Discussion Between Commission and NRN to Connect Over 300,000 Nepali Experts Abroad with National Development
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), in collaboration with the National Planning Commission, aims to organize the Fourth World Nepali Knowledge Convention 2027 with a goal to contribute to Nepal’s development. Dr. Gyanendra Regmi, Vice President of NRNA, informed that this year’s convention will focus on a solution-oriented model by linking knowledge and technology transfer with policy processes. Dr. Gunakar Bhatt, Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission, expressed the commission’s commitment to cooperate with the NRNA in infrastructure development, education, and digitization.
12 Shrawan, Kathmandu.
Discussions took place between Dr. Gunakar Bhatt, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, and representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). The conceptual framework for the Fourth World Nepali Knowledge Convention 2027 was presented, focusing on collaboration to contribute to Nepal’s development through knowledge, skills, technology, innovation, and investment, according to the NRNA. During the meeting, Dr. Gyanendra Regmi, NRNA Vice President and Head of Skill, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Department, shared that the networking-for-development approach started in 2018 has now been transformed from issue-based discussions into a solution-oriented model.
Dr. Regmi said that the convention will focus on six thematic areas directly aligned with the Planning Commission’s priorities. The event aims to bring together over 300,000 Nepali experts worldwide — including researchers, scientists, technicians, entrepreneurs, and professionals — alongside Nepal’s policymakers, government bodies, universities, research institutions, and the private sector on a shared platform. The goal is to link knowledge, skills, technology, research, and best international practices to Nepal’s development.
Rozina Pradhan Rai, NRNA Vice President and Head of Welfare Department and Coordinator of the Citizenship Continuity Committee, emphasized the need to engage not only Nepali experts globally but also second-generation Nepalis who have gained expertise across various fields, connecting them to Nepal’s development. She underscored the urgency of finalizing the Non-Resident Nepali Development Fund, effective implementation of Non-Resident Nepali citizenship, and amendments to the Non-Resident Nepali Act. Anlraj Bhattarai, CEO of NRNA Development Fund Limited, stated that preparations are underway to operate the Development Fund, which aims to encourage small and large-scale investment by Nepalis residing around the world into Nepal.
NRNA Deputy Secretary Krishna Pokhrel briefed the Planning Commission about the policy and practical challenges related to foreign investment and the repatriation of returns to Nepal. Addressing the delegation, Dr. Gunakar Bhatt reaffirmed the commission’s positive stance toward collaboration with the NRNA. He noted potential cooperation areas such as digitalization in non-financial sectors, improvement of higher education quality, tunnel roads outside the Kathmandu Valley, transportation, and other infrastructure development, pledging full support for the World Knowledge Convention. Rajendra Kumar Raut, NRNA CEO, shared that preparations for the NRNA’s Europe Regional Convention and Asia-Pacific Regional Convention are in the final stages.