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The Government of Ireland has announced over $545,000 in funding to support civil society initiatives in Nepal. The announcement was made by Irish Ambassador to Nepal, Kevin Kelly, during a visit to Kathmandu as part of a broader European Union (EU) diplomatic mission involving 21 ambassadors and representatives from EU member states.

The funding will be provided through Irish Aid’s Civil Society Fund, which supports Ireland’s international development efforts. The initiative falls under a wider $8.6m grant allocation announced by Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD. Ten Irish NGOs will benefit from this funding, with two organizations implementing programs in Nepal.

Ambassador Kelly emphasized that the funding reflects Ireland’s commitment to inclusive, community-led development and its support for strengthening Nepal’s civil society.

Pokhara University hosted the third virtual workshop on “Curriculum and Pedagogy for Gender Sensitivity” on Tuesday, as part of the Erasmus+ MAGENDA Project on capacity building in higher education. The project, supported by the European Union, involves collaboration between ten universities from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Europe.

The event was inaugurated by Associate Professor Namraj Dhami, MAGENDA Project Coordinator, who discussed the importance of incorporating gender-inclusive pedagogy in institutional frameworks. The workshop was coordinated by Bangladesh Open University (BOU).

Deepmala Shrestha, a faculty member at Pokhara University, delivered the keynote address and introduced the Gender-Inclusive Pedagogical (GIP) framework. She noted that while gender aspects are present in the curriculum, challenges remain in terms of awareness and practical implementation. This discussion followed comments from Md Mizanoor Rahman, who observed that Bangladesh had made progress through gender-sensitive budgeting.

Prof Rishikesh Pandey of Pokhara University moderated the event. During the discussions, he noted that several higher education institutions in Nepal already run programs focused on gender and development. Professor Mohammad Mizanul Haque Kazal of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University highlighted the need for effective strategies to implement Gender Equality Plans (GEPs).

In her concluding remarks, Professor Sabina, MAGENDA Project Manager at BOU, said that shared experiences from universities in Bangladesh and Nepal could help shape future GEPs in Asia. Professor Md Serajul Islam, Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at BOU and a MAGENDA researcher, also attended the workshop.

Yango Group has entered the Nepali market with the trial launch of its city services app, Yango. The app’s initial offering, Yango Ride, is a ride-hailing service currently undergoing testing in Kathmandu. Yango Ride connects passengers with local transportation providers and aims to assist partner drivers in finding customers. According to the company, the service uses technologies such as mapping, navigation systems, and smart order distribution algorithms to provide cost-effective options for passengers and improve operational efficiency for drivers. Adeniyi Adebayo, Chief Business Officer at Yango Ride, said the company is launching its trial phase in Kathmandu in collaboration with local entrepreneurs. He added that user feedback during the trial will be used to adjust the service to better suit the needs of the local market.

Former Nepali Ambassador to Spain and Oman Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal has launched Ambassadors Club, first of its kind in Nepal. The Club aims to serve as a neutral platform for resident and non-resident Ambassadors and heads of the mission.

In the program, it was announced that all resident and non-resident ambassadors credited to Nepal are honorary members of the Club.

The Club along with think-tank International Relations and Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD) and Nepal’s first diplomatic Magazine, The Diplomat was launched amid a special ceremony held in Kathmandu on May 18. Speaking at inaugural program, chief guest former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai said as global order is rapidly changing, Nepal cannot remain aloof from it. Bhattarai said the Club provides the soft space where trust is fostered and foreign policy influenced with vision and inclusivity.

Ambassador Parajuli said that this is not just the launch of an initiative — it is the beginning of a journey. “A journey that takes Nepal to the heart of global conversations. Nepal’s voice, rooted in peace and resilience, is stepping onto the world stage. In the global arena, Nepal carries the voice of hope, of clarity, and of courage. Small nations must rise — not in conflict, but in conviction. We must speak with clarity, engage with compassion, and continue forward with courage. In the face of global change, we must help shape it — not just react to it,” she said.

Sher further added, “We envision a circle of trust where ideas flow freely and voices, regardless of size, are heard equally. I am proud to announce that all ambassadors, heads of mission, and members of the diplomatic community are part of this shared vision. The IRGDD will ensure Nepal’s insights and ideals are shared with the world,” she said. “This moment highlights our unwavering commitment to peace, dialogue, and shared progress. As diplomats, Nepal must be a clear and confident voice—not just for itself, but for all who strive for equity and understanding.” Dr. Dhakal added, “Diplomacy must be inclusive. It does not follow colors, borders, or status. It follows values. We speak with one voice.”

UN Resident Coordinator to Nepal, Hana Singer Hamdy, said, “After days of devastation, it’s time to celebrate — and we bring you not one, not two, but three reasons to be inspired. Three powerful stories of creativity. Three bold glimpses into the future. This issue is rich with thoughtful articles and beautiful photographs — a visual and intellectual celebration of resilience and vision,” she said. “The cover story dives into the heart of global diplomacy, with a special emphasis on multilateralism in the context of climate change and diaspora engagement. It carries the energy and momentum of Sagarmatha Sambaad — a space where ideas flow freely, and voices, especially from the Global South, are amplified.”