Brussels: Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, has emphasized the decisive role of local governments in international partnership and investment programs. Speaking at the Cities and Regions for International Partnership Forum 2025 held at the European Union headquarters in Brussels from December 8-10, she highlighted the necessity for powerful and decisive participation of local governments in these initiatives.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Deputy Mayor Dangol advocated for the integration of development projects with local social and cultural norms to ensure their sustainability. She insisted that local governments should be involved from the project-design phase to guarantee real ownership and meaningful participation. “Local governments are primary partners, not last-minute stakeholders, in international investment programs,” she asserted.
The forum concentrated on the localization of the ‘Global Gateway’ investment strategy, with representatives from EU member states, partner countries, and local governments in attendance. Joining Deputy Mayor Dangol at the event were Mayor of Chandragiri municipality, Ghanshyam Giri, and Mayor of Birendranagar municipality, Mohanmaya Dhakal (Bhandari).