Kathmandu, Nov 30: As aid from international donor agencies continues to decline, stakeholders have emphasized the need for maximum mobilisation and efficient utilisation of internal resources, with a focus on economic growth, employment generation and people-centric governance.
Speaking at a programme organised today by NGO Sahamati, participants called for stronger partnerships, collaboration and innovation among aid organisations.
The event brought together representatives from various INGOs to review the status of ongoing projects in Nepal and discuss future strategies at a time when donor support has decreased following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war.
Participants noted that while government-level assistance from donor countries has declined, contributions from individuals and organizations have continued. Therefore, they said, there is no need for panic.
However, they stressed the importance of ensuring proper mobilisation of government budgets to reduce poverty, create jobs and improve living standards, rather than remaining dependent on foreign aid alone.
It was highlighted that some donor countries have reduced their support due to poor grant utilisation, weak governance, procedural delays and allegations of irregularities in spending.
WWF Nepal Director Dr Ghanshyam Gurung acknowledged the significant role NGOs and INGOs have played in reducing poverty and improving citizens’ economic status. He further noted that Nepal’s achievements in environmental conservation are internationally recognised, and that NGO/INGO engagement remains essential.
Homnath Subedi, Chairperson of the organising committee, remarked that donor agencies have shifted their focus from grants to investment-based support. Nepal, he said, must also adopt improved development practices to align with this shift.
Representatives including Yugan Manandhar from the British Embassy in Nepal, Badri Nath Baral from Winrock International, and Gokarna Joshi from United Mission to Nepal underscored the importance of understanding the sentiments of the recent Gen Z movement. They stated that improvements in people’s lives are possible only if good governance is ensured and corruption is effectively controlled—key demands raised by the movement. #nepal #resources #COVID
