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In 1980, Ramhari Lamichhane was one of four students out of 16 to pass the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examination from Shwachchanda Bhairab Secondary School in Makawanpur. “I rushed to Kathmandu on foot from Chitlang as soon as I heard the SLC results were out,” he recalls, sipping coffee on a chilly Kathmandu afternoon. “It was about a two-hour run, and when I saw my symbol number in Gorkhapatra, it confirmed that I had passed. It was a milestone for our village. We were the first batch of SLC graduates, and the villagers welcomed us with musical instruments and fanfare at Chandragiri.”

This young man would later become the member secretary of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) and the first and only Nepali to hold the position of director general at the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC).

However, Lamichhane’s career path was anything but linear. After SLC, he faced uncertainty. “I didn’t know what to do next. I thought about becoming an overseer engineer after observing a few in action. But my friends advised me to study law because of my strong speaking skills,” he says. However, practicality won and he pursued commerce, which offered better job prospects while continuing studies—a crucial factor given his family’s financial struggles.

Although he completed his course and worked at a hotel alongside his studies, this was not the path he would ultimately follow in the long run.

 “I worked various jobs, including teaching in my village and running my own construction company,” he says. But a stint as a contractor in Hetauda left him disheartened. The workers at his site asked for Rs 150 for the Maghe Sankranti festival, and he couldn’t provide it. “That made me realize I had failed to provide for my own staff. The construction sector then, like now, suffered from mismanagement,” he says. “Contractors would often spend the money they received from clients on other things, leaving nothing for proper construction work or to pay their workers.”

Determined to continue his education, Lamichhane moved to Kathmandu in 1987, completing a Bachelor’s in Commerce and later earning an MBA in 1990.

During this time, he gained valuable experience through various roles. He worked on a USAID project and later passed the job exam for the Agricultural Development Bank, where he worked briefly. However, he continued exploring options to find the best fit for himself. He successfully cleared officer-level job exams for Sajha, CTEVT, and Rastriya Banijya Bank—all three at the same time. Ultimately, he chose to join CTEVT and was posted as a finance officer at Jiri Technical School in 1989. At this point, his career began to take shape. “I kept seeking new roles throughout my life to discover where I fit best,” he says.

At the technical school, teachers often traveled abroad for training, but those in the administrative department had no such opportunities. This disparity made Lamichhane realize the importance of being in the technical department. He decided to shift his focus from administration to the technical side. Around the same time, in 1995, an opportunity arose to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management in Australia. Administrative staff from CTEVT were eligible to apply, and completing the course would allow them to transition to the technical department. 

“This was the first time in CTEVT’s history that administrative staff could transition to the technical side,” he says. “I was instrumental in lobbying for this change because there were already enough human resources in administration, but there was a shortage in the technical sector. I advocated for capacity development within the CTEVT staff to bridge this gap.”

Lamichhane’s professional teaching journey began at this point. He taught in Lete, Dhaulagiri, and Pokhara, where he eventually became a school principal. His role in Pokhara involved establishing a technical school from the ground up.

In 2000, Lamichhane earned both PhD and MPhil in Educational Leadership from Kathmandu University. Additionally, in 2010, he went to America for a degree in Educational Administration, Planning, and Policy from Vanderbilt University. “Promotions in the technical field happen relatively quickly, and by 2010, I had already become a first-class officer,” he says.

In 2013, the government invited applications for the CTEVT member secretary position through open competition for the first time. Applicants were required to present business plans, a departure from the previous practice of discretionary appointments. Despite being the junior-most candidate among 17 applicants, Lamichhane’s business plan secured him the role.

During his tenure, he spearheaded the development of Nepal’s National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy and implemented numerous TVET programs. With over three decades in the sector, Lamichhane served as an instructor, principal, program coordinator, project manager, and director. 

As his tenure as member secretary of CTEVT was coming to an end, Lamichhane applied for the position of Director General at the Colombo Plan Staff College. “My friends said it was almost impossible to get the job, but I was selected, becoming the first and only Nepali to hold the position,” he says.

“Skilled human resources are an asset to a country, but Nepal lacks it,” he says. “Various trainings are organized in different sectors, but they are just training for the sake of training, with no proper plan.” After many years of working in this sector, he believes that Nepalis lack patience. “They don’t set goals when coming to training, and there are issues with the providers as well. Our teachers and trainers are also not TVET-oriented,” he adds.

“A skilled person could become an entrepreneur, but those without skills will remain at the bottom,” he explains. “In a country like Nepal, where 93 percent of the economy is informal, if you have skills, you can easily create small and micro-enterprises.” Lamichhane emphasizes that technical and vocational education is crucial because it helps drive economic growth. “For example, last year in Dolakha, the price of kiwi fruit was Rs 270 per kg, and a farmer cultivated kiwi on 200 ropanis of land. This year, the price dropped to Rs 70 per kg. However, if you are skilled, there’s no need to panic. The farmer could make jam, jelly, candy, or wine out of it,” he says.

The government has prioritized technical and vocational education, but it’s limited to policy documents. It has stated that 70 percent of students will receive technical education, but there is no clarity on what kind of technical education this entails. “When I was in Jiri, we used to go door-to-door to scout students by observing their potential. These days, such practices don’t exist,” says Lamichhane. 

About a decade ago, there were around 800 institutions affiliated with CTEVT, but today, that number has grown to approximately 1,700. However, Lamichhane points out a concerning trend: When there were 800 institutions, 56,000 students were enrolled in technical education, but now, despite the increase in institutions, there are only 38,000 students. 

Lamichhane identifies another issue: the transitional period under the federal system and the lack of coordination between federal and provincial levels. “Now, provinces have established parallel institutions similar to the federally-owned CTEVT, but the federal government has not dissolved its own structures, creating a conflict,” he says. “There are seven different curricula related to TVET which is a problem as this doesn’t create uniformity.” Additionally, he highlights that people with no expertise in technical education are leading these institutions, further compounding the challenges.

“We still have a demographic dividend for about another five years, but after that, there will be no youths left in the country,” he says, emphasizing the urgency for stakeholders to improve the technical sector to prevent youth migration abroad. “The government should pursue mergers and focus on quality rather than quantity.”

Lamichhane advises students who pass the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) to set career goals without rushing. “Setting an interest-based occupational goal is essential for youths,” he says. Occupational culture is another major aspect. “In Nepal, technical work is often undervalued, despite its importance, but Nepal should adopt an occupational culture similar to European countries,” he says. “This includes establishing proper attire, safety measures, and standards to create an environment where, for instance, a plumber can earn enough money and can commute to work in a car, looking neat and tidy.” 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a press conference on Wednesday at Singhadurbar to unveil the contents of four newly issued ordinances. The government had initially planned to issue five ordinances on Jan 10, but the ordinance related to land management was deferred by President Ramchandra Paudel. However, right after the press conference, President Paudel certified the fifth ordinance too.

During the 34-minute press conference, there was no Q&A session. For the first 17 minutes, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal provided details about the issued ordinances, followed by Prime Minister Oli explaining why the ordinances were issued and the reasons for not convening a parliamentary session. Prime Minister Oli concluded the conference without facing questions from the press.

Prime Minister Oli has asserted that there is no disagreement within the ruling party regarding the ordinances introduced by the government. He emphasized that the unity within the government parties has been strengthened through this process. “There is no disagreement, not even by a letter. The ordinances have come with full consensus,” said Oli.

He also claimed that the ordinances were introduced after listening to the top leadership of the Nepali Congress, the leadership of the bureaucracy, expert consultations, and the issues facing entrepreneurs. “The ordinances have been brought after much effort and preparation. They address the problems of the people and also promote good governance and development,” he added.

Regarding the opposition’s efforts to form a coalition, Prime Minister Oli likened it to attempting to block a river by throwing stones from the riverbank. He urged opposition parties to exercise their right to protest in a peaceful and civilized manner. “I have heard about the formation of a front. That is their right, and I respect it. However, I just suggest that it be done in a civilized manner. It must be peaceful and orderly,” he said.

He also clarified that the ordinances are not aimed at any individual or group. Referring to discussions about the parliament being obstructed, he dismissed these as rumors. “Who said that parliament is blocked? Parliament cannot be stopped unless it has already been called. It was adjourned after discussions, not because it was obstructed,” he questioned.

Prime Minister Oli explained that the delay in calling the parliament was due to the time needed to prepare the bills. “On the first day of the House session, we will present the ordinances in parliament. Within 60 days, we will introduce the replacement bills and have them passed,” he concluded.

Earlier on Wednesday, parliamentarians representing opposition parties including the major opposition—CPN (Maoist Center)—called for immediate running of the winter session of parliament. The meeting of the opposition party convened at the CPN (Maoist Center)’s parliamentary party’s office, they emphasized the need to summon the winter session of the parliament to deliberate on matters of public concern as well as to dwell on formulating legislations. 

Emerging from the meeting, Barshaman Pun, deputy general secretary of the CPN (Maoist Center), shared that the opposition parties have reached an understanding that they will take action to call the special session of parliament if the incumbent government continues to function ‘deceiving’ the institution of people’s representatives (parliament).

The constitutional provision has it that the Head of the State can summon a parliamentary session or meeting if one fourth of the total number of House of Representatives requests in writing for the same deeming it appropriate action. The constitution mandates that it requires signatures from at least 69 parliamentarians to request the Head of the State to call the special session of the parliament.

In attendance in the meeting were CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal and Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Acting Chairperson DP Aryal and leaders from Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Nepal Aam Aadmi Party, among others.

Bhinda Swari Shah, a pioneering diplomat, education advocate, and champion of gender equality, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 91. A trailblazer in every sense, Shah was the first Nepali woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in the United States, Nepal’s first female ambassador, and a relentless advocate for women’s empowerment and social reform.  

Shah’s diplomatic career was marked by historic firsts and an unwavering commitment to advancing Nepal’s global standing. At the behest of BP Koirala, Nepal’s first democratically elected prime minister, Shah joined the Foreign Ministry and quickly established herself as a trailblazer in the male-dominated field of diplomacy.  

She played a pivotal role in establishing Nepal’s first embassy in Bangladesh, demonstrating exemplary leadership during the political turbulence that followed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s assassination in 1975.  

In 1988, she made history as Nepal’s first female ambassador to India, skillfully navigating strained relations during the economic blockade imposed by India.

Her dedication and expertise earned her widespread respect. Reflecting on her impact for the ‘ApEx Pioneers’ column in The Annapurna Express, her colleague and former foreign secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai remarked, “She was not only a person but an institution. Her ability to prepare diplomatic agendas, negotiate agreements, and master protocols set the bar for Nepal’s Foreign Ministry.”  

Shah’s legacy extended beyond diplomacy. She was a tireless advocate for gender equality and education, using her groundbreaking achievements to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Nepali women.  

“It is my duty to be the voice of tens of thousands of Nepali women who didn’t have the opportunity to get the kind of education I received,” she said in a May 2022 interview with ApEx.

Her resilience extended into her personal life, where she faced societal challenges, including prejudice for being a working woman and marrying outside her caste. These struggles only strengthened her resolve to break barriers and inspire others.  

Born on 13 Feb 1933, in Kurseong, India, where her father lived in exile due to the Rana regime, Shah’s early years were shaped by resilience and determination. After attending St Helen’s Secondary School in Kurseong, she became the first Nepali woman to earn a bachelor’s degree in the United States, graduating from Barnard College, Columbia University, in 1956.  

Later, she pursued a master’s degree in international relations at Johns Hopkins University, funding her education by working as a caretaker. Her academic accomplishments were groundbreaking for Nepal, inspiring countless young women to dream of global opportunities.  

Shah’s professional life demanded immense personal sacrifices, including extended periods of separation from her family. Yet her commitment to her work and the greater cause of national and social progress never wavered.  

In the ‘ApEx Pioneers’ column, her granddaughter Aarya Shah said, “She would always tell me, ‘Don’t follow in my footsteps; start your journey where my footsteps end.’ Her life was a testament to courage and resilience, inspiring me and many others to overcome challenges with confidence.”  

From establishing the American Library in Nepal to mentoring countless diplomats and women leaders, Shah’s contributions were monumental. Her lifelong friend, Helga Bendix, shared for ‘ApEx Pioneers’: “She lived a life that could be an epic movie in which she is the hero. For 70 years, we shared our joys and sorrows, bound by an unbreakable friendship.”  

Shah’s story is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her courage, determination, and groundbreaking achievements have left an indelible mark on Nepal’s history and society. She is survived by her son, Anil Keshary Shah, a prominent former banker, and other family members who carry forward her legacy.

“People see my life and say, wow, it’s a fairy tale. But there was a series of struggles and pain in this fairy tale. I fought against these challenges because I wanted to be a catalyst for change,” she had said in an interview with ApEx.

Her life remains an inspiration for generations to come.

Nepal participated in 324 out of the 392 negotiation meetings it was expected to attend during the 29th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov 11 to 22. At an event titled ‘Reflection on Nepal’s Participation in COP29 and the International Court of Justice’, organized by the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) in Kathmandu on Thursday, Ministry Secretary Deepak Kumar Kharal explained that COP29 featured negotiations on 14 agenda items and 96 sub-agendas, totaling 392 meetings, of which Nepal missed 68.

Each of these 14 thematic agendas was attended by Nepali negotiation teams, led by joint-secretaries specializing in the respective topics. Despite criticism at home over the size of the Nepali delegation sent to COP29, Secretary Kharal attributed the missed meetings to an insufficient number of negotiators. He emphasized that the ministry had learned valuable lessons and would aim for better preparation at COP30 and beyond. “We need to establish a dedicated and permanent negotiation team with clear standards and procedures for inclusive participation, involving national delegates, technical experts, and relevant stakeholders,” Kharal said. He also stressed the importance of capacity building for national delegates and technical experts to enhance negotiating skills.

Manjeet Dhakal, a Nepali negotiator and Advisor to the Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) for the multilateral process under the UNFCCC, highlighted the significant improvement in Nepal’s participation in COP over the years, both in terms of quantity and quality. “In the past, Nepal was represented at COP by a very small team from MoFE. However, these days, representatives from other ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, as well as private sector actors and civil society organizations, also join the discussions, contributing their expertise as needed.” 

Dhakal added that Nepal’s focus has expanded from a limited set of priorities, such as climate finance and adaptation, to a broader range of thematic areas. “For instance, this year alone, we actively participated in discussions across 14 thematic groups, including carbon emissions reduction, loss and damage, and mitigation. This demonstrates that both the quantity and quality of our participation have improved significantly.”

Nepali officials’ inclusion in various global committees also reflects the country’s growing negotiating power. Dhakal pointed out that Maheshwar Dhakal, joint-secretary at MoFE, serves on the Loss and Damage Fund, while Naresh Sharma, under-secretary at MoFE, is a member of the Adaptation Fund. “Through these committees, Nepal is making meaningful interventions.” 

In addition to thematic meetings, COP29 included sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA), and the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP). These also included 48 coordination meetings of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group and ‘G77 and China’, seven plenary sessions, 10 head-of-delegates meetings, and 115 daily thematic coordination meetings, bringing the total to over 500 meetings in which Nepal needed representation.

Buddi Sagar Poudel, the joint-secretary heading the Forest and Watershed Division at the MoFE, also serves as a negotiator representing Nepal at climate conferences. Leading Nepal’s efforts on the ‘Enhanced Transparency Framework’ and ‘Global Stocktake’ themes, he noted that while Nepal has actively engaged in significant negotiations, missing less-priority meetings is inevitable due to the simultaneous nature of numerous sessions. “However, the fact is that we have weak negotiating power. The meetings are multilateral, not bilateral, and sometimes, we feel intimidated in front of hundreds of representatives from powerful countries. There’s a fear of appearing uninformed if we make a mistake. If we fail to communicate our stance clearly and convincingly, we risk offending others or being misunderstood.”

Before COP29, Nepal undertook extensive preparations, including forming thematic groups, conducting consultations and council meetings, training negotiators, organizing a National Climate Summit, and drafting Nepal’s position paper. During COP29, Nepal not only participated in official meetings but also organized side events in pavilions and held bilateral discussions. However, Nepal did not have its own pavilion this time and relied on borrowing space from other countries. This limitation underscored the need for greater logistical and strategic investment in Nepal’s future participation.

To address multilateral challenges, Poudel stressed the importance of building a robust pool of negotiators. “We need individuals with strong research and expertise on the topics being negotiated, but Nepal has very few such resources.” He proposed several measures to strengthen Nepal’s negotiation capacity, including institutional memory and the development of a consistently trained negotiation team. “For instance, if a meeting involves cross-cutting issues related to climate change and energy, we need informed representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, or experts from the relevant field. The same applies to other sectors, like finance.” 

To enhance both the quantity and quality of negotiators, Poudel recommended early training and practical exposure. “Institutions must invest in their negotiators by organizing model COPs and offering practical sessions. Negotiation is a continuous learning process—after attending two or three COPs, a negotiator becomes experienced and can engage more effectively,” Poudel said. Practical exposure would also help build confidence among negotiators when dealing with representatives of more powerful nations.

At COP29, Nepal coordinated thematic presentations and advocated for its position at the LDC meetings. In the G77 and China meetings, Nepal presented the LDC position while also lobbying for its own priorities. According to government officials, Nepal was successful in doing so.

Nepal also participated in other key events, including the Hindu Kush Himalaya Environmental Ministers’ Meeting organized by Bhutan and the High Ambition Coalition Meeting hosted by the Marshall Islands. There too, Nepal got a chance to press its Mountain agenda. Such participation helped Nepal raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by mountain regions, bringing attention to the importance of including mountain-specific strategies in global climate policies.

On the sidelines of COP29, Nepal held numerous bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), the President of the World Green Economy Organization (WEGO), the President of the Maldives, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, and the Executive Director of the Loss and Damage Fund, among others. These discussions provided Nepal with a platform to build alliances and secure commitments for support in addressing climate vulnerabilities. Secretary Kharal noted that UN Assistant Secretary-General Elliott Harris expressed strong support for Nepal’s climate efforts, pledging to provide remarks on behalf of the UN Secretary-General at any event organized by Nepal, provided adequate notice is given. “He was very pleased with Nepal’s commitment to combating the climate crisis, and this is a result of our extensive meetings, negotiations, and efforts on achieving national and global goals.” 

Nepal made significant strides at COP29 by successfully advocating for the mountain agenda and addressing critical climate issues, according to Kharal. “Mountain is not a formal agenda in COP, but Nepal emphasized the inclusion of mountain-based actions and a mountain-to-marine approach to tackle climate change impacts.” Nepal also played a leading role in coordinating and raising awareness about the common mountain agenda, drawing international attention to the unique challenges faced by mountain regions.

In climate finance, Nepal and other climate-vulnerable countries successfully lobbied to increase annual funding from $100bn to $300bn. The country supported the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, which includes a $1.3trn roadmap from Baku to Belém (Brazil), set to begin in 2025. “We strongly said that we won’t take loans for climate finance,” Kharal said. This firm stance highlighted Nepal’s demand for equity and fairness in accessing climate finance.

Additionally, Nepal highlighted the importance of implementing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and operationalizing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement for carbon trading. A bilateral agreement with Sweden for carbon trading marked a key milestone in advancing Nepal’s mitigation efforts. This agreement demonstrated Nepal’s growing capability to engage in meaningful international collaborations.

Nepal also demonstrated progress in transparency and gender inclusion, supporting the launch of the Baku Global Climate Transparency Platform and the ‘Building National Capacities of Nepal to Meet Requirements of the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement’ (CBIT) Project. The country committed to extending the Enhanced Lima Work Plan for Gender and Inclusion until 2035. High-level political engagement ensured Nepal’s active participation in international dialogues, resulting in Nepal’s election as a member of the Adaptation Fund Board and accreditation for the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). These achievements underscored Nepal’s commitment to inclusivity and accountability in climate action.

Besides these achievements, Dhakal noted other milestones in Nepal’s climate diplomacy. In May 2024, Nepal hosted the International Expert Dialogue on Mountains, People, and Climate Change, which was attended by a representative from Azerbaijan, the host of COP29. Additionally, Nepal was invited to the pre-COP29 ministerial meeting for the first time in 12 years. “These achievements indicate that Nepal’s voice is being heard on the global stage,” Dhakal said. Such recognition marks a shift in Nepal’s global standing, opening doors for more significant collaborations.

While acknowledging the progress, Dhakal stressed that more work needs to be done. “We are never fully satisfied, but looking back at where we started, we have made significant progress.” However, this progress must be supplemented with more strategic planning and capacity-building initiatives to maximize Nepal’s impact in global forums.

Joint-secretary Poudel proposed hiring international trainers to provide specialized training. “Such training is not only crucial for COPs but also for other multilateral meetings and negotiations,” Poudel pointed out. “Moreover, these training shouldn’t be limited to one or two officials but should involve at least 15–20 officers to build a permanent negotiation team.” 

At Thursday’s event, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said that through effective negotiations, Nepal should aim to secure at least $10bn annually in climate finance from the designated $300bn global climate fund. She emphasized the need for Nepal to raise its voice more assertively on the global stage for climate justice, climate finance, and compensation. She highlighted the paradoxical situation where Nepal, despite contributing negligibly to carbon emissions, suffers disproportionately from their adverse effects. This underscores the necessity for Nepal to play a more active role internationally to tackle these challenges and advocate for equitable solutions.

Minister Rana also shared that on Dec 9, her delegation, representing Nepal, made its first oral submission on ‘State Responsibilities on Climate Change’ at an international hearing at the International Court of Justice. During the hearing, she forcefully raised the issue of Nepal enduring consequences for mistakes it never made and stressed the need for responsible developed nations to take equal responsibility in addressing the climate crisis and establishing the principle of climate justice. Such advocacy is critical for amplifying Nepal’s voice on the international stage.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also vowed that the government would take the lead in managing climate finance to cope with the climate crisis. He emphasized that climate change issues in mountains are not just the concerns of mountainous countries. “Our efforts should be for protecting the mountains to seas,” he stressed. He urged stakeholders to prepare for COP30 through bold negotiations and a thorough evaluation of COP29. 

Key achievements

• Nepal played a pivotal role in highlighting mountain dialogues and drawing international attention to the mountain agenda.
• Successfully coordinated the collective mountain agenda and ensured high-level political engagement.
• Signed an agreement with the Swedish government for carbon trading.
• Nepal was elected as a member of the Adaptation Fund Board and secured accreditation for the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
• Launched two climate-related projects in the presence of a Global Environment Facility (GEF) representative.
• Enhanced the capacity of Nepali delegates in climate negotiations and technical discussions.

The District Police Office, Kaski, has concluded its investigation into the cooperative fraud case involving Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and submitted its report to the District Attorney’s Office on Monday. The report recommends prosecuting 51 individuals, including Lamichhane, former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, Ram Prasad Khanal, and Lila Pachhai, who are currently in police custody. Most of the other suspects remain at large.

The suspects have been charged with cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. Kaski police have also recommended recovery of around Rs 1.51bn. The investigation revealed that Lamichhane and others were involved in irregularities concerning funds from Suryadarshan Cooperative in Kaski, which were allegedly diverted to Gorkha Media Network and misused. 

Evidence gathered during the course of investigation includes checks issued by Lamichhane to repay loans taken from multiple cooperatives. Lamichhane, however, has claimed that the checks in question were left in a drawer during his tenure as the managing director of Gorkha Media Network, and someone else may have filled them out without his consent.  

The investigation, which began with Suryadarshan Cooperative, expanded to four other cooperatives: Kathmandu’s Swarnalakshmi Cooperative, Chitwan’s Sahara Chitwan Cooperative, Birgunj’s Sano Paila Cooperative, and Nepalgunj’s Samanata Cooperative.  

Police investigation has revealed that Lamichhane and his associates took out loans, including Rs 4.6m each from Swarnalakshmi Cooperative, to purchase vehicles in Lamichhane and GB Rai’s names.  

Lamichhane faced these allegations while serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister in the coalition government of the CPN (Maoist Center), CPN-UML, and RSP. The opposition party at the time, Nepali Congress, had made this case a major agenda in parliament, demanding the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate cooperative irregularities.

A parliamentary committee led by UML MP Surya Thapa found Lamichhane guilty of misusing cooperative funds. The committee’s report revealed that Rs 224.6m from six cooperatives, including Suryadarshan, Supreme, Swarnalakshmi, Sahara, Sano Paila, and Samanata, had been funneled into Gorkha Media Network.  

In response to the report, police arrested former DIG Joshi on Sept 22 and Lamichhane on Oct 19 from his party office in Banasthali. Further legal proceedings are ongoing. Lamichhane was apprehended after the Kaski District Court issued an arrest warrant against him. Prior to the arrest, Lamichhane organized a press conference and said that he had been framed by the state.

The parliamentary special panel, formed to investigate crisis-ridden cooperatives, had recommended in its report that the government initiate legal action against Joshi, one of the founders of the Gorkha Media Network, along with the company’s chair, Rai, then managing director Lamichhane, and board member Kumar Ramtel.

The committee’s report was submitted to Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire on Sept 16 and subsequently forwarded to the government. A Cabinet meeting on Sept 19 received the report and directed the ministries and agencies concerned to implement it.

Following the parliamentary panel’s directives, Minister of Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak ordered Nepal Police to expedite legal action on the cooperatives scam. INTERPOL has already issued a diffusion notice for Rai, who remains on the run.

Ramtel is already in judicial custody in Kaski for his role in misusing cooperative funds. The law allows a detention period of up to 60 days for investigating suspects of organized crime and 90 days for money laundering cases. Authorities aim to present the four individuals currently in custody in court on Tuesday to extend their detention. If possible, the district attorney plans to file the case on the same day.

Human-wildlife conflict in the buffer zones of Nepal’s national parks is a persistent issue, causing economic losses, endangering livelihoods, and posing risks to both humans and wildlife. These conflicts are particularly severe in the buffer zones of Chitwan National Park (CNP) and Parsa National Park (PNP). Spanning 750 square kilometers and 285.3 square kilometers respectively, these buffer zones include forests, private lands, and cultivated areas that support endangered species such as one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and crocodiles.

In the fiscal year 2023/24 alone, 11 people in the CNP buffer zone lost their lives to wild animal attacks. Rhino attacks caused five deaths, tigers claimed four lives, and mugger crocodiles killed two people. These statistics highlight the ongoing and dire consequences of human-wildlife conflict.

Buffer zones are co-managed by park authorities and local communities, with portions of park revenue allocated to community development and natural resource management. These areas aim to balance ecological preservation and community involvement. Yet, the challenges remain immense, particularly as locals struggle to maintain livelihoods while coexisting with wildlife.

In Icchyanagar, Thori Rural Municipality-2, Parsa, residents like Krishna Bahadur Jyoti are finding innovative ways to secure their livelihoods while reducing wildlife conflict. Once burdened by financial losses—including a tiger killing his goat—Jyoti now keeps 25 goats in predator-proof corrals. Built with support from the Buffer Zone User Committee and local resources, these corrals have stabilized his finances.

Jyoti’s wife, Durga, recalls their hardships: “Three years ago, a tiger killed a goat we bought with a loan. Now, with the corrals, we sleep peacefully, pay for our children’s education, and manage daily needs.”

This initiative, part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) program, has been instrumental in reducing conflicts. According to Prem Poudel, eastern cluster in-charge of TAL, similar corrals built in Thori and other buffer zone areas have reduced annual goat losses from 30–40 to near zero.

In Gopalnagar of Madi Municipality, Chitwan, locals have shifted to fish farming as a way to mitigate losses from crop damage and livestock predation. Led by community leader Kamal Bhujel, the establishment of the Gopalnagar Fisheries Farmers Cooperative Society has transformed the area into a fisheries hub, producing seven tons of fish annually across 105 hectares. Fish farming has proven to be five times more profitable than traditional agriculture.

Additionally, trenches, dams, and solar-powered fences constructed with TAL program support have reduced wildlife incursions, saving both lives and livelihoods. These measures have also helped prevent migration triggered by conflict.

In Ayodhyapuri, Madi Municipality, women from the Bote community have embraced entrepreneurship by managing community homestays. Previously reliant on fishing and farming, these women now host 7,000–10,000 guests annually across 12 homestays, offering organic meals, cultural performances, and eco-tourism experiences.

Prakash Dhungana, chairperson of the Buffer Zone Management Committee, notes that this initiative has empowered women and fostered biodiversity conservation by encouraging coexistence with wildlife.

In Meghauli, Chitwan, duck farmers like Chameli Chaudhary have found success using river weeds (sewar) as duck feed. Once collected from Chitwan National Park, sewar is now cultivated in nearby community forests through initiatives by the Meghauli Intermediate Consumers’ Committee. This shift has reduced the risks of wildlife encounters and contributed to river conservation.

Duck farming has become a profitable livelihood, with ducks sold at Rs 2,000 for males and Rs 1,500 for females. Additionally, locals have shifted the cultivation of edible ferns (niuro) from national park premises to local farmland, further reducing conflicts.

To minimize crop losses, communities in Meghauli and surrounding areas have also turned to turmeric and lemon farming, crops that are not targeted by wildlife. These alternative practices provide sustainable income while ensuring safety from wildlife incursions.

Despite these measures, challenges persist. Solar-powered electric fences, while effective in keeping wildlife at bay, carry risks of accidental electrocution. Continuous awareness campaigns and safety measures are essential to mitigate such risks.

Behavior Change Communication (BCC) classes have been introduced in areas like Pandabnagar, Madi, to educate locals on coexistence strategies. Youths such as Poonam Pariyar are now sharing this knowledge within their communities, fostering greater awareness and cooperation.

“In Shikaribas, Thori Rural Municipality-3—a critical corridor linking PNP, CNP, and India’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve—similar community-led efforts are underway,” says Poudel. “These initiatives aim to reduce conflicts while maintaining the ecological balance necessary for the survival of species like tigers and elephants.”

While predator-proof corrals, electric fences, and sustainable farming practices have significantly reduced human-wildlife conflicts, the road to coexistence remains complex. Local communities, conservationists, and government bodies must continue collaborating to balance ecological integrity and human safety.

The 29th COP (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, brought together representatives from nearly 200 countries. The event focused heavily on climate finance, earning it the nickname ‘Finance COP’.

Negotiations at COP were conducted in groups, enabling participants to share perspectives, negotiate terms, and agree on common agendas. High-level sessions allowed the heads of delegations to address the assembly, presenting their country’s positions, priorities, and demands. While these speeches help amplify nations’ voices, the heart of COP lies in the negotiations and agreements.

Experts often warn against evaluating how a specific country fared at COP, as success is typically measured collectively rather than individually.

While it is difficult to assess how Nepal, as a country, specifically fared at COP29, the conference concluded with several decisions and outcomes relevant to Nepal.

First and foremost—financing. More than 80 countries, including members of the African Group, Barbados, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and small island states, jointly demanded the needed additional financing beyond the $1.3trn already outlined for climate action. Experts estimate that $1.3trn is needed annually. These countries proposed a roadmap to the COP29 presidency to resolve discussions around the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. This proposed target aims to enable climate action in emerging and developing nations post-2025, replacing the outdated $100bn annual goal set during COP15 in Copenhagen over a decade ago.

However, at the last moment on the final day of COP29, the presidency unveiled the final agreement. The deal sets an annual target of mobilizing $300bn for developing countries by 2035. Additionally, it establishes a long-term goal to scale up total climate finance flows to $1.3trn per year by 2035 which is rarely going to happen because the wealthy countries failed to meet the previous goal of $100bn on time. This decision sparked outrage among climate-vulnerable nations, who criticized it as inadequate given the urgent climate challenges they face.

Even the president of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev admitted the deal was imperfect and was insufficient to meet escalating needs. 

The group of LDCs expressed outrage and deep disappointment at the outcome of COP29. In a statement, they said, “Once again, the countries most responsible for the climate crisis have failed us. We leave Baku without an ambitious climate finance goal, without concrete plans to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and without the comprehensive support desperately needed for adaptation and loss and damage. This is not just a failure; it is a betrayal.”

Nepal, as a member of the LDC group, echoed this sentiment. “The voice of LDCs is also of Nepal,” noted Nepali experts and government officials.

Manjeet Dhakal, a Nepali negotiator and Advisor to the Chair of the LDCs for the multilateral process under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), acknowledged the mixed outcome. “While we did not achieve everything needed to fully respond to the climate crisis, the voices of the most vulnerable were heard. The work continues, and the fight against climate catastrophe goes on.”

He added, “We leave this COP with both pride and pain. Pride in the resilience of our bloc, as we fought valiantly for the survival of the most vulnerable, but pain that our hopes for true climate justice have not been met. On the positive side, securing $300bn annually is three times the previous $100bn target.”

Another significant decision at COP29 relevant to Nepal was the operationalization of market-based cooperative approaches (carbon trading) under Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. After nearly a decade of stalled negotiations, the agreement finalized the rules for international carbon markets, enabling countries to trade carbon credits and collaborate on reducing emissions more cost-effectively.

The agreement’s two key elements include guidelines for country-to-country trading and the establishment of the Paris Agreement Trading Mechanism.

Maheshwar Dhakal, joint-secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), said COP29 has paved the way for countries to develop national policies and agendas on carbon trading. “It’s up to countries whether they want to pursue it through government-to-government (G2G) arrangements, government-to-private sector partnerships, or voluntary or competitive approaches.”

Dhakal acknowledged that Nepal, being relatively new to carbon trading, lacks extensive knowledge and experience in this area. “We should adopt a flexible approach in the initial phase and gradually become more competitive as we gain experience in the next phase. At least now, we no longer face the obstacle of international law hindering our progress,” he added.

The launch of the Baku Adaptation Roadmap and the Baku High-Level Dialogue on Adaptation—aimed at enhancing the implementation of the UAE Framework and establishing a clear path for the Indicators Work Program on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) at COP30—is another significant development for Nepal. Dhakal highlights that some mountain-related issues were addressed regarding the GGA. “As further discussions on mountain agendas have been postponed to the next sessions, we cannot label this a failure, but neither do we have concrete achievements to show,” Dhakal said.

Loss and damage is another key area of interest for Nepal. At COP29, it was decided to ensure the full operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, a long-awaited development for climate-vulnerable countries. To date, total pledged financial support for the Fund exceeds $730m. It is expected that the Fund will begin financing projects starting in 2025. However, no further agreements were reached, and negotiations on the specifics were postponed to the next session.

“The calculation of the price of non-economic losses is challenging, and it cannot be done without capacity development. Unfortunately, Latin American and African countries had differing views on capacity development, preventing us from achieving a concrete outcome on this issue,” said Dhakal, who also serves as a board member of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.

COP29 did nothing to implement the outcomes of the Global Stocktake Agreement, which called for phasing out fossil fuels and aligning climate pledges with the 1.5°C target. Parties failed to reach an agreement to include explicit commitments to transition away from fossil fuels, leaving this critical negotiation to be revisited at COP30.

According to Dhakal, climate action cannot progress without major carbon emitters phasing out fossil fuels and supporting vulnerable nations through climate finance for adaptation. “But we also need to take responsibility to protect ourselves. For example, the Thame flood was caused by a natural glacial lake outburst from Thyanbo, but the Kathmandu flood was the result of reckless and unplanned infrastructure development and our negligence,” he explained.

Manjeet Dhakal assessed the three major expectations from COP29. “For climate finance, I would rate it two out of 10. For mitigation, I would give zero because, regarding the Global Stocktake, we are still where we were before COP29—not a single step of progress. As for carbon trading, I would give full marks, as it has been fully operationalized. However, we had no issues with carbon trading earlier also, yet we are still not fully utilizing our potential in this area,” he said. 

Several agreements were signed by Nepal on the sidelines of COP29. These include the accreditation of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) by the Adaptation Fund (AF) for five years, allowing NTNC to function as its National Implementing Entity (NIE). This accreditation grants NTNC direct access to the AF and enables it to develop and implement adaptation and resilience projects of up to $10m each. Additionally, an agreement was signed between the MoFE and the Swedish Energy Agency on emissions trading. Furthermore, MoFE and WWF Nepal launched two GEF-funded projects: Managing Watersheds for Enhanced Resilience of Communities to Climate Change in Nepal (MaWRiN), with a budget of $9m, and Building National Capacities of Nepal to Meet Requirements of the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement (CBIT), with a budget of $1.65m.

However, Joint-secretary Dhakal stated that while Nepal entered into these agreements during COP29, they are not direct outcomes of the conference. “We would have signed these even if there had been no COP.” He added that Nepal’s key outcome from COP29 is the potential to receive three times the benefit in climate finance, the opportunity to extensively work on carbon trading, and the ability to focus on and enhance capacity development, drawing from the experience gained at large platforms like COP.

Experts also emphasized the importance of increasing Nepal’s qualitative and strategic participation, rather than focusing solely on quantity. The Nepali delegation to COP29 was led by President Ramchandra Paudel, marking the fifth time Nepal has been represented at the head of state or government level at the UN Climate Change Conference.

At these high-level conferences, heads of state or government deliver country statements during the leaders’ or high-level segments and participate in other high-level events. President Paudel addressed the World Leaders Climate Action Summit. “These statements are important as they reflect a country’s political stance on climate change and provide guidance for the ongoing negotiations,” said Manjeet Dhakal. “Nepal’s continued leadership at these global forums underscores its commitment to addressing climate change and highlights its evolving role—not only as a vulnerable country but also as a frontline leader in climate action.”

Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi was also actively engaged in various bilateral and multilateral meetings under the common agenda of ‘Protecting the Himalayas is Protecting the Earth.’

It is clear that Nepal is being heard on the global stage. For example, in May 2024, Nepal hosted the International Expert Dialogue on Mountains, People, and Climate Change, with Azerbaijan, the host of COP29, sending a representative to the event. Additionally, Nepal was invited to the pre-COP29 ministerial meeting for the first time in 12 years.

The COP29 UN Climate Conference concluded in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on Sunday with an agreement to triple climate finance for developing countries to $300bn annually by 2035. This is a part of the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG) aimed at helping vulnerable nations combat climate disasters and participate in the global clean energy boom.

In addition to public finance, the agreement commits to mobilizing $1.3trn annually by 2035 from both public and private sources.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the significance of the agreement, stressing that it was essential to keeping the 1.5-degree climate target alive. While expressing a desire for more ambitious commitments, he highlighted that the agreement provides a foundation for future progress, stressing the need for swift action and timely implementation of financial commitments.

“The promises must quickly become cash,” Guterres urged, calling on countries to ensure the upper end of the new financial goal is met. He also praised the progress made in emissions reductions, the energy transition and carbon market agreements, despite the challenging geopolitical landscape.

Simon Stiell, executive secretary of UN Climate Change, described the agreement as “an insurance policy for humanity.” He emphasized that the success of this policy depends on timely fulfillment of financial commitments, which are essential to safeguard billions of lives and drive the global clean energy transition.  

“The agreement will keep the clean energy boom growing, ensuring all countries share its benefits: more jobs, stronger growth and cleaner, cheaper energy,” Stiell said in the COP29 closing plenary. “At COP28, the world agreed to triple renewables. At COP29, we tripled climate finance and countries will work to mobilize much, much more. At COP28, the world agreed to boost climate resilience. COP29 will help finance real protections for those on the frontlines, especially the most vulnerable.”

“The $300bn per year deal negotiated in Baku is weak, shortsighted and wholly inadequate to address the mounting threats of the climate crisis, and fails to protect the millions of lives on the line”, said Jess Beagley, policy lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, a consortium of more than 200 health professional and health civil society organizations from around the world.

The International Energy Agency estimates that global clean energy investments will exceed $2trn in 2024. This builds on strides made at COP27, which established a Loss and Damage Fund, and COP28, which committed to phasing out fossil fuels, tripling renewable energy and enhancing climate resilience.

For the first time, COP29 achieved consensus on carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This agreement provides clarity on country-to-country carbon credit trading and operationalizes a centralized carbon market under the UN. Developing nations are expected to benefit from increased financial flows, while least developed countries will receive capacity-building support to participate.

The Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism includes safeguards to ensure projects meet environmental and human rights standards, require Indigenous Peoples’ consent and provide avenues for appeals. The mechanism aligns with scientific guidance to maximize environmental integrity.  

COP29 made significant strides in transparent climate reporting, a cornerstone for strengthening climate policies. Thirteen countries, including Azerbaijan, the EU and Japan, submitted their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), setting a benchmark for others. The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) reporting tools and technical training supported these efforts.

A total of 42 events under the #Together4Transparency initiative showcased the importance of transparency in preparing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and identifying funding opportunities.

Adaptation was a central theme at COP29. Agreements included the launch of the Baku Adaptation Roadmap, provisions for National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in least developed countries and commitments to expedite their implementation by 2025. A high-level dialogue brought together ministers, donors and financial experts to accelerate climate adaptation efforts.

The global goal on adaptation was advanced with plans to continue work on indicators ahead of COP30. The renewed emphasis on transformational adaptation highlights the urgency of addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

The Baku Work Plan renewed the mandate of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) to amplify their voices in climate action. This decision underscores their leadership in addressing the climate crisis and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Countries extended the enhanced Lima Work Program on Gender and Climate Change for another decade and agreed to develop a new Gender Action Plan by COP30. The conference also emphasized the role of youth, with children as young as ten participating as moderators and speakers, showcasing a commitment to intergenerational collaboration.

While COP29 marked significant progress, Stiell acknowledged that it fell short of meeting all expectations. He urged nations to focus on unresolved issues in the lead-up to COP30 in Belem, Brazil. “We leave Baku with a mountain of work to do,” Stiell said. “The UN Paris Agreement is humanity’s life-raft. It’s our collective responsibility to keep moving forward.”

In his closing statement, Guterres reflected on a year marked by extreme weather events and rising emissions. He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate finance, particularly for developing nations grappling with debt, disasters and exclusion from the renewable energy revolution.

Looking ahead, Guterres called for countries to deliver enhanced climate action plans, with G20 nations leading the way in reducing emissions and accelerating the fossil fuel phase-out. He also called for swift action on debt, concessional finance, and the recapitalization of Multilateral Development Banks to support developing countries.

As for Nepal’s participation, President Ramchandra Paudel addressed the World Leaders Climate Action Summit and also addressed a high-level session organized by Kyrgyzstan on ‘Advancing Mountain Agenda’. Nepal also hosted a high-level session titled “Addressing Climate-Induced Loss and Damage in Mountainous Regions,” and unveiled two projects—Managing Watersheds for Enhanced Resilience of Communities to Climate Change in Nepal (MaWRiN) and Building National Capacities of Nepal to Meet Requirements of the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement (CBIT)—funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

In his summit address, President Paudel urged that vast resources currently allocated for arms be redirected toward adaptation and mitigation to safeguard humanity and ensure a habitable planet for future generations. “Not only have pledges for climate funding been insufficient from the outset, but the funds remain largely unmet,” he noted, pointing out that complicated procedures prevent targeted communities from accessing these funds. He called for immediate implementation of the “polluter pays and compensates” principle.