growth.

In this episode of Conversations, the two speakers examine China’s role in Nepal, with some historical context as well as the recent domestic political developments that have shaped bilateral relationships and aid negotiations with Beijing. This episode features PEI’s own Anurag Acharya and our guest Amish Mulmi, a noted columnist with The Kathmandu Post and a regular commentator on Nepal and the broader South Asia region, and the author of the critically-acclaimed book “All Roads Lead North”. The episode delves into some of the key topics within the Nepal-China bilateral relationship, including Nepal’s historical ties with its northern neighbor, the flourishing trade between the two countries until the earlier part of the 20th century, and its reinvigoration and evolution in modern times.

The episode further discusses Amish’s examination of the underlying conditions that foster the Nepal-China relationship. These include, among others, the rise in anti-India sentiments in Nepal and the weakening of the Indo-Nepal relationship. The episode further dissects the challenges to Nepal’s pursuit of a non-aligned foreign policy with India, China and the US, and how Nepal could leverage its geo-political location to further its interest.

Trailer

Saumitra Neupane, PEI's Executive Director, introduces PODS by PEI.

PODS by PEI is a podcast initiative of Policy Entrepreneurs Inc., a policy research center based in Kathmandu, that examines the state of Nepali politics, economy, and development and seeks to inform and enrich Nepal’s policy discourse. Every Tuesday, PODS by PEI brings to you thoughtful and in-depth discussions that will take you deep into the most pertinent issues in Nepal.

With: Host Deependra Chaulagain and guests Dipendra Jha and Khim Lal Devkota

Despite the significant achievement of federalism in Nepal's political transition, it faces criticism for its financial costs, perceived inefficiencies, and corruption. Reflecting on these challenges, Project Sambaad hosted Khim Lal Devkota and Dipendra Jha in a panel discussion moderated by Deependra Chaulagain. The session, which exceeded its allocated time, examined Nepal's commitment to federalism, considering both its triumphs and the ongoing criticisms. The conversation provided a platform for deep insights into the future of federalism in Nepal.

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

You can find the full conversation with audience interaction on YouTube at Policy Entrepreneurs. 

To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad.

#Ep.098

Riya Sinha is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) in New Delhi, where she coordinates the Sambandh Regional Connectivity Initiative and co-manages the Sambandh Policy Dialogue. Her research focuses on regional economic connectivity in South Asia, covering trade, logistics, infrastructure, and border management. In 2022, she was a Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington DC and a Fellow at the Asian Forum on Global Governance. Previously, Riya worked at the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), conducting research on regional trade, supply chains, and trade facilitation.  

Shuvangi and Riya reflect on a decade of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy since its inception in 2014. They discuss India's initial focus, strategic adjustments in response to China's Belt and Road Initiative, and regional expectations for enhanced connectivity and cooperation, including the potential revival of SAARC. Riya highlights new connectivity projects with the Middle East and Europe, economic cooperation with Nepal, especially in the energy sector, and collaborative initiatives with the U.S. She advocates for prioritizing funds and manpower for India's neighbors to achieve its 'Vishwa Guru' ambitions and emphasizes incorporating a feminist dimension into the policy.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.097

Shabda is the Investment Director and a partner at Dolma Impact Fund, the largest private equity fund focused on Nepal. He leads the investment team at Dolma, overseeing deal origination, transaction execution, regulatory approvals, and post-investment management. He is actively involved in sectors such as healthcare, renewable energy, and technology​ . He holds a B.A. in Economics from Colorado State University (CSU) and an MBA in Sustainable Entrepreneurship from the same institution.

Pragati and Shabda discuss Nepal’s investment sector with a special focus on the market for bonds. They observe the dominance of equity-based investments and explore alternative FDI mechanisms, and the potential of green bonds for financing renewable energy projects. Drawing from his observations, Shabda shares insights on the restrictiveness of Nepal's bond market and Nepal’s weak credibility in this scene.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

With: Host Anup Upreti and guests Samikshya Rai and Shabda Gyawali 

The difficulties are endless for doing business in Nepal  but every entrepreneur present in the session  spoke of the untapped potential in Nepal. There are opportunities for growth and to take Nepali products to a global market. However, there are impediments for growth.

In this session moderated by Anup Upreti,  corporate lawyer and managing partner at Pioneer Law Associates, the conversation highlights the joys and difficulties of doing business in Nepal. He is in discussion with Samiksha Rai, CEO of Pack My Lunch and Shabda Gyawali, the investment director of Dolma Impact Fund.  In the audience, were several entrepreneurs who added to the conversation on the challenges of navigating Nepali society and bureaucracy while doing business in Nepal. 

You can find the full conversation with audience interaction on YouTube at Policy Entrepreneurs. 

To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad.

#Ep.095 Nirjan is a researcher with over 20 years of experience of designing, managing, and leading analytical studies in Nepal and the United States. He specializes in political economy analysis and has examined critical reforms in the electricity sector, water governance, and geopolitics. Nirjan is the primary author of the recent PEI report “Pen, Power, Politics: How China and India wield soft power through education diplomacy in South Asia. Nirjan and Shuvangi discuss the strategic use of education diplomacy by China and India in the South Asia region, drawing insights from his research. They explore how both countries leverage educational initiatives as a tool of soft power to extend their influence, defining soft power and emphasizing the significance of "education diplomacy." We review India's evolving educational diplomacy, highlighting its "neighbor first" approach, and China's initiatives to internationalize its higher education system and the growing appeal of Chinese universities in the region. They also consider competing perceptions about Chinese and Indian education diplomacy, contrasting these with Western strategies, explore the future dynamics of geopolitical influence through education. Find more about us on our official website and for more video related content, find us on Youtube . If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!       

Despite the inflow of remittance that keeps the country afloat, migration is considered a net loss for Nepal. To move beyond this persistent rhetoric of loss, Project Sambaad brought together migration scholars Amina Maharjan, a Senior Specialist at ICIMOD, and Slesh Shrestha,  a former economics Professor at the National University of Singapore, for an evidence-based conversation on the state of Nepal’s labor migration. The conversation was moderated by Sadikshya Bhattarai, research coordinator at Social Science Baha/CESLAM. 

Amina and Slesh highlighted the economic benefits of migration, emphasizing the return of skilled workers with valuable experience. The conversation noted that Nepal's competitive advantage lies in supplying cheap labor, which can be optimized through stronger government-to-government relationships to improve work contracts. They evaluated recent local government efforts to halt migration and addressed the debate on remittance usage. 

argued against local governments' efforts to halt migration, suggesting instead programs for skill development and support for returned migrants to start businesses. They also addressed the debate on remittance usage, highlighting investments in education as productive. 

Both speakers criticized media narratives for perpetuating negative views of migration, emphasizing its transformative potential for individuals and the economy. They also discussed challenges in mapping migration patterns due to social relations crossing borders. The discussion concluded with engaging interactions between the speakers and the audience.

If you found the conversation insightful and crave more lively interaction from the audience, hop over to Policy Entrepreneurs on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for the complete live broadcast.

To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad.

⁠⁠https://projectsambaad.info/

Last month, in our efforts to revitalize deep discussions in Nepal, PEI and other like-minded organizations in Kathmandu began a new venture we call Project Sambaad.  

Project Sambaad is a collaborative platform that promotes in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, we seek to explore broad, impactful questions that will contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region.

In just two days, we had six immersive and interactive panel discussions on relevant contemporary topics from development migration to business in Nepal.  

Sambaad comes to life when it reaches a wider audience, and that's why we're excited to share live recordings of the conversations.

In today’s release, we have guest speakers Dil Bhushan Pathak and Ameet Dhakal with host Durga Karki in a Sambaad on The Present and Future of Journalism in Nepal: Adapting to a Changing Media Ecosystem.  

If you found the conversation insightful and crave more lively interaction from the audience, hop over to Policy Entrepreneurs on ⁠YouTube⁠ for the complete live broadcast.

To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad.

⁠https://projectsambaad.info/⁠

Namaste and Happy Earth Day. 

Over the year, we have collaborated with visionary individuals who have enhanced our discussions and expanded our perspectives on environmental sustainability and stewardship. At PEI, Earth Day 2024 is about expanding the conversation surrounding the environment to include and highlight the narrative of climate change, energy, and sustainable development.  

For today’s episode, we are rebroadcasting a conversation between PEI colleagues Saumitra Neupane and Ajaya Dixit on Risk and Resilience: Climate Change, Loss and Damage, and the Future of Nepal’s Development Pathway. The second of a two-part series, this discussion explores Nepal’s ambitious net zero emission goals and the impact of climate change on Nepal’s water, energy, and infrastructural development. They also discuss the transboundary nature of the water relationship in the region and how climate change can perturb the existing interdependencies. 

Ajaya is the co-founder and advisor at the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition (ISET) – Nepal. He is an Ashoka Fellow and a leading voice in Nepal, and internationally, on issues of climate change adaptation, resilience building, and disaster risk management.

We hope you enjoy the conversation! 

Ep#109 More than 15 years have passed since the end of the armed conflict between the Maoists and the Government of Nepal with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord. While the country has done a remarkable job not recoiling back into the violent conflict with which it grappled for a decade, the years after have been slow and painful for the thousands of survivors who keep waiting for a justice that just won't show. 

In this episode, PEI colleague Khushi sits with ⁠Jaya Luintel⁠ to highlight the harrowing stories of thousands of Nepali women who survived war atrocities and are still struggling to find justice and reparation for their losses. Recounting women's experiences during and after the conflict, the two explore gendered aspects of war and how the Nepali State has failed to cater to its female survivors.  

Jaya is the co-founder of ⁠The Story Kitchen⁠, where she works with women nationwide to empower them to share their stories by providing them with the skills and platforms to vocalize their issues and experiences to seek social justice. She has over two decades of working as a journalist and a development practitioner. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Applied Conflict Transformation Studies.

The episode also features testimonies from some survivors themselves, which were retrieved from the archives of The Story Kicthen’s radio broadcasts.

Last month, in our efforts to revitalize deep discussions in Nepal, PEI and other like-minded organizations in Kathmandu began a new venture we call Project Sambaad.  

Project Sambaad is a collaborative platform promoting in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, we seek to explore broad, impactful questions that contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region.

In the two days, we had six immersive and interactive panel discussions on relevant contemporary topics from development migration to business in Nepal.  

We think that Sambaad comes to life when it reaches a wider audience, and that's why we're excited to share live recordings of the conversations.

If you found the conversation insightful and crave more lively interaction from the audience, hop over to Policy Entrepreneurs on YouTube for the complete live broadcast.

To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad.

https://projectsambaad.info/

Ep#090

Dilrukshi is an international award-winning investigative journalist and a lawyer from Sri Lanka. She has worked extensively across South Asia as an on-ground reporter and trainer. As an investigative journalist, she has broken stories on grand corruption and crime, conflict and communities, and dedicated significant time to reporting on women, children, health, and the environment. A recipient of many prestigious journalism fellowships, she won the coveted Wash Media Award in 2014. She was also the Sri Lankan Journalist of the Year in 2012.

Sushav and Dilrukshi discuss Sri Lanka's complex socio-political history, including its violent ethnic conflict and colonial legacy, exploring the role of various events in shaping its identity. Drawing simultaneously from her work and her lived experience of the war, Dilrukshi illustrates the political roots of the conflict, reflecting on the civil war's impact and the quest for ethnic minority rights, including the rise of groups like the LTTE. They also examine international influences, notably from India, China, and the West, on Sri Lanka's political landscape and review its governance challenges, human rights issues, and economic reforms. The dialogue concludes with reflections on Sri Lanka's civic space, civil society, press freedom, and the broader South Asian context of handling dissent and nurturing democratic spaces.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

   

Ep#089

Kshitiz Dahal is an economist at South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment with key interests in international trade, development economics, and econometrics. He has worked extensively in Nepal’s international trade, trade in digital services, migration and remittances, Nepal’s industrial policy, and public debt. He has contributed to the research initiatives of international organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Aslesh and Kshitiz discuss Nepal’s public debt, exploring its origins, implications, and current scenario. Beginning with an examination of the concept of public debt and historical examples worldwide, they unravel the rising concerns surrounding Nepal's per capita debt. Through an analysis of various indicators and drivers behind the recent surge in public debt, they navigate the intricate landscape of debt financing and its repercussions on the Nepali economy and society. From understanding key lenders to dissecting the explicit and implicit costs associated with debt servicing, we shed light on the multifaceted nature of this economic phenomenon.

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#Ep.088

यस एपिसोडमा पि. ई. आईका सुशभ, पुर्व मुख्यसचिव लिलामणि पौडेलसँग नेपालको कर्मचारीतन्त्रको बारेमा संबादमा बस्नुभएको छ। पौडेलले आफ्नो लामो अनुभवका आधारमा, नेपालमा निजामती सेवाको विकास, यसका मूल्य-मान्यता, वर्तमान अवस्था र चुनौतीहरुको विमर्श गर्नुभएको छ भने उहाँहरुले यस विषयलाई नेपालको सङ्घीयता र निजामती सेवा ऐन लगायत सम्बन्धित विषयको सन्दर्भमा समेत केलाएर चर्चा गर्नुभएको छ।

लिलामणि पौडेलले विभिन्न सरकारी कार्यालयमा ३२ वर्ष सेवा प्रदान गर्नुभएको छ। यसअघि उहाँले नेपाल सरकारको मुख्य सचिव, चीनका लागि नेपाली राजदूत, प्रधानमन्त्री तथा मन्त्रिपरिषद्को कार्यालयमा सचिव, गृह मन्त्रालय, सूचना तथा सञ्चार मन्त्रालय र संस्कृति पर्यटन तथा नागरिक उड्डयन मन्त्रालयमा काम गरिसक्नु भएको छ। पौडेल हाल काठमाडौं विश्वविद्यालयमा अध्यापन गर्दै  आउनुभएको छ र गृह प्रशासन अन्तर्गतको पूर्वसचिव, प्रहरी प्रमुख र प्राज्ञिक बिज्ञ सम्मेलित सुधार समितिको अध्यक्षता समेत गरिरहनु भएको छ।

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.087

Alex Shrestha represents a generation of architects and urban planners creating a positive impact across the Nepali landscape. As managing director at Wonaw & Associates, he focuses on beautiful, functional and sustainable architecture. Alex’s creations have earned national and international distinctions in being among the top 4 resorts in Asia and is recognized by the Society of Nepalese Architects with the Architectural Excellence Award 2021. His most critically acclaimed creation is the environment friendly resorts Pavilions Himalayas Resort, Pokhara where he incorporated sustainability and energy saving features in hospitality. 

 

Sudipa and Alex discuss the niche and nascent idea of sustainable architecture. They navigate the role of architecture in promoting sustainability and the factors influencing its adoption in Nepal, including societal values and economic considerations. They explore the evolution of architectural preferences in Kathmandu, focusing on how major events like the 2015 earthquake have influenced social aspirations in architecture. They end with a dialogue on innovative building technologies and policy strategies in shaping sustainable architectural practices.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.087 Pankaj Saran is a former diplomat. He has served as India’s Ambassador to Russia and India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh and as Head of the Northern Division in the Ministry of External Affairs dealing with Nepal and Bhutan. He has worked in different capacities with successive Indian Prime Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Office, contributing to decision-making at the highest levels in a diverse range of sectors, including foreign affairs and national security, Pankaj is presently Convenor of NatStrat, a Delhi-based independent Centre for Research on Strategic and Security Issues. He is a Member of the National Security Advisory Board and a Distinguished Fellow of the National Maritime Foundation.  Anurag and Pankaj explore the evolution of India’s foreign policy from the perspective of the former diplomat himself. They cover recent historical landmarks from the tectonic shifts in global geopolitics during the Cold War's end to India's strategic maneuvering amidst the complexities of the Indo-US nuclear deal to explore how each shaped India’s foreign policy. With a keen focus on India's contemporary aspirations on the global stage, they explore the significance of forums like BRICS and India's hosting of the G20 summit in shaping its foreign policy priorities. As Pankaj candidly shares his experiences, the conversation also uncovers unique insights into the high-stakes, high-octane lives of diplomats.  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

#Ep.086

Mandakini is an international development consultant with more than 18 years of expertise in program design, development, and aid management in South Asia. She has managed complex regional programs in South Asia focused on sustainable development, with a strong understanding of governance systems, institutions, and political economy dynamics. In March of last year, she worked with The Asia Foundation to publish a report on how South Asian Civic Spaces are evolving.  

Shuvangi and Mandakini begin with an overview of civic spaces in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, highlighting the challenges amidst evolving political landscapes and exploring how South Asian civic spaces adapt with innovation and resilience. They emphasize collaboration to address common challenges and strengthen civic spaces. They also delve into the role of donors in safeguarding civic spaces, offering recommendations for effective contributions and promoting sustainability.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.085

Despite once being gripped by patriarchy, Nepali society has come a long way in terms of gender equality and equity, and gender policy efforts have played an undeniable role in reshaping the reality of women in Nepal. Today, women’s representation and participation is incentivized in different development sectors, including education, health, workforce, and politics.  However, the strides of progress are still enervated by inefficient implementation, which poses questions about the vitality of gender policies.  

In this episode, guest host Yuki Poudyal sits with Sucheta Pyakurel to explore Nepal’s policy landscape with Gendered Lenses. They begin by elucidating the case for gender equality and its vital connection to responsive policies and budgeting in patriarchal societies like Nepal. Tracing Nepal's history of gender policies, Sucheta shares pivotal reforms that have significantly narrowed the gender gap while also critically examining the formal and informal hindrances. The two discuss crucial gender policy events and debates to extract observations on the efficiency of such policies and recommend changes.

Originally aired on 12 December 2023, we have guest host Yuki Poudel’s conversation with Sucheta Pyakurel on Power and Parity: Charting Nepal’s Gender Policy Journey.

Sucheta Pyakuryal is the Director of the Center for Governance at the Institute of Integrated Development Studies (IIDS). She teaches Gender in Politics/Policymaking for the Masters and PhD programs at Tribhuvan University and is a visiting faculty of Kathmandu University’s Masters in Public Policy and Management program. An alumna of the Regional Center for Strategic Studies of South Asia, her work focuses on the study of democratic development and good governance in the region.   

Yuki is currently the co-founder of the Nepal Institute of Study Abroad and has experience working across a myriad of sectors, from non-profits to innovative start-ups as a consultant, strategist, and leader. She completed her Masters in Development Practices and International Business from Tufts University.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, ⁠⁠PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics⁠⁠, and/or ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠ to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.084

राजुप्रसाद चापागाई संवैधानिक तथा मानवअधिकार कानुनको क्षेत्रमा क्रियाशिल अधिवक्ता हुनुहुन्छ । वहाँ न्याय तथा अधिकार संस्था (जुरी नेपाल)को संस्थापक अध्यक्ष तथा संवैधानिक कानुन व्यवसायी मञ्चको पूर्व अध्यक्ष समेत हुनुहुन्छ । वहाँले राष्ट्रसंघीय मानवअधिकार उच्चायूक्तको कार्यालय नेपालको कानुनी सल्लाहकार तथा एम्नेस्टी इन्टरनेसनलको दक्षिण एसियाको अनुसन्धानकर्ताका रुपमा भूमिका खेल्नु भएको छ । साथै वहाँ सामाजिक न्याय, संक्रमणकालीन न्याय लक्षित नागरिक आन्दोलनमा आवद्ध हुनुहुन्छ। यसका अतिरिक्त वहाँले काठमाण्डौ स्कुल अफ् ल मा मानवअधिकार तथा लैंगिक न्याय सम्बन्धि कानुन अध्यापनको अनुभव संगाल्नु भएको छ । मानवअधिकार न्याय तथा मानवअधिकारको विषयका उहाँका दर्जनौं लेख तथा रचना राष्ट्रिय तथा अन्तराष्ट्रिय रुपमा प्रकाशित छन ।

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Last month, in January, several stolen cultural heritage were returned to Nepal from the United States. Among them were sacred idols of the Hindu god Uma-Maheshwar that were stolen almost 50 years ago from Chyasal, Patan. They were identified recently in the storage facilities of the Brooklyn Museum, which began repariation, after the efforts of Newa Guthi New York.  

Locals welcomed their Gods with heartfelt celebrations and a puja for forgiveness. The idols were taken around the city in chariots and, finally, re-instated in Chyasal hiti.  

In recent years, Nepal has seen many such successful repatriation efforts. The trafficking of cultural heritage had once left local communities with immeasurable pain and loss.  So, In this re-broadcast, we bring my conversation with criminologist Dr Emiline Smith about cultural heritage trafficking in Nepal.

Originally aired on 26 September 2022, in this episode, PEI's ⁠Khushi⁠ and Emiline delve into the obscure world of cultural heritage trafficking and its impact on communities, with a particular focus on Nepal. The two tap into Emiline’s expertise as a criminologist to understand the processes involved in the trafficking of cultural objects and its history and persistence in Nepal. They then discuss the repatriation of such objects and how restorative justice can be achieved in the process.

⁠Dr. Emiline Smith⁠ is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Glasgow (Scotland). She is a Fellow of the Centre for Criminology at the University of Hong Kong and a member of the Trafficking Culture Research Consortium and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. In addition, she is an advisor to the Nepal Heritage Recovery Campaign and several other NGOs. She recently authored and published a trilingual storybook for children titled ‘Pema and the Stolen Statue from Dolpa’; for more information, see www.stolenstatues.com.

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, ⁠PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics⁠, and/or ⁠click here⁠ to support us on Patreon!!

Ep#108

Dr. Sameen A. Mohsin Ali is an Assistant Professor of International Development at the University of Birmingham. Her research focuses on the impact of bureaucratic politics on state capacity and service delivery. She is particularly interested in the dynamics of bureaucratic reform, the implementation and impact of donor programs, and the intersection of party politics, citizens’ interests, and bureaucratic incentives. Exploring cases from Pakistan and Nepal, Sushav and Sameen delve into the dynamic relationships between politicians and bureaucrats. In doing so, they imagine bureaucracy in a decentralized context, discuss ways of navigating bureaucratic embeddedness, corruption, and efficiency, and explore how to plan bureaucratic reforms. The conversation offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of governance and the critical forces that shape public administration in developing countries.

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#Ep.082

Laxman Datt Pant  is the chairperson of Media Action Nepal and an elected co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition-Consultative Network (MFC-CN). He is also an adjunct Professor of Media Ethics & Journalism at the Tbilisi State University  and the University of Georgia. He currently serves as the AMIC Country Representative for Nepal.

Pant started his career as a journalist more than two decades ago and worked with numerous media institutions in different capacities ranging from a reporter to an editor.  

PEI’s Hridesh and Laxman delve into analyzing the bill's provisions and how they may conflict with constitutional rights to free speech. They also explore how Nepal can better foster digital spaces as forums for civic expression and debate.

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#Ep.081

Bhupesh Adhikary is the Senior Air Quality Specialist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu. He is working on understanding the science and mitigation aspects of air pollution in the Hindukush Himalaya region using chemical transport models, in-situ, and satellite-based observations. He previously worked for the EvK2CNR Committee as their resident scientific coordinator. Bhupesh also worked at Kathmandu University as an assistant professor for several years, teaching graduate and undergraduate students. 

Khushi and Bhupesh embark on a comprehensive exploration of the city's alarming air pollution problem. They tap into Bhupesh’s expertise as an atmospheric scientist to discuss the current sources of pollution, the seasonal intricacies affecting the atmosphere, and the city's unsettling ranking among the world's most polluted places. Bhupesh sheds light on health risks, socio-economic repercussions, and the vulnerability of specific urban populations. The episode further navigates the challenging policy landscape, scrutinizing state efforts, significant policy developments, and the persistent challenges hindering effective intervention.

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#Ep.080

Padma Sundar Joshi is the Vice President of Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology. He has more than a decade of experience in. urban planning and environment. He has worked with the city office on projects like. the Municipal Infrastructure Improvement Project and the Kathmandu Valley mapping program. He has published books and a series of articles on urban development, including a recent publication titled The Hiti System: Past, Present, and Future. 

Lasata and Padma discuss the intricate relationship between. water and urbanism in Kathmandu Valley, focusing on the traditional water management system known as Hiti Pranali. Covering historical backgrounds and the current challenges the valley faces, including water shortages and  climate change impacts,  they explore the potential of traditional systems like Hiti in addressing modern water management issues. The conversation extends to ongoing projects and challenges restoring the Hiti and other traditional water systems, emphasizing their significance as sustainable, nature-based solutions. 

If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.079

आजको भागमा पी. ई. आई. का अनुराग आचार्य, पत्रकार हरी थापा सँग नेपालको शासकीय व्यवस्था, प्रणाली र अभ्यास बारे संवादमा बस्दै हुनुहुन्छ | यो एपिसोडमा उहाँहरु नेपालको बिगत पाँच दशकको शासन व्यवस्थाको नालीबेली बारे कुरा गर्दै हुनुहुन्छ |

हरि थापा बिगत तिन दशक देखि सुशासन बारे कलम चलाउने पत्रकार हुनुहुन्छ। उहाले नेपालको बर्तमान शासन र प्रशासनलाई न्यूज-रुम भित्रबाट नियाल्नु मात्र भएको छैन कि बिगतमा पंचायत कालका शक्तिशाली प्रधानमन्त्री सूर्यबहादुर थापा र प्रभावशाली प्रशासक भेषबाहादुर थापाको संस्मरण लेख्ने क्रममा त्यस समयको शासन-प्रशासन प्रणालीको बारेमा पनि राम्रोसंग बुझ्नु भएको छ ।

हामी आशा गर्दछौँ तपाईंलाई आजको संवाद फलदायी लाग्नेछ ! 

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#Ep.078

Introducing and directing agendas in the policy sphere is a challenging task. Additionally, when the agenda in question is pushed to the margins with shame, stigma, and taboo, the pursuit becomes ever more demanding. Menstruation is one such topic repressed by societal norms of the global south, the stigma of which causes detrimental effects on the lives of innumerable individuals. How does one advocate for that?  

In this episode, Khushi and Jesselina discuss the challenges in pursuing policy solutions to issues of access to a dignified period. Jesselina shares the unexpected hurdles in advocating for menstrual rights and the importance of strategy, collaboration, and sustainability in it. They explore barriers to accessing menstrual health and dignity, their deep impacts, and recount national issues like the Period Tax and the state of periods in prison. They also discuss the evolution of a dignified period in the realm of human rights, the different ways it has expanded, and how the conversation can be taken forward.  

Jesselina Rana  is a human rights lawyer, social entrepreneur, and feminist activist. A Harvard Law School graduate, Jesselina co-founded Pad2Go, a social enterprise focusing on menstrual health in Nepal, in 2018. Since its inception, Pad2Go has garnered national and international recognition for its impactful contributions to the menstrual health landscape in Nepal. Jesselina’s passion for feminism, human rights, and the law has driven her to contribute to both human rights and politico-legal discourse in Nepal and internationally. 

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#Ep.077

In this episode, Khushi and Preeti discuss strategic peacebuilding and the role of Dialogue in it. The two explore the core principles of dialogue as a conflict-solving tool and the wide scope of issues it has helped tackle professionals like Preeti in inviting resolution. They place the significance of dialogue & peacebuilding in the specific context of Nepal and highlight how underlying contentions impact aspects of society and development. They then discuss Preeti’s view on the nexus of peace building and justice and recommendations to improve the State’s efforts for sustainable progress in this front.    

Preeti Thapa is a peacebuilder, lawyer, mediator, and certified master trainer in mediation and dialogue with more than 21 years of experience. She is The Asia Foundation’s deputy director of Justice and Governance in Nepal. Her expertise lies in access to justice and strategic peacebuilding through community mediation and multi-stakeholder dialogue. Preeti has worked with Nepal’s Ministry of Law and Justice on mediation policies and, in particular, contributed to the passage of the Mediation Act and Regulation. Preeti is a member of the Nepal Bar Association and of the Community Mediators’ Society Nepal. She is also a visiting faculty member at Kathmandu University, the Army Command and Staff College, and Folke Bernadotte Academy, Sweden on Mediation and Dialogue.

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Last week, Nepal and India signed a power trade deal during the Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishanker's visit. The agreement consolidates the bilateral understanding of electricity exports pushed during the PM's visit to India in 2023. 

Given the Indian government’s conditions on cross-border electricity trade, which recognizes electricity as a strategic commodity of interest, the recent agreement can be interpreted as a positive sign. However, the current agreement does not specify who, how, and when this electricity will be traded. 

Hopefully, these matters will be progressively defined in the days to come. For now, we are re-releasing an earlier episode that touches upon the drivers, optimism, and challenges of Nepal India's power trade. 

Originally aired on 26 September 2022, in this episode of PxP: Conversations, Saumitra Neupane and Sagar Prasai discuss how the Indian electricity market gets featured in Nepal’s hydropower imagination, the impact that this has had on Nepal’s ability to exploit its hydropower potential, and what differentiates the Nepali model from that of other bilateral arrangements such as those between India and Bhutan. 

They also examine India’s policy positions on cross-border electricity trade in the last ten years and how regional rivalry between India and China complicates energy markets in South Asia. They also discuss the future market opportunities for Nepali hydropower and whether there are longer-term trends that support supply signals and investor confidence in Nepali hydropower. They end their conversation by discussing the possibilities of markets beyond India, primarily Bangladesh and China, and evaluate whether realistic opportunities exist on these fronts.

Sagar Prasai is a development professional with over two decades of experience working in water, energy, climate issues, and regional cooperation in South Asia. He is based in Nepal and provides advisory services to various organizations, including The Asia Foundation and the Australian Government’s DFAT. Previously, he served as The Asia Foundation’s country representative in India. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Ep#075

On the second of this month, Prime Minister Dahal hosted a high-level side event at COP 28 entitled “Call of the Mountain: Who Saves Us from the Climate Crisis?”. Nepal, from its first pavilion ever at COP, spoke of the disproportionate impact on its ecosystem and local inhabitants despite having near-zero emissions -finally gathering the world’s attention for an agenda it heralded for more than a decade. 

In this episode, PEI colleagues Lasata Joshi and Raju Pandit dive into the pivotal themes and outcomes of the recent COP. Recounting Raju’s participation in this and multiple previous COPs, they explore the significance of COP Nepal and the real-life experience of Nepali delegates. They discuss recent critical shifts in the climate narrative on fossil fuels, proactive participation of major oil industries, global stocktake, loss, and damage, and Nepal’s push for the mountain agenda.  

Raju Pandit Chhetri is the Executive Director of Prakriti Resources Centre (PRC), an environment and development organization based in Kathmandu. He has over fifteen years of experience in climate change policy and sustainable development. Raju has followed UN climate change negotiations under the UNFCCC and Green Climate Fund (GCF) for over a decade. He closely works with the Government of Nepal and the Least Developed Country Group at the climate negotiations. He has written and contributed to several papers on climate change. Raju passionately advocates for ambitious climate actions and sustainable development. 

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Ep#074

In this episode, PEI colleague Aslesh Shrestha sits with Kalpana Khanal to discuss Nepal's heavy reliance on remittances, analyzing their pivotal role in driving economic growth while also scrutinizing the associated risks and vulnerabilities. Exploring the historical trajectory of this dependency, they uncover the factors behind the reliance and examine their impact across sectors ranging from the macroeconomy to households and sector-specific consequences.

Kalpana Khanal is an economist specializing in public policy, international finance, money and banking, development economics, and institutional economics. She currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and Head of the Center for Economic and Infrastructure Development Policy at the Policy Research Institute (PRI) in Nepal. She obtained her Ph.D. and MA degrees in Economics from the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), USA. Her research focuses on the comprehensive analysis of economic policy issues at a broader level.

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#Ep.073

Despite once being gripped by patriarchy, Nepali society has come a long way in terms of gender equality and equity, and gender policy efforts have played an undeniable role in reshaping the reality of women in Nepal. Today, women’s representation and participation is incentivized in different development sectors, including education, health, workforce, and politics.  However, the strides of progress are still enervated by inefficient implementation, which poses questions about the vitality of gender policies.  

In this episode, guest host Yuki Poudyal sits with Sucheta Pyakurel to explore Nepal’s policy landscape with Gendered Lenses. They begin by elucidating the case for gender equality and its vital connection to responsive policies and budgeting in patriarchal societies like Nepal. Tracing Nepal's history of gender policies, Sucheta shares pivotal reforms that have significantly narrowed the gender gap while also critically examining the formal and informal hindrances. The two discuss crucial gender policy events and debates to extract observations on the efficiency of such policies and recommend changes.

Sucheta Pyakuryal is the Director of the Center for Governance at the Institute of Integrated Development Studies (IIDS). She teaches Gender in Politics/Policymaking for the Masters and PhD programs at Tribhuvan University and is a visiting faculty of Kathmandu University’s Masters in Public Policy and Management program. An alumna of the Regional Center for Strategic Studies of South Asia, her work focuses on studying democratic development and good governance in the region.   

Yuki is currently the co-founder of the Nepal Institute of Study Abroad and has experience working across a myriad of sectors, from non-profits to innovative start-ups as a consultant, strategist, and leader. She completed her Masters in Development Practices and International Business from Tufts University. 

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#Ep.107

Purushottam Ojha is the former Commerce Secretary of Nepal and has extensive expertise in trade, transit, investment, private sector, and institutional development. Mr. Ojha has held key roles in public service since 1979 and has also served as a Trade Facilitation Consultant for The World Bank and Global Training Institute Development & Research, providing strategic advice on trade negotiations and capacity building.

Lasata and Purushottam’s discussion centers around the longstanding trade relationship between Nepal and India, guided by the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Ojha shares his insights on how historical trade arrangements have shaped Nepal's economy and the ongoing challenges and opportunities in this bilateral relationship. From tariff regimes to non-tariff barriers, this episode offers a comprehensive look at Nepal-India trade dynamics and the future of this crucial partnership.

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#Ep.072

The human pursuit of purging corruption in its social systems has perhaps been as old as the problem of corruption itself. Regardless, the problem persists and grows rampant, accentuating development challenges.  While some have given up in the face of corruption’s seeming invincibility, others have mobilized to reimagine anti-corruption strategies to encompass diverse aspects and stakeholders like never before. 

In this episode, PEI’s Khushi Hang and Narayan Adhikari discuss anti-corruption strategies with a focus on the role, significance, and need for innovation in the field. They explore what it means to embrace innovation in anti-corruption, dissecting the different aspects and challenges in reimagining this pursuit.  They also go over revered innovative anti-corruption campaigns led by Narayan himself and discuss their impacts and limitations. 

Narayan Adhikari is a social entrepreneur and leader in global accountability and governance. He is the Co-founder and South Asia Representative for Accountability Lab Nepal and runs Open Gov Hub Kathmandu to promote transparency, accountability, and civic participation in governance. He is on the board of Trustees to RESULTS UK and Co-Chair for C7, Open, and Resilient Society for 2023, and is a strategic advisor to the  #ShiftThePower global movement.  

This episode is a part of our Curbing Corruption Series. 

Curbing Corruption is a PODS audio series unraveling the complexities of corruption and exploring the strategies to combat this global challenge, where PEI colleagues engage in candid conversations with experts, practitioners, and thought leaders who offer insights into the intricate web of corruption, its impact on communities, and the ever-evolving innovations and strategies to measure and combat it. 

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