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The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal, in collaboration with the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), organized the Nepal–Korea Energy Cooperation Seminar in Kathmandu on Monday.

This is the first time that such event was held in Nepal to promote private-sector cooperation in the energy sector.

Addressing the seminar as chief guest, Chiranjeewee Chataut, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, said Nepal seeks long-term partnerships with Korean investors, particularly in hydropower and energy development.

He noted that Nepal and South Korea have maintained economic cooperation through trade agreements, joint ventures, labour collaboration and resource sharing, and expressed hope for increased Korean investment in Nepal’s energy, water resources and irrigation sectors.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal Tae-Young Park said the Korean government has supported Nepal’s development for more than five decades, including the construction of three hydropower projects with Korean financing.

Highlighting strong potential for bilateral cooperation in energy, he said the seminar provided a platform for companies from both countries to explore future collaborative projects.

The embassy also distributed a directory of Korean companies operating in the hydropower sector.

The seminar was organized with an aim to strengthen collaboration with private energy producers and attract Korean investment.

Former government secretary Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal, in his presentation, outlined investment opportunities in hydropower generation and transmission infrastructure, along with government policies in the sector.

About 150 participants, including government officials, media representatives, hydropower developers from Nepal and South Korea, officials from KOTRA New Delhi, and IPPAN members, were present on the occasion. 

Foreign Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai and Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal Danielle have jointly unveiled a commemorative logo at Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark the 70^thanniversary of diplomatic relations between two countries.  

The logo will be used throughout 2026 by Embassy of Switzerland in Kathmandu and the Embassy of Nepal in Geneva on various occasions to celebrate and highlight the enduring friendship between the two countries. Nepal and Switzerland diplomatic relations in November 1996. 

President Ram Chandra Paudel has called on all sides concerned to devote themselves to nation building by internalizing the mandate given by the citizens. 

He stressed the need for leadership with renewed thinking, style, plans, dedication, energy, conduct, and integrity to fulfill that mandate.

Addressing a program organized on the occasion of the 31st Kathmandu Metropolis Day in the federal capital today, the Head of State said, “It is our responsibility to hand over a prosperous nation to future generations by addressing the needs of the present time. I believe we should not deviate from fulfilling our responsibilities.”

“It is necessary for us to cultivate the feeling that politics is neither a profession nor a business; rather, it is the noblest means of social service,” the President said, adding that this is precisely what the Nepali people expect at this moment. “The same sentiment was also expressed through the recent movement of the younger generation,” he added.

Stating that seeking the people’s mandate to find solutions to the nation’s existing problems is the supreme method in a democracy, the President called on all to move forward by making the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives a success.

“The House of Representatives elections will be held on March 5 to address the aspirations of the youth for change,” Paudel reminded. “Let us move ahead by making it a success and engage in building a prosperous Nepal along with the establishment of social justice and good governance.”

The President applauded Kathmandu Metropolitan City for its innovative achievements in economic, social, and physical development efforts as well as urban management.

“I believe that the services, facilities, and programs delivered to service seekers and beneficiaries have validated the meaningful role played by youth leadership and energetic elected representatives in the metropolitan city,” President Paudel said.

He praised the local government for setting examples in urban management, river and water systems, promotion of greenery, conservation of natural heritage, restoration of temples, monasteries, ponds, lakes, stone spouts, and physical heritage, as well as in efforts toward integrated urban development.

The President added that the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has ensured its services are citizen-friendly, accountable, transparent, and service-oriented through the maximum use of information and communication technology, the operation of a single service center, and the prioritization of a grievance-management system. “This has sent a message to the public that the level of government closest to their doorstep is capable of effective local governance,” he said.

Stating that not only the policies, plans, actions, and programs implemented by the metropolitan city but also its experiences and lessons learned would serve as examples for other local levels, the President expressed his belief that the local government will continue striving to come up with the best possible policies, programmes, and plans.

He also said that for the prosperity of the capital city, the policies, programs, and plans formulated by the metropolitan municipality require support and cooperation of all bodies, including the federal and provincial governments, for effective implementation.

The President expressed confidence that Kathmandu Metropolitan City will be able to deliver more effectively in the days ahead in addressing the needs, aspirations, and dreams of its residents.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal were also present at the event.

On the occasion, the President honoured individuals with outstanding contributions in various fields, while the Vice President awarded local representatives for their best performances in their respective areas.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that the government is fully committed to conducting fresh elections to the members of the House of Representatives (HoR) on the announced date.

The HoR election has been scheduled for March 5, 2026.

While inaugurating a regional-level (Gandaki) security seminar in Pokhara today, the Minister said the government is focused on building an integrated security plan along with managerial preparations for conducting the elections. 

He stated that the government was formed with the major mandate of conducting the elections and that its primary responsibility is to hand over government leadership to a people elected government by successfully organizing the polls.

“The election schedule has already been unveiled. It will be conducted on March 5,” he said.

Stating that the government is in talks with concerned stakeholders, including political parties, to create an environment of trust for the elections, he added that an integrated security plan targeting the elections has been put in place. 

The election security strategy will be finalized after assessing the security situation in the provinces and districts.

He further said that among the prisoners who had escaped prisons during the September 8–9 Gen Z movement, 70 percent have returned, and the process of recovering the looted arms is underway. 

According to the Minister, the government is seriously working to normalize security challenges in the aftermath of the Gen Z movement and to ensure that peace and security prevail in the country. 

He also highlighted the role of provincial governments in successfully holding the elections.

Security chiefs, including representatives from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, from all 11 districts of Gandaki Province are attending the seminar.

According to Joint Secretary at the Home Ministry, Govinda Rijal, the event aims to prepare a future security strategy and action plan for the province. 

It will also discuss election security plans.