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Nepal is at a pivotal moment in its history. The country’s economy is slowly recovering from recent shocks, infrastructure projects face delays, and political transitions continue to shape governance. 

Amid these challenges, the World Government Summit (WGS), held annually in Dubai under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, offers World leader’s important lessons on how governments can innovate, collaborate, and become more citizen-centered.

Since its inception in 2013, the WGS has brought together world leaders, policymakers, innovators, and private-sector pioneers to discuss the future of governance.

 The Summit emphasizes forward-looking policies, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic planning to tackle global challenges.

One of its standout concepts, increasingly relevant for Nepal, is the Experience Economy—an approach that leverages culture, tourism, sports, and innovation to create economic value while strengthening national identity and international appeal.

Nepal, with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, and diverse communities, is uniquely positioned to benefit from this approach. Tourism alone, which was already a significant contributor to Nepal’s GDP, can be expanded beyond traditional trekking routes to include cultural, spiritual, and adventure experiences. However, realizing this potential requires more than natural beauty—it demands strategic investment, coordinated policy, and strong governance.

The Digital Nepal Project, supported by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, represents a step in the right direction. By creating an integrated citizen portal, digital lockers, and secure data-sharing systems, the project aims to improve service delivery and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. If fully implemented, it could not only streamline citizen services but also attract foreign investment and enhance Nepal’s global image. Similarly, hydropower and infrastructure projects such as the Mid-Hill Highway and Kathmandu–Terai Fast Track can serve as engines of regional development, connecting communities, stimulating commerce, and creating jobs. Yet, mid-year budget reviews show that capital expenditure is lagging at just 12 percent of planned targets, highlighting the need for better project management and timely execution.

At WGS, global experts emphasize that modern governance requires collaboration between governments, private enterprises, and civil society. Nepal can adopt this lesson by creating partnerships to promote sectors like tourism, agriculture, and digital services. For instance, the National Pride Projects, which include strategic infrastructure initiatives, could benefit from closer cooperation with private investors and local communities to overcome delays caused by legal disputes, land acquisition challenges, and resource limitations.

The Summit also highlights the role of governance in shaping the “experience economy”—how governments set frameworks that allow private sectors to innovate while ensuring benefits reach citizens. Nepal has shown promise in remittance-driven growth, with inflows rising 39 percent to Rs 1.62 trillion in the first half of the fiscal year, strengthening foreign reserves. Yet, economic growth remains modest at 3 percent, partly due to slow agricultural recovery and underutilized industrial capacity. By strategically promoting experience-led industries, Nepal can create jobs, diversify income sources, and reduce over-reliance on remittances.

Security, stability, and citizen trust also feature prominently in WGS discussions. As Nepal prepares for elections, ensuring effective governance and inclusive democracy is critical. Political stability, clear policy frameworks, and robust public institutions are necessary not only for development projects but also for attracting tourism, investment, and international collaboration. The Summit underscores that governments must think beyond short-term fixes and focus on citizen-centered policies, transparency, and digital innovation.

Moreover, global examples show that cultural and sports ecosystems are powerful tools to project national identity internationally. Nepal’s rich festivals, traditional arts, and sporting potential, if promoted strategically, can contribute to both soft power and economic growth. For example, Nepal’s recent participation in international sporting events and cultural initiatives has brought global attention, yet these efforts are still largely fragmented. A coordinated approach, aligned with national branding and tourism promotion, could multiply benefits exponentially.

The World Government Summit reminds countries that their strategic advantage is not just geography or natural resources—it is their ability to innovate, collaborate, and deliver value to citizens. For Nepal, this means modernizing governance, streamlining public services, investing in infrastructure, promoting tourism and culture, and building digital resilience. By embracing lessons from WGS, Nepal can transform its challenges into opportunities, ensuring that the next decade strengthens democracy, economic stability, and global engagement.

Nepal’s journey is still unfolding, but the path is clear: the country must think strategically, act collaboratively, and prioritize citizens’ well-being to compete in a world where experiences are not just resources but also drive growth. As global leaders discuss shaping future governments, Nepal has a unique chance to harness its potential, bridge governance gaps, and create an inclusive, future-ready economy that resonates at home and abroad.

(Writer- is a Media Researcher at The UAE Embassy, Kathmandu and a Research Scholar at Tribhuvan University, focusing on media, international relations, and policy analysis.)

(Source: World Government Summit 2026, Ministry of Finance Nepal, Digital Nepal Project Reports)