Pakistani Embassy hosts annual alumni gala in Kathmandu
The Embassy of Pakistan held its Annual Alumni Get-Together Gala at Soaltee, Kathmandu, continuing its tradition of celebrating Nepali Alumni of Pakistani Institutions.
Bringing together graduates from Pakistan’s scholarship schemes and self-financed students, the saw an impressive attendence of about 450 alumni, dignitaries, and friends of Pakistan.
The program provided an opportunity to reconnect, relive memories, and strengthen the bonds so fondly exist between the two people.
On the occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi highlighted that such gatherings provide a platform for alumni to reinforce mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Ambassador recalled that most alumni had experienced Pakistan’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality, which created lasting memories and mutual respect. He further noted that over 4,000 Nepali graduates of Pakistani institutions were contributing to Nepal’s development and diaspora worldwide.
The Alumni appreciated the expanded gathering of alumni by the Embassy and expressed commitment to strengthening cultural, educational and people to people ties between Pakistan and Nepal.
Participants highlighted the need for education and training in IT, AI, medical innovation, and other priority areas, and pledged their support.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the launch of Pakistan-Nepal Alumni Network.
Nepal receives USD 9.4 million from World Bank's FCPF
Nepal has received $9.4 million (Rs 1.19 billion) from World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for reducing approximately 1.88 million tons of carbon dioxide under its REDD+ Emission Reductions Program in the Tarai Arc Landscape.
This is the first payment under the FCPF’s Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) — a major milestone in Nepal’s efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and promote inclusive, sustainable forest management, the WB stated in a press release.
The FCPF program in Nepal is characterized by its strong community-based approach to sustainable forestry. Implemented across the Tarai Arc Landscape — home to both rich biodiversity and a dense human population — the program brings together local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society organizations to protect and restore forests while improving rural livelihoods.
“This milestone payment is testament to Nepal’s success in reducing deforestation, strengthening forest governance, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and expanding sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The payment will be distributed in accordance with Nepal’s Benefit Sharing Plan, developed through a participatory process that included consultations with local communities and key stakeholders. The plan ensures that forest-dependent communities and Indigenous Peoples directly benefit from the results of their efforts.
Investments will support continued forest restoration, community enterprises, and climate-resilient livelihoods — reinforcing Nepal’s global reputation as a pioneer of community forestry and participatory resource management, according to the WB.
“This results-based payment reflects the efforts and dedication of our forest-dependent communities, Indigenous Peoples, and the government in conserving and managing our forests. Nepal remains committed to advancing climate action through inclusive and community-led forest management,” said Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of Ministry of Forests and Environment.
Weather to remain mainly fair today
The weather will remain partly cloudy in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and mainly fair in the rest of the country.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there is no significant effect of the weather system across the country at the moment.
Experts call for larger role of science for development in Nepal
Experts have underscored the need for a stronger development in Nepal, advocating for science that is accessible, inclusive and actionable for public benefit.
They said so during a Round Table Discussion on ‘Harnessing Science for Connectivity, Climate Action, & Clean Energy’ organized by The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) in Kathmandu today, reads a statement issued by The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA).
The event, held to celebrate World Science Day 2025, brought together leading experts, policymakers, and academics to address the theme, "Trust, transformation, and tomorrow: The science we need for 2050."
The event opened with the insightful remarks from Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Government of Nepal.
Shah emphasized the critical need to integrate scientific advancements into national policy to tackle the compounding challenges of climate change and sustainable development, setting a powerful tone for the event.
The discussion called on a distinguished panel of experts who delivered insightful and compelling presentations on three core thematic areas, according to the statement.
The first presentation on Connectivity by Laxman Bahadur Basnet, Distinguished Fellow at AIDIA, explored the role of science and technology in enhancing national and regional connectivity, from digital infrastructure to transportation networks.
Likewise, the second presentation on ‘Climate Loss and Damage’ by Ujjwal Upadhyay, a noted Climate Adaptation and DRR Expert, provided a critical analysis of the escalating impacts of climate change in Nepal and outlined the scientific and policy frameworks required to address loss and damage.
The third presentation on Energy Transition by Kuber Chalise, Research Director at AIDIA, delivered a presentation on the Nepal's clean energy transition, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in moving away from fossil fuels, the surge in electric vehicle and increasing production of hydropower.
Following the presentations, a dynamic open discussion was held, allowing participants to engage directly with the experts. The conversation underscored the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach, bridging the gap between scientific research, policy-making, and public implementation, the statement further reads.
Giving his remarks, Anup Upadhyay, chair of the new political party Nepal Ujjwalo Party and chair of Nepalese Association of PPP Professionals and Practitioners (NAPPP) called highlighted the government’s policy and gaps that have not allowed to transform the policy into practice.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to fostering continued dialogue on these critical issues. As a gesture of gratitude for their invaluable contributions, Sajina Rai, Program Director of AIDIA, presented a token of love to the esteemed presenters.
