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The government is set to host the International Expert Dialogue on Mountain, People and Climate Change starting May 22. 

The Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE) announced that the two-day event will convene experts from relevant sectors in Kathmandu with the aim of fostering consensus among mountain nations, stakeholders, and partners on shared challenges, particularly focusing on mountain-based solutions for addressing climate change concerns.

“This dialogue aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of mountain-climate issues and solutions among governments and stakeholders in mountainous regions and their allies. It seeks to foster the exchange of expertise and experiences, as well as to promote synergies,” said MoFE. 

The areas of collaboration include initiatives such as those outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) mountain work programs and mandates. The dialogue also intends to generate concrete roadmaps and strategies for mountain regions ahead of the 60th session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and beyond. The SBSTA meeting is due to take place in June. 

According to Buddi Sagar Poudel, Joint-secretary and chief of Climate Change Management Division at the MoFE, around 10 participants including Harry Vreuls, chair of the SBSTA, have already confirmed their presence in the dialogue. “We have invited delegates from four fronts—ministers from neighboring and regional countries, officials from UNFCCC and mountain partnership focal point which include 63 countries, officials from 15 organizations including Climate Investment Fund and researchers, scientists and university professors,” he said.

Deepak Kumar Kharal, secretary of MoFE, expressed gratitude for the support extended by various development partners, civil society groups, and Nepali experts in the run up to the dialogue. He also urged all stakeholders, including the media, to contribute significantly to ensure the success of the event.

Mountains are invaluable natural resources, being home to 15 percent of the global population and nearly half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. They provide essential ecosystem goods and services, such as freshwater and clean air, to communities worldwide, particularly those downstream. However, mountains face significant pressures from exploitation, degradation, and the impacts of climate change. 

Despite their importance, mountains often lack adequate recognition and representation in global discussions. The government is hosting the international expert dialogue to underscore the urgency of addressing the challenges and issues of mountain nations. 

Nepal has prioritized promoting the mountain agenda on the global stage lately. The COP28, held from 30 Nov to 13 Dec 2023 in Dubai, served as a crucial milestone in recognizing the impacts of climate change on mountainous regions worldwide, laying the groundwork for further action. 

In several platforms of the climate summit, high-level government officials, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that developed countries’ pledges and actions do not correspond with each other and they must raise their ambitions and urgently fulfill their commitments. They also urged the developed countries to scale up climate finance to make up for the $100bn shortfall and double the adaptation finance by 2025, and ensure fair financial arrangements without conditions, constraints, and compliances. 

As the chair of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Nepal also demanded that the loss and damage fund must be predictable, simplified, and adequate for LDCs and mountainous countries. One of the major achievements of the Dubai climate summit was the launch of the loss and damage fund to provide crucial support to vulnerable nations facing the brunt of climate-related challenges. 

The international dialogue to be held in Kathmandu will feature opening and closing plenary sessions, along with thematic discussions centered around three main areas, encompassing two plenary sessions and seven dialogues addressing various aspects of climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The first theme will delve into topics such as evidence of climate change impact, vulnerability, and risks in mountainous regions, as well as emerging threats and the imperative for action within and beyond mountain environments. The second will explore areas such as community-driven adaptation, policy frameworks for sustainability, and the importance of climate justice and local perspectives. And the third theme will focus on the perspective of mountains, emphasizing the potential for economic growth through transitions to cleaner energy sources, the mobilization of climate finance, and the fostering of global cooperation and regional partnerships.

With an expected participation of over 200 representatives from mountainous countries, international organizations, development partners, NGOs, private sectors, and civil society groups, the dialogue aims to facilitate collective insights and conclusions. These outcomes will then be integrated into the SBSTA expert dialogue, including Nepal’s initiative on Sagarmatha Sambad.

Poudel, the chief of Climate Change Management Division at the MoFE, said   that concepts are being developed for the promotion of the event.  “We are also approaching our ambassadors and heads of missions abroad for the promotion, as well as inviting foreign ambassadors to Nepal.”

Poudel said that Nepal is focusing on including the mountain agenda from every front in the SBSTA dialogue to give more visibility for Nepal’s climate agenda. 

“In loss and damage, climate justice, climate finance and climate technology, we will incorporate mountain agenda,” he added.

Climate change expert Madhukar Upadhya said while incorporating the mountain agenda is a good initiative, it would be far better for Nepal to come up with a common regional voice. 

He suggested agriculture as an entry point for a common regional agenda. 

“Every country has faced a crisis in agriculture due to climate change and hence they will be more willing to take ownership of this agenda and make it a strong regional voice.”

The West Indies ‘A’ team is scheduled to visit Nepal for a series of five T20 matches during April and May, aiming to assist both teams in gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup slated for June in the West Indies and the USA. This occasion will mark the first-ever tour of Nepal by a West Indies cricket team.

All five matches are set to take place at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, starting at 1 pm, on April 27, 28, May 1, 2, and 4.

“This A-team tour underscores the significance we attach to A-team cricket and represents a crucial phase in our T20 World Cup preparations,” said Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket for Cricket West Indies (CWI), in an official press release.

The sole prior encounter between West Indies and Nepal on the international stage occurred during an ODI match at the World Cup Qualifiers in Harare in June last year. West Indies emerged victorious in that match by a margin of 101 runs, having posted a total of 339 for 7, aided by centuries from Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran.

Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Paras Khadka, expressed, “This signifies a pivotal moment in our cricketing journey as we welcome this remarkable opportunity, which will significantly bolster our preparations for the T20 World Cup and beyond. This landmark tour to Nepal, a burgeoning cricketing nation gradually carving its niche in the cricketing realm, is sure to captivate our ardent fans.”

The T20 World Cup features a total of 20 teams divided into four groups—A, B, C, and D. Nepal has been placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.

Group A comprises the USA, India, Pakistan, Ireland, and Canada, while Group B includes England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman. Group C consists of New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage. Nepal is set to participate in the World Cup for the second time, having previously competed in 2014.

Meanwhile, West Indies fast bowler Roddy Estwick has been appointed as the bowling consultant for Nepal. He previously served as an assistant coach for both the West Indies senior men’s team and the U-19 side.

New jersey unveiled

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The Nepali national cricket team’s new jersey for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup Cricket tournament has been unveiled. Minister for Youth and Sports, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, and Tankalal Ghising, Member-Secretary of the National Sports Council, jointly presented the new jersey at an event organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).

The jersey features a blend of red, white, and blue colors, with the national flag of Nepal adorning both shoulders. Additionally, the lower portion of the jersey showcases an image of Sagarmatha, the highest mountain in the world. One side of the bust features CAN’s logo, while the other displays the sponsor’s logo.

The advanced course on national security, organized by the Ministry of Defense and the Nepali Army, concluded on Friday. The 16-day training, which started on March 13, had 29 participants from various ministries, Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, and media.

During the closing event at the Shivapuri-based Command and Staff College of the Nepal Army, Minister for Defense Hari Prasad Upreti emphasized the importance of security to a country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He stressed that ensuring a fear-free environment for citizens is crucial for the country’s existence.

“Protecting and promoting national security and welfare is the major responsibility of every Nepali citizen,” said Upreti, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue, coordination, and collaboration among state bodies to formulate a unified concept for a robust national security.

Expressing his belief that effective implementation of the national security policy would strengthen both internal and external security, the Defense Minister noted Nepal’s unique challenges and geopolitical significance in terms of national security.

He emphasized the importance of addressing existing national security challenges by leveraging economy, diplomacy, communication, information, and military capabilities in the country’s favor. 

Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Prabhuram Sharma stressed the need for cooperation, collaboration, and integrated approaches among state agencies to foster a safe and prosperous Nepal.

“The scope of national security has broadened with globalization and the development of information technology. Further study and analysis of the positive and negative aspects of artificial intelligence should be conducted,” he said.

Throughout the two-week training, discussions focused on diplomacy, economy, national security policy, geopolitics, foreign policy, climate change and its security implications, strategy and plan formulation, humanitarian assistance, disaster management, and civil-military relations.

As part of the training, a one-day seminar on the impact of climate change on national security was also held on March 22, with the participation of 100 individuals, including experts and media personnel. Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of The Annapurna Express also shared his views on the US Indo-Pacific Strategy and its implications for South Asia and Nepal. 

The ninth edition of this high-level national security training commenced in 2016 and has trained 222 people to date.

Italy’s Artigiano in Fiera is an annual trade fair dedicated to global craftsmanship. Since its inception in 1995, the event has been organized by Ge.Fi. Nepali exhibitors have been participating in the fair annually. Recently, Lorenzo Cigognini, International Sales Manager at Artigiano in Fiera, visited Nepal. He has held this position since 2018. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx caught up with him to discuss the fair and Nepali participation.

What are the objectives of Artigiano in Fiera?

The primary objective of Artigiano in Fiera is to promote and support artisanal craftsmen. We assist small companies from various parts of the world dedicated to producing handicrafts, helping them gain exposure and access to markets. The fair places producers at the forefront of our endeavors. The name ‘Artigiano in Fiera’ itself emphasizes the importance of producers at the fair. Our focus is on providing opportunities for micro and small enterprises to showcase their work, highlight their value, and introduce their activities to the Italian market while reaching out to the audience in Milan.

What has been your experience in consistently organizing such an event annually?

It is a tremendous honor for both me and our company to engage with numerous countries. Each encounter presents an opportunity to learn about new cultures, systems, and people. Last year, we welcomed participants from 86 countries, and we anticipate reaching 100 countries this time. What sets Artigiano Fair apart is not only the sheer number of participants but also their collective experience at the event. We take immense pride in our role as a market platform for small enterprises.

A large number of exhibitors participate in the fair from Nepal each year. What are your observations regarding Nepali participation in the fair?

Italian visitors and audiences hold a deep appreciation for the segments presented by Nepal at our exhibition. They eagerly seek to explore and experience the beauty and quality of Nepali products showcased within the Nepali pavilion. Nepali handicrafts are particularly well-known and admired among Italian visitors. The Nepali presence adds significant value to our exhibition, contributing to the enriching atmosphere that attendees enjoy.

Moreover, the benefits extend to Nepali producers as well. Nearly 90 percent of Nepali companies return to the fair, underscoring the tangible advantages they derive from participating. It brings me immense satisfaction to witness the mutual appreciation: Italian consumers warmly welcome Nepali products, while Nepali producers reap genuine benefits from their participation in the exhibition.

What suggestions do you have for Nepali exhibitors who are planning to participate in the fair to maximize their benefits?

To enhance their products, Nepali producers should prioritize innovation in design and color schemes each year. Seeking inspiration from other countries’ pavilions within the fair can spark new ideas. Emphasizing research on new patterns and concepts is crucial to continually captivate visitors' interest. Equally important is the presentation of products—ensuring they are displayed attractively and appealingly. Effective promotion goes beyond the products themselves; the demeanor and communication skills of the seller also play a vital role.

Furthermore, embracing modernity is key. As organizers, we provide a digital platform with 1.8m registered users, offering producers access to the Artigiano in Fiera fanbase. This platform serves as a valuable resource for promoting their items. Through digital channels, producers can inform visitors about their offerings at the fair and their location within the exhibition grounds, significantly enhancing promotion efforts.

Additionally, transitioning to cashless transactions is imperative. With around 60 percent of Milan customers opting for credit card payments, the trend toward cashless transactions is evident. Nepali exhibitors must adapt to this changing landscape to remain competitive in the future. Now is the time for them to embrace and transition from cash to cashless transactions to ensure continued success in their business endeavors.

In its first edition, Artigiano in Fiera featured five Nepali exhibitors. By 2023, this number had grown to 90. With annual increases in participation, what suggestions do you have for the Nepal government to promote Nepali handicrafts in the international market?

We are keen on engaging with local governments in Nepal to provide support to Nepali producers, particularly in production and promotion. Local governments play a crucial role in creating infrastructures that facilitate smooth international business transactions, including exporting goods and transferring funds abroad. It’s essential for them to view sending money abroad as an investment in Nepal’s economic growth. By investing capital, we can anticipate generating revenue. This investment-driven model is fundamental for establishing reliable international businesses, especially within Europe.

It’s important to recognize that hindrances in logistics and cash flow not only impede the growth of individual companies but also stifle the overall development of the country. Therefore, fostering an environment conducive to international trade is paramount for Nepal’s economic advancement. Collaboration between stakeholders, including businesses and government entities, is vital in overcoming these challenges and fostering sustainable growth in the Nepali economy.

Nepali exhibitors encounter various challenges, such as sending money to book stalls and managing banking transactions for their earnings. How can these processes be simplified to assist Nepali exhibitors?

Challenges always present opportunities, and those who can identify them amidst difficulties are the ones who succeed. As organizers, we offer comprehensive services to ensure smooth business operations. We are open to discussions with the government of Nepal to foster a conducive relationship with producers.

Ultimately, the initiative and support from the Nepali side are crucial in assisting producers. Success hinges on their proactive approach and assistance.

In addition to handicrafts, Nepal is renowned for its tourism and organic products such as tea and coffee. Have you considered promoting them in Italy?

Indeed, I have learned about the potential of Nepali tourism and organic products. Italians possess a natural curiosity about Nepali items, recognizing Nepal’s abundance across various product categories. It would be highly intriguing to showcase Nepali food and agricultural items at our event. Additionally, Nepal’s tourism offerings, including trekking and mountain culture, present significant opportunities, albeit these may not be fully known to Italians. Expanding awareness about these aspects could further enrich our exhibition and foster greater appreciation for Nepal’s diverse offerings.

The Market Promotion Center (MPC) has represented Nepal at Artigiano in Fiera for 22 years, and they have now transferred all their responsibilities directly to the organizers. What has been your experience with the MPC over these two decades?

The Market Promotion Center and its Managing Director, Sagar Thapa, are much more than commercial partners for us; they are like family. Over the past two decades, they have consistently delivered outstanding results, and the recent transition of responsibilities has been handled with exceptional professionalism and goodwill. They are now not associated with us. We deeply value this partnership and are grateful for their dedication and contributions. We wish for MPC’s good future.

Are you looking for any new agent in Nepal for the fair?

Currently, we are engaging directly from Italy with businesses and exhibitors, but we remain open to exploring additional opportunities.

The Nepali Army has launched an advanced course on national security at its Shivapuri-based Command and Staff College. The training that began on Wednesday (March 13) includes 30 participants from various ministries, constitutional bodies, universities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, media outlets as well as representatives from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department. This ninth iteration of the training, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the Nepali Army, is scheduled to continue until March 29.

During the inauguration of the training event, Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Prabhu Ram Sharma expressed confidence that the training would aid in formulating and implementing crucial policies to safeguard national interests. He emphasized the importance of studying and analyzing both external and internal security environments.

Furthermore, CoAS Sharma highlighted the escalating conflicts and wars on the international stage, which are exacerbating polarization among powerful nations, raising concerns over an impending new cold war. He underscored the additional challenge facing small nations in maintaining their existence. “In the context of Nepal,” he noted, “Sensitive geopolitics, open borders and competing interests of various powerful nations pose significant national security challenges.” CoAS Sharma also addressed the growing internal religious and communal disputes, along with the activities of dormant separatist groups, which he identified as other threats to national security.

“Labor migration, youth migration and the involvement of Nepalis in the armies of various conflicting nations, coupled with the escalating impacts of climate change such as excessive rainfall, droughts, and depletion of water resources, as well as the repercussions on the Tarai region due to deforestation and its adverse effects on our food security highlight crucial issues from the perspective of human security,” stated CoAS Sharma. He emphasized that the development of technology, particularly in the realms of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI), poses new challenges to the security sector, necessitating a redefinition of military strategy and theory. 

He requested the participants to identify and analyze the traditional and non-traditional security challenges along with the importance of such factors in national security in a subtle and in-depth manner.

Addressing the attendees, Defense Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma underscored the critical importance and necessity of high-level national security training. He emphasized its utility in fostering a shared perception and comprehension of national security among high-ranking officials, acquainting them with key issues and dimensions of the external security environment that could impact the nation. Sharma said, “It is only through an integrated and coordinated approach to confronting various internal and external challenges that threaten our nation’s security that we can effectively enhance our overall defense capacity, border management, disaster control, national unity, and regional and international relations and diplomacy.”

Since its inception in 2016, the course has provided training to 193 individuals.

Nepal is set to face Namibia on Wednesday under the triangular series of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. The game will start from 9:30 am at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. 

Earlier on Feb 15, Nepal lost the inaugural match of the League 2 to Namibia by four wickets. Chasing a target of 133 runs posted by Nepal, Namibia had met it in 33.1 overs at the loss of six wickets. 

The home side bounced back and trounced Netherlands in the second match of the series on Feb 17. Nepal won the game by nine wickets. Netherlands managed to score 137 runs in 39 overs, losing all their wickets in the process. Nepal chased 138-run target in just 15.2 overs, losing only one wicket. 

In the third match on Monday, Netherlands defeated Namibia by seven wickets. Netherlands met the target of 124 runs posted by Namibia in 27.2 overs at the loss of three wickets.

Wednesday’s match between Nepal and Namibia will be the fourth one in the tri-series. Currently, all three teams have played two matches each, with each team having one loss and one win. All three teams hold two points each, but Nepal is leading the points table with the highest net run rate (0.92).

Friendship Cup T20

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced the Friendship Cup T20 Tri-Series scheduled to start on March 31. The tournament will feature Nepal competing against teams from Indian states—Gujarat and Baroda in Vapi, Gujarat.

Nepal is set to kick off the series by facing Gujarat on the opening day. Nepal’s second match with Gujarat is scheduled for April 3. Also, Nepal will encounter Baroda on April 2 and 5. Gujarat and Baroda will face each other on April 1 and 4. The final match is scheduled for April 7.

Nepal A clinches first victory

In the second one-day innings, Nepal A secured a historic victory by defeating Canada XI by two wickets in a match held at Mulpani Cricket Ground on Tuesday. This marks the team’s first-ever win. The home side successfully chased a target of 241 runs, losing eight wickets in the process, concluding at 49.1 overs.

With this triumph, Nepal has leveled the 3-match series at 1-1. The decisive match of the series is scheduled for Feb 22. Nepal suffered a four-wicket defeat in the initial match on Feb 18.

Captain Sundeep Jora and Bashir Ahamad played pivotal roles in Nepal’s victory, both contributing half-centuries. In the earlier innings, after losing the toss and opting to bat first, Canada was bowled out for 240 runs with just one ball remaining. Shreyas Movva emerged as the top scorer for Canada, accumulating 68 runs.

Shahab Alam claimed three wickets, while Sher Mall and Rashid Khan each secured two wickets during Nepal’s bowling effort.

The international peacekeeping exercise started on Tuesday with the initiation of ‘Exercise Shanti Prayas-IV.’ The exercise is taking place at the Birendra Peace Operation Training Center (BPOTC) in Panchkhal, Kavre district, and will continue until March 4. The inaugural session was held at the Nepal Army headquarters on Tuesday.

This exercise is a collaborative undertaking between the Nepali Army and the United States government’s Global Peace Operation Initiative (GPOI). The GPOI focuses on promoting excellence in the proficiency of peacekeeping forces, improving mutual coordination capabilities, and ensuring interoperability among Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the United Nations.

The ongoing event marks the fourth iteration of the Nepal-hosted Exercise Shanti Prayas, with the inaugural exercise conducted in 2000. Subsequent editions occurred in 2013 and 2017. This year’s exercise features the participation of military personnel from 19 nations, including Nepal.

The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance the skills and interoperability among troops from countries contributing to United Nations peacekeeping missions, according to the Nepali Army.

A total of 1,125 participants will engage in various events, including 689 individuals in Field Training Events (FTE), 110 in Staff Training Events (STE) and 326 in Critical Enabler and Capability Enhancement (2CE) activities. “The exercise aims not only to address challenges encountered in peacekeeping efforts but also to increase awareness among participating nations about the challenges,” the Army said.

During the opening ceremony of the exercise, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal highlighted that Nepal’s engagement in UN peace operations has consistently been a crucial component of its foreign policy, aimed at achieving and strengthening global peace and stability, garnering commendation from the global community.

Expressing immense pride, he emphasized Nepal’s current status as the leading contributor of troops and police personnel to United Nations Peacekeeping missions. “Nepal has further pledged to deploy up to ten thousand well-trained and equipped personnel for UN Peace operations on request of the United Nations,” he said.

Affirming Nepal’s unwavering advocacy for peace and equality in international forums, the Prime Minister stated that these commitments are deeply rooted in the country's pursuit of global peace and harmony. “This is further manifested through our participation in the UN peace operations, where our peacekeepers have distinctly demonstrated bravery, compassion, and selflessness in their noble mission to protect and restore hope in regions torn apart by conflict.”

In the current global landscape, peacekeepers confront heightened and diverse threats arising from the complex and multi-layered nature of conflicts, driven by factors such as ethnic tensions and terrorism. Dahal stressed the imperative to adapt to this evolving scenario, as peacekeeping operations have transformed into complex politico-military-humanitarian efforts. This transformation necessitates a greater understanding and preparedness on the part of peacekeepers. He emphasized the crucial need to reassess how peace is delivered in the face of new and complex challenges to maintain the trust and legitimacy of UN Peacekeeping.

He also said that the multinational exercise emphasizes and reminds us of the necessity to continually train, refine strategies, and build strong partnerships among nations for the successful conduct of peacekeeping operations.

The Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma, while speaking at the program said that the exercise will be fruitful in promoting mutual relations and professionalism among the peacekeepers when working to establish peace in various conflict areas of the world in accordance with the mandate of the UN.

DAS Rachel Schiller, deputy assistant secretary for Programs and Operations, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said, “The United States remains deeply committed to the success of UN peacekeeping, which is why we are not only the largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping, but we are also the largest bilateral capacity building partner globally through the Global Peace Operations Initiative through which we have committed over $1.5bn since 2005, to enhance the capacity of partner countries to prepare, deploy and sustain peacekeepers in UN and regional peacekeeping missions.”

Flag Display, Fly Past, Band Display and cultural programs of the participating countries were presented in the event. Soldiers from Bangladesh, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uruguay, United States of America, Australia, Canada, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam are participating in the exercise.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha, Chief Secretary Baikunth Aryal, former Commanders-in-Chief, secretaries of various ministries, Ambassadors, Commissioners, Chiefs of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force and military aides among others were present in the inaugural event.

Nepal became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and since 1958, Nepal has been actively engaged in the broader spectrum of UN Peace Operations. Over the course of over sic and half decade, Nepal has participated in 44 UN peacekeeping missions and during this period, 167,000 Nepali peacekeepers have contributed to these missions and among them, the NA personnel number 149,890.

North South University (NSU) is one of the pioneering private universities in Bangladesh. Modeled after US universities, NSU incorporates academic features such as semester systems, credit hours, and letter grades. Currently serving as the Vice-chancellor, Prof Atiqul Islam brings a wealth of international experience to the position. Before joining NSU, he held the role of Pro Vice-chancellor (Engagement) at Edith Cowan University in Australia. Additionally, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Government at the University of Canberra.

In a recent interview with Pratik Ghimire of ApEx, Prof Islam shared insights into the Bangladesh education system and discussed potential collaborations between Bangladesh and Nepal to further develop this field in both countries. Excerpts:

How did the growth of private universities start in Bangladesh?

Since the 1980s, education in Bangladesh has been significantly supported through government subsidies and budget allocations. Consequently, the number of students at the primary and secondary levels increased rapidly. However, upon completing their higher secondary education, these students faced limited opportunities, as Bangladesh at that time had only six or seven government universities with restricted capacity.

In response, students began seeking higher education in countries like India, the United States, Canada, and others, paying higher fees. This not only drained significant foreign currency but also led to a loss of highly intelligent human resources, as these students chose to reside in foreign countries.

Recognizing the need to address these issues, the government decided to allow the establishment of private universities. The expectation was that these institutions would help alleviate the problems and provide quality education within Bangladesh itself. Consequently, North South University was established in 1992, emerging as one of the first privately-owned universities in the country.

How can Nepal and Bangladesh collaborate in the university sector?

We already have some sort of collaboration with Tribhuvan University. Professors from our university supervise a few PhD students from Nepal. Also, mid-level bureaucrats from Nepal participate in training programs at North South University, focusing on policy and governance. The University Grant Commission (UGC) of Nepal sends its staff to our institution for training, knowledge sharing, and experience exchange.

I don’t think Bangladesh has sent its students to Nepal thus far, yet there is potential for collaboration between the two countries. With a mere 22 km distance separating Nepal and Bangladesh, opportunities for collaboration abound across various fronts. Both nations share similarities in terms of economic and social development stages, as well as commonalities in language. By pooling our resources and fostering deeper collaboration, we can achieve significantly better results across various areas.

Why have South Asian universities struggled to attract international students?

Our focus has been on seeking knowledge from the West rather than actively creating it ourselves. There was a time when Baghdad and Persia were global centers of knowledge, attracting learners from Europe. The understanding was that if we could create knowledge, the world would come to acquire it from us.

Following the industrial revolution, Western countries surged ahead by actively engaging in knowledge creation, leading to numerous inventions and discoveries emanating from Europe.

However, the global landscape is evolving, with other countries, particularly in Asia, recognizing the importance of generating knowledge. People now choose to study in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and China. The educational shift is moving from the West to the East, and our university is also experiencing this change. We are receiving inquiries from neighboring countries, like Myanmar, as they recognize the value of our expertise. For example, the Burmese believe that Bangladesh excels in agricultural research, prompting them to send their students to us.

Bangladesh has emerged as a primary choice for South Asian students pursuing medical studies. How did the country establish itself as a hub for medical education?

Since the 1960s, Bangladesh has been a favored destination for foreign students, particularly in the fields of medicine and engineering. During my time as a student at Dhaka University, there was a notable presence of Malaysian, Iranian, Palestinian, and Sri Lankan students pursuing medicine and engineering in Dhaka. This trend has persisted over the years.

Certain institutions in Bangladesh have successfully maintained their quality standards and kept pace with global developments. I think the government is committed to stringent quality control measures in these institutions which have played a crucial role in attracting and retaining foreign students.

What suggestions do you have for both countries to enhance collaborations?

Identify areas where one country possesses strengths that the other country requires, fostering exchange and collaboration. Prioritize joint research initiatives to further strengthen ties. Collaboration shouldn’t be limited to government levels; there are numerous opportunities for private sector engagement. Emphasize mutually beneficial collaborations to ensure the success of the relationship, acknowledging that a one-sided approach is not sustainable.