I feel distinctly privileged and honored to be part of the celebration of the Constitution Day of Nepal, which is also our National Day, here in Ottawa in the presence of galaxy of distinguished friends and guests.
This happy coincidence has become possible by the women foreign ministers conference that Foreign Minister of Canada is hosting this week.
The promulgation of the constitution of Nepal in 2015 marks a pivotal moment in Nepal’s history. It represents the culmination of decades of struggle and sacrifice of the Nepali people to write a democratic constitution by an inclusive and representative constituent assembly. It embodies the collective aspiration of our multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural nation to build a just, inclusive, and democratic society.
For us, Constitution is more than a legal text, it is the very bedrock of our nation’s values and collective identity, a living testament to our journey toward democracy, inclusivity, and justice. One of the most profound aspects of our constitution is its commitment to universally recognized human rights and freedoms to all individuals regardless of caste, creed, gender, or religion.
It embraces the principles of equality, liberty, and justice, and guarantees equal protection of law. The constitution’s emphasis on social justice and inclusion reflects our commitment to building a society where every person can live with dignity and opportunity. The Constitution also lays out the framework for the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government with appropriate mechanism of checks and balances.
It transforms Nepal to a federal democratic republic, devolves power to bring decision-making closer to the people, empowers local governments, enhances accountability, and ensures that every citizen has a voice in the governance process.
As we celebrate this day, we reflect on the progress we have made and honor those who have contributed to shaping our democratic landscape. The empowering effect of the Constitution has been in greater participation and representation of women and other section of our society into national mainstream. Our parliament is one of the most representative legislative bodies with women occupying 33 percent of the seats. Our provincial and local assemblies comprise 41 percent of women’s representation. In a matter of past few years, women have made it to the top positions as the head of state, Chief Justice, and the Speaker of the parliament.
Participation of women and other under-represented ethnic groups in the civil service, security forces and public sector employment opportunities has also increased significantly.
As we celebrate our national day, let me acknowledge the goodwill, solidarity, and spontaneous support of Canada during our democratic transition. We also thank Canada for its support afer the Constitution of Nepal was promulgated by the Constituent Assembly.
Nepal and Canada enjoy cordial and friendly relations ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1965. Next year, we will celebrate the 60th year of friendship and cooperation. Our two countries share common values of democracy, human rights, and rule of law. We share common perspective on issues of global importance such as climate change and implementation of Sustainable development goals.
Increasing number of Nepali diasporas in Canada has added vibrancy in the cultural spheres and people to people contacts. Canada has remained an important development partner of Nepal. Our two Parliaments have increased interaction and exchanges through the Parliamentary Friendship Group. Our two countries engage in regular structured dialogue through the bilateral consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries.
There exist good potentials of promoting mutually beneficial economic partnership through trade, investment, and technology transfer.
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Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba was addressing the reception hosted to celebrate the Constitution Day of Nepal in Ottawa, Canada, on 18 September 2024.
