United Nations in Nepal

Nepal committed to the SDGs early on, and this commitment has been reaffirmed in key policy documents, such as the current 15th Development Plan and the 25 Year Long-Term Vision 2100 that internalises the Goals. SDGs codes are assigned for all national development programmes through the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework. Further, Nepal has prepared the SDG Status and Roadmap to localize the SDG indicators with baselines and targets for 2030. Other key documents are a SDGs Needs Assessment, a Costing and Financing Strategy, and additional SDGs Localization Guidelines. Finally, Nepal has conducted a Development Finance Assessment (DFA) to provide an overview of development finance flows and institutions and policies that can align finance with national development priorities. These are the goals the UN is working on in Nepal:

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Story

03 July 2023

UN Nepal Piloting PSEA Integration into Development Programming and UNSDCF Implementation

To prevent Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) at all levels and to ensure SEA is addressed as the top priority, the PSEA co-chairs in Nepal-UN Resident Coordinator Office and UN Women with the support from WHO- organized the first of its kind workshop on June 21-22 for the UN agency key focal points to capacitate them to integrate PSEA into the UN Sustainable Cooperation Framework (CF). The workshop piloted by the UN in Nepal brought together 32 participants from the PSEA Working Group and the CF Outcome Working Groups. Jointly the participants identified opportunities for PSEA to inform and be integrated into CF outcomes, processes, and tools. The participants also prioritised a set of key actions and recommendations for the Outcome Working Groups, PSEA Network and the UNCT. The 1.5-day workshop was facilitated by Lian Yong, Asia Pacific inter-agency PSEA Coordinator, together with Tej Maya Dangol, Nepal PSEA Coordinator and UN RCO and UN Women staff members. Feedback from the workshop was positive, as it enabled key agency focal points time and space to think deeply about opportunities within their own agencies as well as collectively for the UNCT. Lessons learned from this workshop will be taken and applied both at the regional Asia/Pacific level as well as globally. It is hoped that this pilot can be replicated in other contexts supporting the UN’s move from PSEA at the policy level to concrete actions at the ground level.

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Lian Yong wearing a white top and black dress, holds a mic in her hand to commence the PSEA workshop for the attending participants in the room. Participants are viewing the projector screen, taking notes and listening to her intently while the opening session takes place.

Press Release

03 December 2020

Oped : The challenges people with disabilities face

Richard Howard The year 2020 has thrown unprecedented challenges at all of us, both in Nepal and globally. The pandemic has also impacted people disproportionally. Persons with disabilities that make up 15 percent of the world population, or one billion, are among the hardest hit by Covid-19. One in every five women is likely to experience disability in her life, while one in every 10 children is living with a disability. Of the one billion population of persons with disabilities, 80 percent live in developing countries. These numbers provide a backdrop for thinking about our response to Covid-19 and how we make a dedicated effort to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind. We must ensure their inclusion in our response and recovery efforts. Some disabilities are not visible. Chronic pain, mental illness, chronic fatigue are a few types of invisible disabilities that control people’s lives but do not show in obvious ways. These are people who are regularly told that their disabilities are not real, are made up for sympathy or only imagined and could not possibly be a real medical condition since they walk free from canes or crutches, have functioning limbs, and can seemingly move their bodies just like the rest of us. Society needs to be built so that it is accessible to everyone, including those with less visible disabilities. Nepali society, like most societies, should promote greater understanding and increased accessibility for people with disabilities, who are often treated differently or excluded from the opportunities and conversations open to others. They are pressed to navigate a world that is not built for them. Kindness, compassion and consideration are a good start to ensure that we see and support those who may struggle and suffer in normal times and in times of crisis. When this pandemic passes, the world must be a different place, and it is a chance to reimagine a society in which people with disabilities have better lives; where they do not have to fight to be seen and included, and where they are not merely an afterthought. People with disabilities should participate in our response and recovery from Covid-19 at all stages, and they should hold us accountable to deliver on our promises. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I hope that we can all begin to envision a society that everyone can participate in, one that changes how we see and interact with disabilities as equal partners, particularly those with invisible disabilities. It is a chance to build back better and challenge inequalities at every step. A big step in the right direction is to break the silence, speak up and wipe away the biases held against people with disabilities, to banish the stereotypes, and slowly dissipate the stigma facing people with disabilities. These changes start with each of us making a commitment. There are myriad ways in which the world can transform to remove obstacles for people with disabilities to access the opportunities the rest have, from access to economic opportunity and healthy workspaces to accessible infrastructure and health services. Richard Howard Howard is the UN Resident Coordinator ad interim in Nepal and is the Director of ILO Nepal

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Story

10 January 2020

Young Girls in rural Nepal are choosing early marriage to escape poverty and discrimination

The zinc sheet roofs, mud huts and wooden pillars of Namuna Basti shows poverty reigns. Namuna Basti is a labyrinth of lanes with 55 closely packed housing units inhabited by impoverished Badi community- the poorest and most marginalized groups (Dalits) in Nepal who are also considered the “untouchables”. It lies just out of eyesight from the nearest bigger town in the Karnali Province. In the community, young women with children are a common sight. About 90 percent of the women from Namuna Basti are married before the age of 20, which speaks to the alarming prevalence of child marriage here. An Arial view of Namuna Basti. Child marriage in Nepal is driven by a complex web of factors., Key among them is caste-based and gender-based discrimination, especially when combined with poverty. In Nepal’s rural communities, parents often choose marriage for girls because, once married, daughters customarily leave their homes to enter into their husbands’ household and cannot financially support their parents like their sons. It leads families to prioritize education and even basic survival needs, such as food, for boys over girls, which is one of the reasons why child brides and their children are more likely to be malnourished. Due to the existence of a deeply embedded patriarchal norms and unequal power relations, Nepal has a high prevalence of deeply-rooted traditional practices such as caste-based discrimination, chhaupadi and menstrual restrictions, child marriage, dowry, and witchcraft accusation and persecution. These practices often create significant barriers to the realization of human rights, particularly for women and persons from excluded groups. Despite significant advances in legislative and policy frameworks made over the past few years, these practices continue to pervade in Nepal. In 2018, in recognition of these practices being barriers to realizing the UN’s commitments to Agenda 2030 and the principle of Leaving No One Behind, the United Nations Country Team in Nepal with the support of DCO innovation funds carried out a Perception Survey on five of the above-mentioned practices. The survey, conducted in 16 districts within Province 2, 6 and 7 covering 4,000 respondents, was led by the United Nations Resident Coordinators Office in Nepal. Rama (name changed), a 22-year-old girl from Namuna Basti was born into a Badi family. Due to poverty her parents could not afford her education. She started working in India as a full-time maid at the age of 13. She had to spend more than 12 hours a day doing household chores, and she was desperately looking for an escape from her everyday hardship. With the hope to live a better life, seven years ago, she married the person she loved at the age of 15, despite the minimum age requirement for marriage being 20 years old under the Nepali Law. Her husband was 25 Rama’s husband belonged to the so called “upper-caste” Kshetriyas (also called Chhetris). In Nepal, the influence of caste — a social order rooted in Hindu scriptures and based on an identity determined at birth — cannot be disregarded. In the perception of caste hierarchy, Brahmins and Chhetris remain at the top and Dalits, who make up almost 13.6 percent of Nepal’s population of more than 27.33 Million, are at the bottom. Due to this perceived hierarchy, discrimination based on caste remains pervasive. From the Perception Survey carried out by the UN, among the 4,000 respondents from 16 districts, 97% indicated that they have accepted the prevalence of caste-based discrimination in their locality. Following their marriage, Rama returned to Nepal with her husband and began living with her in-laws. Being a Dalit woman, Rama was at high risk of experiencing both caste- and gender-based discrimination at her husband’s house. Fortunately, however, Rama’s husband protected her and facilitated her to be accepted as a member of the family. Rama became pregnant almost immediately after her marriage. Knowing that pregnancy could be risky for Rama at her young age, her husband insisted to abort the baby. But she remained adamant and gave birth to their first child when she was just 16. Within just five years of her marriage, her life took an unexpected turn, when a tragic road accident killed her husband. Following the death of her husband, her in-laws began verbally abusing her and forced her to work endlessly. Rama left her husband’s house along with her children and began living with her mother in Namuna Basti. Rama is now a 22-year-old widow and is a sole bread winner for her family. With poverty, lack of education and discrimination based on her caste that she faces every day, giving a decent life to her children is a constant struggle. In the same Basti, Seema Badi (name changed) lives two houses apart from Rama. Seema, just like Rama, is a child bride who chose to get married on her own. She eloped with her boyfriend, who was two-class senior to her in school, when she just became a teenager. Her mother initially brought Seema back from her boyfriend’s house and asked her to focus on her education and wait until she gained some maturity. To her mother’s dismay, Seema left the house for the second time to be with her boyfriend. And what drove her to do that? “To escape from poverty, discriminatory social norms and a desire to avoid a forced marriage to a stranger” was her answer. “My mother was giving birth every other year. I had to support her either by babysitting my siblings or supporting the household chores. At school, I faced discrimination from my peers and my teachers for being a ‘Badi girl’” lamented Seema. Recalling one of the incidents in school she said, “one day a big commotion took place in my class when I accidently touched my classmate’s tiffin box. Since she belonged to the upper-caste, my teacher thrashed me in front of my peers. That very moment, I lost faith in our education system and I tore my books in front of my teacher and left the class. I never returned to the class again.” Seema, who is 21 and a mother of an 8-year-old girl, shares she is content with her present life. Her husband is working in the gulf country to make the ends meet for the family and pay for their daughter’s education. “Together Forever” says Seema with happiness as she shows the initials of her husband and daughter's name inked on her left hand. She however feels she could have achieved more had she listened to her mother and not eloped for the second time. But the societal pressure was one of the factors that constrained her from staying with her mother. “The rumor about me eloping with my boyfriend has already spread in the community. So, the only choice I had was to go back to the person I love because no one would have accepted me as a wife later,” shared Seema. Seema does not want her daughter to repeat her same mistakes. She wants to invest in her daughter’s education so that her daughter can achieve her full potential. But the growing trend of voluntary “love marriages” among teenage children in marginalized communities, often prompted by the desire to escape poverty and discrimination, scares Seema. Seema’s fear is not unfounded. The Perception Survey showed that 90% of the 4,000 respondents acknowledge that voluntary love marriage (Bhagi Bibaha) among minors is prevalent in their locality, while 19% indicated the continued prevalence of an arranged marriage (Magi Bibaha) among minors. According to UNICEF, 15 million girls are married as children globally each year and Nepal has the third highest rate of child marriage in Asia, after Bangladesh and India. The trend of young girls like Seema and Rama choosing early love marriage to cope with poverty and discrimination not only exposes them to a vicious cycle of inequality and insecurity, but also perpetuates the practice of child marriage, creating an obstacle to global development. A 19-year-old girl from Dailekh district with her two children. Child marriage is a core development and human rights issue which is directly linked with eight of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are Goals 1 (poverty), 2 (food security), 3 (health), 4 (education), 5 (gender equality), 8 (economic growth), 10 (inequality), and 16 (peace). Ending child marriage and investing more into the child’s future is therefore an indispensable responsibility of Nepal to ensure that it fully achieves the SDGs.

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Young Girls in rural Nepal are choosing early marriage to escape poverty and discrimination

Story

27 June 2025

Building an inclusive economy through women-led businesses

At dawn in Belauri Municipality, northeastern Nepal, the rustle of vegetable leaves and the hum of water pumps signal the start of another productive day for Nisha Devi Chaudhary. Once dependent on her husband’s migrant remittances, she now grows seasonal vegetables like cabbage, chilies and tomatoes on her family’s land, which spans about 1,000 square metres.After completing a vocational training in vegetable farming supported by the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) programme, she gained new agricultural skills, access to organic inputs and market information. Today, she earns USD 260 to 300 per month, an increase in income after EWPN’s intervention. She is now planning to lease more land to expand her farm.“I no longer wait for money to come from abroad. I am earning with my own hands and feeding my family with what I grow,” she says, standing proudly next to her in-progress tunnel farm, partially funded by a seed grant from the programme. Chaudhary’s story is not just a personal triumph, it is emblematic of a broader shift sweeping across Nepal. As the country prepares for graduation from Least-Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, its path to inclusive economic growth increasingly hinges on the empowerment of women like her. And the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by women, is central to this transformation. Anchored on SDG 5 (on gender equality), SDG 8 (on decent work and economic growth) and SDG 10 (on reduced inequalities), Nepal’s transition will only be sustainable and irreversible if it is gender responsive.Across Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, women’s voices are influencing local economic decisions, shaping municipal plans and claiming their space in markets. In Belauri, a group of 16 women has turned a local opportunity into an enterprise by producing traditional sweets and snacks near the scenic Shova Lake, linking their products to the region’s emerging tourism value chain. Supported by the EWPN programme with training and business coaching, the group has also formed a savings and credit association to reinvest in their venture.“We save every month and decide together how to grow our business. This is not just about income, it is about our unity and our decision-making power,” shares Rita Chaudhary, one of the women entrepreneurs.In Birgunj, a group of 20 women trained in stitching now produce school uniforms in a workspace constructed and equipped by their local ward office. Their products are directly linked to the Government’s school uniform distribution programme, providing them with stable income while fulfilling a public need.“Before, I used to earn a little. Now, I work full-time with dignity. My uniform goes to children who could not afford one otherwise. That makes me proud,” says Khusboo Kumari Patel, a member of the stitching group.These achievements reflect the systemic change that EWPN was designed to catalyse. As of May 2025, 569 women, primarily from marginalized and underserved communities out of 1,500 targeted participants across the three provinces have received Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training-certified vocational training in agriculture, textile, arts and food-based trades complemented by business coaching, seed funding and market linkages support. Many of them come from historically marginalized communities: Dalit, Janajati, Muslim, Madhesi and returnee migrant households with limited income, land and formal education. Of the 136 women trained through the programme, 39 per cent have already launched or expanded income-generating activities with support from local institutions and value chain actors.Beyond economic gains, EWPN-supported opportunities are shifting social dynamics and power relations within households and communities. As women begin earning and contributing to household income, they are stepping into new roles as decision-makers and community leaders.“Once I started earning, I found the confidence to speak up at home and in community meetings. Now, I feel my voice is heard,” says Saraswati Sunar, from Birendranagar, who now co-manages a collective turmeric farm after training through the EWPN programme. “This used to be the shed where I stayed during menstruation, isolated because of an old tradition,” says Khagisara Acharya Karki, a poultry farmer from Dailekh. “Now, it’s where I raise chickens and run my business. EWPN didn’t just help me earn, it helped me leave behind a harmful practice and reclaim my space.”Several women have gone on to lead savings groups, advocate for community services and represent their cooperatives in local dialogues. In doing so, they are actively influencing decisions that affect their lives and communities. By positioning women as visible economic actors, the programme is not only strengthening the economic security and rights of women but also challenging entrenched gender norms.To enable this shift, EWPN partners with federal, provincial and local governments to embed inclusive economic models into policy and practice. In Dhangadi, for example, the local government launched a weekly women’s market, offering 75 stalls to women entrepreneurs from informal sectors. Technical support from EWPN ensured gender-sensitive design and operational guidance, turning policy into real economic opportunity.The programme also facilitated the provision of equipment through local cooperatives and farmer associations, promoted digital finance training and supported inclusive planning processes ensuring that women were not just beneficiaries but co-creators of their communities’ economic future.With continued commitment, these systemic supports will ensure that gains made under EWPN become a springboard, not a ceiling, for Nepal’s inclusive growth.In Birendranagar, Sushila Tharu stands at the doorway of the Patalganga Tharu Community Homestay, welcoming visitors with quiet pride. For over six years, the initiative has not only created income, but built identity and dignity for Tharu women in her community. Through the EWPN-supported 18-day hospitality and culinary training, she and other women enhanced their skills, experimented with authentic Tharu recipes, and deepened their understanding of cultural tourism.“I no longer have to ask my husband for money,” she says. “This homestay has shown our community and ourselves that when women are given the opportunity, we lead.” Looking beyond 2026, UN Women Nepal envisions a resilient national economy where women-led MSMEs are not exceptions, but anchors.About the programme: Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal is a four-year joint initiative (2023–2026) by the Government of Nepal, the European Union and the United Nations to advance gender equality and inclusive economic growth. The programme is implemented by four UN agencies (ILO, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women) across Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, in close partnership with all levels of government.

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Story

30 December 2024

From Bondage to Business:

In the heart of Kanchanpur’s Belauri Municipality, 16 determined women historically marginalized Kamaiya group—have rewritten their futures with the sizzling sounds of snacks and sweets. Until recently, these women had limited opportunities. The remnants of the Kamaiya bonded labour system still cast long shadows, restricting their access to resources and economic independence. But change began to take root in late 2024, when the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) programme joined hands with Belauri Municipality, the Sobhataal Protection Group, and local leaders to support the economic empowerment of these women These women recently completed a 1.5-months intensive training in fast food preparation, thanks to a partnership between the EWPN, local government and the Sobhataal Protection Group. These aspiring entrepreneurs were not just learning to cook; they were learning to dream. With support from EWPN, and leadership of Ward Member Kripa Ram Chaudhary and Ward Chairman Lal Bahadur Chaudhary, the women were equipped with culinary skills, confidence, and hope. Sobhataal—once just a local secret—is emerging as tourism destination which is also prioritized in the plan of the local government. With rising visitor numbers came a glaring gap: no food outlets to serve hungry travellers. Seizing the opportunity, EWPN in partnership with Belauri Municipality, ward no-5 stepped in with the interventions: empower local women to start fast food counters right at the lake. EWPN provided cooking equipment and kitchen utensils, forming the “Sobhataal Women Entrepreneur’s Group” which was further complemented by local government through other logistics support equivalent of NPR 100,000. With this support, the women—once limited by systemic barriers—are now running business, serving freshly made snacks to weekend crowds. It’s not just a business; it’s a movement-says the leader of the ‘Sobhataal Women Entrepreneurs’ group. According to her, they are running the business everyday where they take charge of business on a rotational basis. Average weekly income of NPR 5000 Inspired by the group business, two of the training participants from other ward also started similar business, embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. These women are setting role models for the rest of the community women to step out from their household chores and join labour market for increased voice, agency and choice. The Belauri Municipality prepares for an official inauguration of the weekly market in Shobataal to provide market opportunity for local produce for more women from the community. This upcoming event aims to spotlight not just economic empowerment, but the transformative power of community-led development. With plans to expand services to weekdays and draw in more local tourists, these women are becoming symbols of resilience and innovation. Sobhataal is no longer just a place of natural beauty—it’s a stage where women rise, lead, and thrive. Looking ahead, the story doesn't end here. Building on this momentum, UN Women plans to work closely with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to help these and other aspiring women entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses. Women who show interest and readiness will be supported through ILO’s “Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB)” training, providing them with practical tools and guidance to grow and sustain their enterprises.

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A group of people, some standing and some sitting, holding a rectangular banner that reads "45 Days Sweets and Lunch Making Training."

Story

27 December 2024

Turning Skills into Prosperity: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Belauri

"It makes us happy to see the fruits of training being implemented," says Naresh Prasad Bhatta, Employment Coordinator and SIYB (Start and Improve Your Business) Facilitator for Belauri Municipality, Sudurpachim.Naresh and Dipa Raut, an Entrepreneur Development coordinator, attended a 10-day SIYB Training of Trainers (ToT) in Dhangadhi. The training, conducted under the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) program led by the ILO in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, aimed to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills to empower local women entrepreneurs. Following their training, the ILO and Belauri Municipality organized an SIYB session in Belauri-5, Attariya, where 22 women from the community participated. Many of these women were involved in vegetable farming and traditional tapari (leaf plate) production but lacked the knowledge to transform their work into sustainable, profit-oriented businesses. One of the participants, Phulkumari Rana, had been a vegetable farmer for years but never saw it as a potential business. "Through the training, I learned the importance of setting profit margins, practicing seasonal farming, and understanding market demands," she shared. "I was earning just enough to get by, but now I know how to calculate profits, save, and expand my business."The impact of the training was immediate and transformative. Women in the community who were engaged in tapari production received tapari-making machines from the municipality. With renewed confidence and skills, they are now planning to market their products across Dhangadhi, aiming to generate greater income and improve their livelihoods. Under the EWPN program—a collaborative effort between the Government of Nepal, the European Union, and the United Nations—the ILO capacitated province and municipal government trainers who now mobilize their funds to deliver business development support to budding and existing entrepreneurs from local communities, as well as referees from EWPN partner agencies. The Naresh Bhatta and Dipa Raut trainer were used by UN Women to train vegetable farmers on SIYB with backstopping from an ILO master trainer. With their newfound entrepreneurial skills, they are not only changing their own lives but setting an inspiring example for future generations of women entrepreneurs in Sudurpaschim.

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A woman stands in the field with a joyful expression, proudly holding a large cabbage she has harvested.

Story

26 December 2024

Breaking the Cycle: Kamala and Saraswati's Journey from Tradition to Transformation

Early marriage was simply a part of life for Kamala Khadka. She herself was married at just 11 years old to a boy barely four years older. Growing up, she never questioned the practice—it was considered normal in her community. So, when her 15-year-old daughter Saraswati upset her, Kamala’s go-to threat was always the same: "I’ll marry you off and let you face what marriage brings."Those words stung deeply. "It hurt me every time she said that" Saraswati recalled with sadness.Everything changed when Kamala joined the Rupantaran parent’s sessions under the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) initiative, facilitated by UNICEF. This program was designed for parents of students attending Rupantaran sessions in schools to discuss and reflect on issues affecting young girls, including the struggles of early marriage.During these sessions, Kamala learned from facilitators and other parents that child marriage not only violates the law but can have devastating consequences. For the first time, she connected the hardships she had endured in her own life to early marriage. "I lost my husband when I was very young and had to raise three children on my own. If I had been educated, I could have earned enough to support my family, but marriage robbed me of that chance. Instead, I was burdened with household chores and faced immense mental stress," shared Kamala. "Now I realize that marrying Saraswati off won’t solve problems, it will only ruin her future. Considering the facts, I’ve stopped pushing for early marriage and want better for her."Meanwhile, Saraswati, now in Grade 9, regularly attends the Rupantaran sessions. These sessions teach students about the harms of early marriage, equality, and mutual respect among peers. "One day, I want to become a teacher and conduct Rupantaran sessions just like this to raise awareness about early marriage," says Saraswati. The mother and daughter both now share conversations about what they learn from their respective sessions, deepening their bond and reshaping their outlook on life.Child marriage continues to be practiced in various parts of Nepal, robbing children—especially girls—of their rights, education, and future opportunities. To combat this harmful tradition, the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) programme, a joint effort by the Government of Nepal, the European Union, and the United Nations, is supporting Rupantaran parent’s sessions and Rupantaran life skills sessions across the across multiple municipalities in the Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Madhesh provinces.The initiative not only raises awareness about key social issues but also aims to equip school dropouts with skill development training through programs led by UN Women and ILO.

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A young girl is standing in a classroom, surrounded by her friends who are seated on benches.

Story

25 December 2024

Empowering Women Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: Stories of Strength and Hope

Dikshya (pseudonym) endured years of physical and emotional violence after giving birth to a daughter. "Having an alcoholic husband ruined my life," she recalled. The abuse she faced during her first pregnancy tragically led to the death of her unborn child. Despite repeated counseling sessions, her husband never changed, and Dikshya began losing hope for a better future for herself and her child. Her thoughts changed when she visited a health center for her daughter’s vaccination. There, she learned about the One-Stop Crisis Management Center (OCMC) and Safe House services, as well as the various forms of gender-based violence (GBV). Realizing that the abuse she had normalized was indeed violence, Dikshya decided to seek help at the OCMC. The counseling she received empowered her to rebuild her life. She was also enrolled in a sewing skills training program to support her journey toward economic independence. Similarly, Situ (pseudonym) was married at the age of 13 after being raised by her grandparents, who hoped marriage would secure her future. Instead, her life took a tragic turn as her husband subjected her to severe abuse, once nearly beating her to death. Desperate to escape, she sought help at the OCMC, where she was referred to a Safe House. At the Safe House, Situ joined other GBV survivors in learning sewing skills. "I no longer feel alone. I have a team here, and if I learn well, I can earn for myself," she shared with hope in her voice. Through OCMC's support, she also received critical medical treatment for uterine issues at Dadeldhura Hospital. Both Dikshya and Situ now dream of opening tailoring businesses to become financially self-reliant. Janaki Singh, Case Manager and Counselor at OCMC, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about GBV. "Many women believe being beaten by their husbands is normal. We need to educate them that every woman has the right to feel safe," she said. The OCMC and Safe Houses, supported by UNFPA under the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) program, provide crucial support for GBV survivors. Women in these shelters not only receive counseling but are also referred for skill development training, such as tailoring and beauty services. UNFPA collaborates with UN Women and ILO to link survivors to economic opportunities and market opportunities. This multi-agency effort, under the EWPN program—a joint initiative of the Government of Nepal, the European Union, and the United Nations—aims to empower women like Dikshya and Situ, helping them regain dignity, independence, and a brighter future.

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Press Release

04 May 2025

Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media

Excellencies, colleagues, members of the media, friends,In a world increasingly divided by war, disinformation, and inequality, World Press Freedom Day reminds us of something essential:
Freedom for people depends on freedom of the press.A free, independent, and ethical press is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It is the voice that holds power to account, that protects rights, and that brings truth into the light.But that voice is under threat.
Journalists around the world face harassment, detention, censorship, violence—and, too often, death—for simply doing their jobs.
And nowhere is this more tragic today than in Gaza, where far too many media workers have paid the ultimate price for their commitment to truth.When journalists are silenced, we all lose.This year’s theme—“Reporting in the Brave New World”—could not be more relevant. We are entering a digital era where Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we access and share information.AI can be a force for good—helping us analyze, translate, predict. But it can also be used to distort, deceive, and divide.
Biased algorithms. Deepfakes. Online hate. Misinformation.
These are the new landmines on the information highway.And so, the challenge before us is urgent and clear:
How do we ensure AI serves democracy, not undermines it?The United Nations is stepping up.The Global Digital Compact, endorsed last year, offers a framework for promoting integrity and trust in the digital world.The Global Principles for Information Integrity are guiding our efforts to ensure that facts—not falsehoods—drive public discourse.UNESCO,. UNESCO, our key agency for media development and freedom of expression, has taken the lead in advocating for ethical AI governance. Its landmark "Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence"—adopted unanimously by 193 Member States—outlines principles of human rights, transparency, non-discrimination, and accountability in the use of AI.These frameworks are rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—particularly Article 19, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression and access to information. They also connect directly to SDG 16.10: ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedomsHere in South Asia, and in Nepal, the stakes are real.This region has long been home to courageous, vibrant, and essential journalism.
But today, many media professionals face growing economic pressure, shrinking civic space, and digital insecurity.
The move toward freelance and gig-based reporting raises new questions around labour rights and sustainability.In Nepal, we see both progress and concern:There is growing awareness of journalists’ rights, better digital literacy, and a more connected media community.But economic vulnerability, gaps in legal protections, and new legislative developments around media and social platforms call for scrutiny and inclusive dialogue.We must also pause to honour the memory of Suresh Rajak and Suresh Bhul, two Nepali journalists who tragically lost their lives this past year.
Nepal remains safer than many countries, but these losses are a stark reminder: even here, journalism carries risk.
Their lives and work call us to do more—to protect, to empower, to ensure no truth-teller stands alone.As the UN Resident Coordinator, I am proud to say that the UN in Nepal is actively supporting:Media literacy and AI ethics training,Efforts to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence,Legal reforms to strengthen freedom of expression and press accountability,And support for public-interest journalism and journalist safety.Regionally, UNESCO’s work on AI and media viability, especially its training for women journalists, is helping to build a media community that is both resilient and rights-based.But this is not just about support. It’s about responsibility.AI reflects the values we encode in it. So let’s ask ourselves:Are we building systems that amplify diverse voices—or silence them?Are we designing digital platforms that promote truth—or bury it under algorithms of outrage?We must respond with three actions:Governments must regulate AI in ways that protect—not restrict—press freedom.Media institutions must adopt transparent, inclusive, and ethical digital practices.And across South Asia, we need regional solidarity to build a more just, informed, and humane media ecosystem.Let me leave you with this:We are standing at a crossroads.
One road leads to deeper division, disinformation, and distrust.
The other—if we choose it—leads to transparency, accountability, and freedom.Let this World Press Freedom Day be more than reflection. Let it be a recommitment.
A recommitment to facts over falsehoods, to integrity over influence, to journalism over noise.As the United Nations, we are with you.
Not just in words, but in action.
Together, let us shape an AI-powered future that informs, not misleads; empowers, not endangers; and connects, not divides.Thank you.

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Press Release

04 December 2024

Asia-Pacific States to convene in Kathmandu to promote sustainable, safe and secure ammunition management

Inadequate through-life conventional ammunition management fuels insecurity. The diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of conventional ammunition, including small arms and light weapons ammunition, has been a catalyst for armed conflict, pervasive violence and acts of crime and terrorism. Diverted conventional ammunition is also frequently used by non-State actors for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices. Moreover, poorly managed conventional ammunition stockpiles can result in unplanned explosions at munition sites with disastrous humanitarian and socio-economic consequences, including death, injury, displacement and environmental damage. The Global Framework, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2023, offers a comprehensive solution. Covering all types of conventional ammunition, it outlines 15 objectives to strengthen safety, security, and sustainability at every stage—from manufacture to disposal.The regional meeting aims to raise awareness of this new instrument and the political commitments it contains. Officials from 20 Asia-Pacific states, alongside United Nations entities, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, and civil society actors, will share expertise and explore solutions tailored to national and region-specific needs in ammunition management. Discussions will focus on best practices for ammunition safety and security to mitigate risks such as unplanned explosions and diversion to wrong hands.Participants will also examine synergies with initiatives under the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. During this segment, they will focus on the Framework’s potential as a tool to enhance security and create conditions conducive to sustainable development, and explore Objective 14 on strengthening gender mainstreaming and promoting gender equality in through-life conventional ammunition managementMoreover, participants will discuss regional and sub-regional initiatives and approaches to arms control in Asia-Pacific and explore how these efforts can support the implementation of the Global Framework.********More information on the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management is available at: https://disarmament.unoda.org/convarms/ammunition/#gfammunition For additional details on the regional meeting, please contact Nora Allgaier, UNODA at nora.allgaier@un.org and Ida Scarpino, UNRCPD, at ida.scarpino@un.org.

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Press Release

08 October 2024

UN and Humanitarian Partners Mobilize Response to Support Flood-Stricken Communities in Nepal’s Climate Crisis

The Nepal Floods Response Plan prioritizes 193,000 people, with an immediate funding requirement of US$ 17.5 million to provide urgent assistance to the most vulnerable and most affected people and communities.With 246 fatalities, 183 injuries, and 18 individuals still missing, the floods have caused widespread devastation in 21 districts, seven of which have been severely impacted. Thousands of families have been displaced, with over 10,000 households sheltering in overcrowded temporary camps, struggling to access basic needs like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Damage assessments reveal extensive destruction of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, health facilities, and schools, as well as significant losses in agriculture and energy sectors. “Families and communities in Nepal are reeling from devastating floods and landslides that have compounded existing vulnerabilities to disasters and climate shocks. This response plan is a unified commitment of the Humanitarian Country Team to provide lifesaving assistance to the communities who need and deserve our support to face the devastating consequences of the global climate crisis. We need to stand by them as we globally face a very real, yet uncertain, climate future” said Ms. Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal.The Nepal Floods Response Plan supports the government's "build-back-better" strategy, focusing on urgent food, water, shelter, and protection needs. It prioritizes vulnerable groups—women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—ensuring equitable access and addressing risks like disease, protection issues, and food insecurity. Donor support towards the US$17.5 million urgently required through this plan would ensure UN agencies and humanitarian organizations are capacitated to fully support the people and Government of Nepal. As the floods developed on 29 September, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) triggered US$3.4 million for Anticipatory Action (AA) in Sunsari and Saptari districts, prioritizing vulnerable populations in Koshi and Madhesh provinces. This anticipatory approach, piloted and implemented by FAO, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WFP, is a vital effort to safeguard lives and livelihoods in flood- affected communities.In close collaboration with the Government of Nepal, the Humanitarian Country Team, UN agencies and partners will intensify efforts to provide life-saving relief and restore livelihoods, ensuring communities have the resilience to rebuild in the wake of yet another climate-driven disaster.#For Further Information contact: Simrika SharmaNational Information Officer Email: simrika.sharma@un.org Tel: +977 5523200 Ext. 1510

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Press Release

04 September 2024

Nepal Civil Society Conference Paves the Way for Nepal's Future Amid Global Challenges

The Nepal Civil Society Conference for the Summit of the Future organized by the United Nations Nepal (UN Nepal), NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) and Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN) on 3 September, brought together national and international civil society organizations and those representing women, youths and marginalized groups to discuss how Nepal can better contribute to shape the Summit of the Future and better utilize the Pact of the Future—the outcome document of the Summit of the Future—in the support of realizing Nepal’s development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking at the conference, the Chief Guest Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized on the critical role that civil society organizations (CSOs) can play in taking Nepal’s peace process to the meaningful conclusion, contributing to the implementation of the recently adopted laws on transitional justice. She further emphasized their role in shaping the future, influencing policy reforms and making governance more transparent and inclusive. She further stressed on unified efforts and shared responsibility to address challenges, promote accountability towards multilateral system, strengthen global governance, and foster intergovernmental solidarity for sustainable development, including for LDC graduating countries’ smooth transition and improved development cooperation through the Summit of the FutureAt the conference, the members of the civil society also stressed prioritization and inclusion of youth and marginalized communities at all levels of decision-making centering on equity, justice, and diversity. On behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Hanaa Singer Hamdy, Resident Coordinator a.i. and UNESCO Representative to Nepal, Mr Michael Croft, said “The UN in Nepal is proud to co-host the critical Civil Society Conferences in the lead-up to the Summit of the Future. As a major player in the wheel of development, it is crucial to meaningfully feed civil society perspectives into the pact of the future. Therefore I hope the outcome document of the Nepal CSO conference which delved around consolidating Nepal’s peace process, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development and meaningful youth participation at all levels, will be a place to start the critical multistakeholder coalitions of Member States, civil society, and UN to achieve inclusive sustainable development and lasting peace. Mr. Ram Prasad Subedi, chairperson of NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) spoke about Nepal's significant challenges in the economic, social, and cultural sectors and highlighted the importance of involving international NGOs in discussions on peace and justice, stressed the need to retain young talent in Nepal for the country's progress. He said, “Countries should invest in peace and development rather than militarism and war.” Mr. SP Kalaunee, chairperson of AIN, emphasized the importance of timely discussions on envisioning the future. He also cautioned that while LDC graduation will bring changes, transformations won't happen overnight, and efforts must continue to address current challenges, always keeping people at the center of the SDG efforts. An outcome document on behalf of Civil Society Organizations was also presented at the conference. The document outlines citizen perceptions and demands regarding the SDGs and the upcoming Summit of the Future, emphasizing the need for actionable plans with accountability, equitable resource distribution, and stronger international commitments, particularly from developed countries. It calls for the inclusion of marginalized communities in decision-making, expanded civil liberties, investment in youth, and a greater role for civil society in achieving the SDGs, among others. The conference, which featured three-panel discussions on Consolidating Nepal’s Peace Process to Promote International Peace and Security, Strengthening Inclusion and Equality for Sustainable Development, and Youth and Digital Transformation for Gender, Social, and Climate Justice, underscored the need for continued collaboration and concrete action to ensure Nepal’s progress towards 2030 SDG targets is inclusive and sustainable. The conference has shaped Nepal’s position at the upcoming Summit of the Future. #For Further Information contact: Simrika SharmaNational Information Officer UN Information Center Email: simrika.sharma@un.org Tel: 5523200 Ext. 1510

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Press Release

20 August 2024

Concerted Efforts Required To Mobilize Finance For Sustainable Development In Nepal

Kathmandu, August 20: The Government of Nepal, the private sector, and the UN in Nepal have emphasized on mobilizing sufficient development finance to achieve Nepal’s key development targets including the SDGs. During The Financing for Development Dialogue: Nepal’s Road to the Summit of the Future organized by the United Nations Nepal (UN Nepal) in partnership with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal’s pertinent stakeholders in finance and development highlighted the requirement of additional investment to achieve sustainable development and accelerate structural transformation of the economy. Speaking at the inauguration session, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prashad Poudel pointed out that in developing countries, a significant portion of revenue is spent on debt servicing, leaving little for development investment. He emphasized that Nepal is no exception and called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and development partners to mobilize resources. He also stressed the importance of formulating a common position for the upcoming Summit for the Future at the United Nations and noted that this dialogue would contribute to that effort.Four years after a series of global shocks – including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts and economic instability – the SDG financing gap for developing countries like Nepal has ballooned to USD 4 trillion annually. The financing gap and accompanying debt challenges have worsened poverty and inequality, putting the world off track to meet international targets set in 2015. The UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal Ms. Hanaa Singer-Hamdy underlined that as Nepal spearheads towards graduation from its Least Developed Country status, bold and decisive actions to strengthen economic foundations is needed by focusing on domestic reforms, advancing financial inclusion and gender equality, embracing digital transformation, and advocating for international cooperation.Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the need for efforts at all levels to mobilize investment for development, particularly in the context of declining foreign direct investment, revenue, and foreign aid. He also mentioned that the federation has been organizing special programs to promote investment in Nepal and abroad and that a facilitation desk has been established to assist with foreign investment. In the dialogue, participants dived deep into the most pressing issues for accelerating progress towards SDGs—financing or lack of it—at the time of rising geopolitical tension, post-pandemic weaker economic recovery, more frequent and intense climate-related crisis, existing inequalities and disparities including those related to gender and social marginalization, and a new trade dynamic driven by protectionism and disengaged multilateralism, among others.

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