Kathmandu, 10 June 2025 — UNFPA, the sexual and reproductive health agency of the United Nations, and Buddha Air Pvt. Ltd., Nepal’s leading private airline, have signed a Cooperation Agreement to advance public awareness on gender-based violence (GBV) and promote safe, inclusive spaces through a strategic public-private partnership.
This agreement marks a significant step in leveraging aviation infrastructure for social change, integrating advocacy messaging and staff capacity-building into the core operations of Buddha Air—an airline that connects thousands of Nepalis across the country every day. The signing took place in Lalitpur on 11 June 2025.
The representative for UNFPA in Nepal, Won Young Hong and Astha Basnet Thapa, the Executive Director at Buddha Air, officiated the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
Over the next two years, both parties will work jointly to implement a series of awareness and training activities with the shared goal of reducing stigma, expanding access to services, and reinforcing zero-tolerance for violence in public and private spheres. As part of this collaboration, Buddha Air will carry gender-based violence awareness messages through boarding passes, in-flight leaflets, and its in-flight magazine Yatra. These materials will provide passengers with essential information about GBV referral services, emergency hotlines, and survivor support—ensuring visibility and access. In addition, UNFPA will provide targeted training for all Buddha Air staff on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), including procedures for reporting misconduct and creating respectful environments.
This initiative aims to embed safeguarding principles within the airline’s customer service ethos and operational culture. The partnership will also explore opportunities for economic empowerment for survivors of gender-based violence, including linkages to local service providers and potential employment pathways through collaborative referral mechanisms.
Speaking at the ceremony, UNFPA Representative Won Young Hong noted: “By embedding gender-based violence messaging into the everyday travel experience, this partnership with Buddha Air helps bring critical information to people where they are—on the move. I extend my sincere gratitude towards Buddha Air for championing safety, dignity, and rights for all.”
Aastha Basnet from Buddha Air reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible business and gender equality: “We’re proud to partner with UNFPA to help break the silence around GBV. As a company that connects communities, we believe in using our reach to create positive change—starting with information, empathy, and action.”
This collaboration reflects a good model for corporate social responsibility in Nepal—one rooted in purpose, aligned with UNFPA’s mandate, and dedicated to advancing national GBV prevention goals through meaningful, everyday interventions. #Nepal
