Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has lauded the role of civil society organisations in awakening the society, urging them to focus on the development and promotion of entrepreneurship. Inaugurating the National Civil Society Conference-2081 BS organised by the NGO Federation here on Monday as the Chief Guest, the Prime Minister advised civil society organisations to encourage citizens to engage in entrepreneurship for self-sufficiency and to reduce dependency on external grants.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Prime Minister also sought the roles of civil society organisations for promoting production and productivity. He remarked that livestock and agricultural activities assisted by available technology will lead to economic empowerment. The Prime Minister celebrated the socio-economic and political achievements Nepal has made, especially after the 1990s political movement, and highlighted the empowerment of women, noting their representation in politics is above 40 percent at the local government level.
The Prime Minister also warned that questions have been raised over some civil society organisations due to the wrongdoing of certain individuals. Additionally, CPN (UML) leader and former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pradeep Gyawali, expressed dismay at the suspension of USAID funding to Nepal, urging for a strong international partnership and stressing that financial support from developed nations is a rightful demand of third-world countries.
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Bimala Rai Paudyal, emphasized the need to use available funds according to national priorities and needs, calling for transparency, good governance, and a commitment to serving intended goals. She also stressed the importance of enacting the Social Development Act and revising the Associations Registration Act of 1977 to address legal challenges facing civil society organisations.
EU ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, remarked that the current global situation requires exceptional business approaches. Meanwhile, Won Young Hong, UNFPA Representative, emphasized the importance of protecting civic space and recognizing CSOs as champions of democracy and human rights.
Noted civil society leader Taranath Dahal asserted that civil society organisations should be recognized as “partners” of the State rather than mere “aides.” He urged a shift from a “funding” approach to a “freedom” approach and called for a vibrant presence and greater advocacy for civil society causes.
Nirmala Sharma, Chair of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), echoed similar sentiments, advocating for the protection of freedom of opinion and expression. Dr. SP Kalaune, Chairperson of the Association of International NGOs (AIN), described CSOs as the heartbeat of democracy.
Ram Prasad Subedi, President of the NGO Federation, called for clear government policies and laws regarding the registration and regulation of civil society organisations. He also expressed concerns about challenges CSOs face with taxes and registration fees at local and provincial levels and reiterated CSOs’ commitment to entrepreneurship and job creation in alignment with state priorities.
Representative voices from delegates included Krishna Prasad Baral, who highlighted the importance of CSOs in enhancing democracy, and Dr. Radha Paudel, who emphasized the need for CSOs to address menstrual discrimination and promote inclusive equality.
The conference also saw the launch of the Nepal Country Inequality Report 2025, which emphasized climate justice and highlighted the widening income inequalities in Nepal. The report, produced by the NGO Federation and OXFAM Nepal, revealed that the richest 10 percent earn significantly more than the total income of the poorest 40 percent, underscoring the pressing issue of income inequality in the country.
The two-day conference, attended by 900 participants, coincided with the 11th General Convention and 30th AGM of the Federation.