NRNA global conference ends with 12-point Kathmandu declaration

Kathmandu, Mar 17: The 12th Global Conference and International General Assembly of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) concluded here on Monday with a 12-point declaration.

 The declaration has emphasised unity among the global Nepali community and greater investment in Nepal’s development.

Held under the theme “Our Unity, Base for Prosperity”, the three-day conference brought together Nepali diaspora representatives from around the world. The declaration outlines several commitments to strengthening the role of non-resident Nepalis in Nepal’s development. 

It urged the government of Nepal to create a more favourable legal and policy environment to facilitate diaspora investment, including amendments to laws governing citizenship, foreign investment, income tax, and property transactions.

The conference also called for establishing a dedicated mechanism to manage investment by non-resident Nepalis, including provisions for opening bank accounts and enabling the repatriation of investments. It demanded that the limit of securities issued by the NRN Nepal Development Fund be fixed at 85 per cent.

The NRNA pledged to mobilise the knowledge and expertise of Nepali professionals, scientists and researchers worldwide to support Nepal’s development through technology transfer, innovation, and collaboration.

The declaration emphasised diaspora investment in job creation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, and improvement in the living standards of Nepalis.

 It has identified hydropower, agriculture, tourism, information technology and innovation-based industries as priority sectors for investment and cooperation between the diaspora and the government of Nepal.

 “We are deeply concerned and serious about the latest situation in the Middle East. We express our commitment to strengthening cooperation with the government of Nepal and international agencies to provide relief, rescue and rehabilitation assistance to Nepalis in various parts of the Middle East in times of crisis,” it said.

The declaration further stressed the importance of protecting the rights and safety of Nepali migrant workers, strengthening cooperation with host countries and international institutions to ensure dignified employment conditions.

The newly elected leadership of the organisation expressed its willingness to work closely with the next government of Nepal to further strengthen collaboration.

A 10-point agreement reached on November 30, 2025, in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, laid a new foundation for unity in NRNA, which split, electing two separate chairs. 

NRNAs are goodwill ambassadors: PM

Addressing the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Sushila Karki called on non-resident Nepalis across the globe to strengthen unity and actively contribute to Nepal’s development through investment, knowledge sharing and cooperation.

She said the government alone cannot achieve the country’s development goals and emphasised the need for collective efforts from Nepalis both at home and abroad.

“Development and prosperity of Nepal cannot be achieved by the government alone. Cooperation, investment, knowledge and innovation of all Nepalis—both in Nepal and abroad—are equally essential,” she said, urging the diaspora to remain connected with their motherland and participate actively in the nation’s development journey.

PM Karki expressed confidence that renewed unity within the NRNA would provide new direction for Nepal’s prosperity and development. 

She also encouraged non-resident Nepalis to make use of Nepal’s investment opportunities and contribute to economic growth, environmental protection and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister also extended her best wishes to the newly elected executive committee of NRNA under the chairmanship of Hemraj Sharma and the entire executive committee for a successful tenure.

She said the conference played an important role in bringing Nepalis from across the world onto a single platform and sending a strong message of unity. 

“Nepal has entered a new phase of transformation,” she said, noting that the recent political developments and new mandate have raised hopes for stability, development and prosperity in the country.

She said non-resident Nepalis are goodwill ambassadors of Nepal.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Nepal’s Constitution provides non-resident Nepalis with citizenship that guarantees economic, social and cultural rights, which she described as a bridge strengthening ties between the diaspora and the homeland.

She also praised the NRNA for overcoming internal divisions and electing a consensus leadership, expressing hope that the organisation would continue to serve as a platform for emotional unity among Nepalis worldwide.

Diaspora's role stressed 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, NRNA founding president Upendra Mahato said that Nepal must ultimately be built by Nepalis themselves and expressed readiness to work with the government for economic prosperity based on strong values and culture.

Former NRNA president Jiba Lamichhane said that despite living abroad, non-resident Nepalis have a strong desire to contribute to the country’s development and are committed to working together for a prosperous Nepal.

Meanwhile, outgoing NRNA president Badri K.C. urged the upcoming government to ensure voting rights for Nepalis living abroad.

The conference was inaugurated by Minister for Foreign Affairs Bala Nanda Sharma and attended by several prominent leaders, including former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, ministers, former ministers, senior government officials, NRNA founders and former presidents, as well as representatives of the global Nepali diaspora.