Nepal-Malta Ties Through Cultural Engagement

From July 29 to August 6, 2023, the Miss Malta team, comprising Cherise Spiteri, Miss Tourism Malta Alexia Cutajar, Miss Top Model Malta Karolina Bordian, Miss Malta Org Director Kersten Borg, Catwalk Trainer Sujit Bashyal, and Miss Malta's fiancé Daniel Zammit, visited Nepal with the objective of enhancing bilateral relations, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting local charitable initiatives. This meticulously coordinated visit, led by Prakash Bhandari, a tourism promoter for Malta; Som Sapkota, Vice President of the Malta-Nepal Friendship Association and tourism promoter for Wales of Nepal; and Rems Khanal, President of NRNA NCC Malta, offered a robust framework for cultural diplomacy and philanthropy. Throughout their stay, the team was hosted at Hotel Shanker, providing a comfortable base for their diverse activities and engagements.

 The team arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on the morning of July 29, 2024, where they were greeted with a vibrant and traditional Nepali welcome. The ceremony, which included the offering of khada (ceremonial scarves), flower garlands, and the rhythmic beats of Panchhe Baja music, reflected the richness of Nepal's cultural heritage and its tradition of hospitality. This warm reception set a positive tone for the visit, emphasising the friendly ties between Nepal and Malta. Following this, the team visited Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offered them a panoramic view of Kathmandu and an immersive experience into Nepal's spiritual and cultural landscape. The evening featured a significant meeting with Honourable Mr. Narayan Dhakal, Chairman of the National Assembly, where discussions centred on enhancing cultural exchanges and exploring collaborative opportunities in tourism and education.

The following day, July 30, the Miss Malta team continued their diplomatic engagements by visiting the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. They were warmly received by Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey, who emphasised the importance of the visit in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting tourism. Minister Pandey suggested that the team explore key Nepali destinations such as Pokhara and Chitwan to understand the unique experiences Nepal offers. However, due to air safety concerns, the team had to cancel their trip to Chitwan.

This meeting underscored Nepal’s eagerness to boost its tourism industry and forge stronger international ties. In the afternoon, the team’s philanthropic efforts were highlighted through their visits to the Special School for Disabled and Rehabilitation Centre and the Blind Children Education Center. Here, they interacted with children, participated in activities, and made donations to support the centres' ongoing initiatives. These visits underscored the team’s commitment to social responsibility and their desire to support marginalised communities.

On July 31, the team further immersed themselves in community engagement activities. Their morning began with a visit to Manabsewa Ashram in Lalitpur, where they participated in a feeding programme, serving food to those in need. This experience provided them with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by local communities and highlighted their commitment to social welfare. In the afternoon, they held a meeting with Hidden Treasure Nepal, the organisation responsible for organising the Miss Nepal grand event. This meeting allowed the team to learn about the upcoming Miss Nepal pageant and discuss its role in promoting Nepali culture and tourism. The interaction also provided an opportunity to explore potential collaborations in cultural events and tourism promotion. The day concluded with a visit to Bageshori Basic School in Godawari-10 Tahakhel, where the team supported the school with small donations and engaged with the students, contributing to the institution’s educational efforts.

August 1 was dedicated to exploring some of Nepal's scenic attractions and fostering diplomatic relationships. The Miss Malta team visited Chandragiri, a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty. This visit aimed to promote the area's tourism potential, showcasing the diverse experiences Nepal offers. The highlight of the day was a diplomatic dinner hosted by Deepak Shrestha, Consulate of Malta to Nepal. This event provided an informal setting for discussions and further strengthened the personal and professional connections between the team and local dignitaries. Such interactions are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and exploring future collaborative opportunities.

The team's commitment to supporting charitable organisations was evident on August 2, when they visited the Care Child Orphanage in Kapan, Kathmandu. This orphanage provides care and protection for orphaned children, and the team’s visit included interactions with the children and a donation to support the orphanage’s operations. The visit was deeply moving, and Chairperson Pratikshya Adhikari expressed gratitude for the team’s support, highlighting the positive impact of their visit. This day underscored the philanthropic aspect of the team's mission, demonstrating their dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

On August 3, the team engaged with Hatti Hatti NGO, which focusses on creating sustainable societies by empowering marginalised women and communities. The visit included interactions with vibrant stalls showcasing handmade items crafted from recycled materials and eco-friendly products. The team's donation to support Hatti Hatti’s initiatives and their engagement with the organisation's work were deeply inspiring, reinforcing their commitment to environmental and social causes. In the evening, the team attended the Miss Nepal Grand Finale. Their presence at this prestigious event not only added to its prestige but also showcased Nepal’s cultural richness and tourism potential to a global audience. The Miss Nepal pageant, organised by Hidden Treasure Nepal, plays a significant role in promoting Nepali culture and heritage. The team’s participation in the event highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and the impact of international collaborations in promoting tourism.

The final leg of the visit on August 4 and 5 included further educational support and a celebratory dinner. On August 4, the team visited Annapurna Higher Secondary School in Kathmandu, where they interacted with students, provided food, and offered support to the school. The evening of August 5 featured an appreciation dinner at Hotel Himalaya, organised by The Hidden Treasure Nepal. This event provided a platform for the team to express their gratitude to the organisers and celebrate the achievements of Miss Nepal World 2024 Ashma Kumari KC, Miss Nepal Earth 2024 Sumana KC, and Miss Nepal International 2024 Karuna Rawat. The dinner highlighted the significance of the Miss Nepal pageant in promoting Nepali culture and tourism, marking a fitting conclusion to the team's visit.

The Miss Malta team’s visit to Nepal was a resounding success, enhancing bilateral relations, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting local charitable initiatives. Their engagement with local communities and participation in high-profile events underscored the importance of international cooperation in fostering mutual understanding and promoting tourism. The visit's extensive media coverage in both Nepali and Maltese outlets further amplified its impact, highlighting the significant role of cultural exchange and social support in strengthening global ties. Through their dedicated efforts, the Miss Malta team demonstrated that cultural diplomacy and philanthropy can bridge gaps between nations, fostering a sense of global unity and cooperation.

(The author is Deputy General Secretary of the International Coordination Council, Non-Resident Nepali Association.)