Proper utilisation of internal resources stressed

Kathmandu, Nov 30:  Maximum mobilisation and utilisation of internal resources has been stressed, with a focus on promoting economic growth, employment creation and good governance, making the public services people-centric when the aid from the donor agencies has declined. 

At a programme organized today by the NGO Sahamati, participants called for stronger partnerships, collaboration, and innovation among aid organizations. 

Reresentatives from various INGOs also took part in the event, which focused on reviewing the status of projects in Nepal and discussing future plans at a time when donor support has decreased following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war.

Participants said that although government-level aid from donor countries has gone down, assistance from individuals and organizations has not stopped, so there is no need to panic.

However, they stressed the importance of properly mobilizing the government budget to reduce poverty, create employment, and improve people’s living standards, rather than relying solely on foreign aid. It was also shared that some countries have reduced their aid because of poor grant utilization, weak governance, delays caused by complicated procedures, 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 people’s economic conditions. He added that Nepal’s achievements in environmental conservation are internationally recognized and that NGO/INGO engagement is still needed.

Chairperson of the organizing committee, Homnath Subedi, said that donor agencies have shifted their priorities from grants to investment-based support, and Nepal must also adopt better development practices accordingly.

Yugan Manandhar from the British Embassy in Nepal, Badri Nath Baral from Winrock  International, and Gokarna Joshi from United Mission to Nepal emphasized the need to understand the sentiments of the recent Gen Z movement. They said people’s lives can improve if good governance is ensured and corruption is controlled, as demanded by the movement. (RSS)