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Experts have underscored the need for a stronger development in Nepal, advocating for science that is accessible, inclusive and actionable for public benefit.

They said so during a Round Table Discussion on ‘Harnessing Science for Connectivity, Climate Action, & Clean Energy’ organized by The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) in Kathmandu today, reads a statement issued by The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA).

The event, held to celebrate World Science Day 2025, brought together leading experts, policymakers, and academics to address the theme, "Trust, transformation, and tomorrow: The science we need for 2050."

The event opened with the insightful remarks from Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Government of Nepal.

Shah emphasized the critical need to integrate scientific advancements into national policy to tackle the compounding challenges of climate change and sustainable development, setting a powerful tone for the event.

The discussion called on a distinguished panel of experts who delivered insightful and compelling presentations on three core thematic areas, according to the statement.

The first presentation on Connectivity by Laxman Bahadur Basnet, Distinguished Fellow at AIDIA, explored the role of science and technology in enhancing national and regional connectivity, from digital infrastructure to transportation networks.

Likewise, the second presentation on ‘Climate Loss and Damage’ by Ujjwal Upadhyay, a noted Climate Adaptation and DRR Expert, provided a critical analysis of the escalating impacts of climate change in Nepal and outlined the scientific and policy frameworks required to address loss and damage.

The third presentation on Energy Transition by Kuber Chalise, Research Director at AIDIA, delivered a presentation on the Nepal's clean energy transition, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in moving away from fossil fuels, the surge in electric vehicle and increasing production of hydropower.

Following the presentations, a dynamic open discussion was held, allowing participants to engage directly with the experts. The conversation underscored the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach, bridging the gap between scientific research, policy-making, and public implementation, the statement further reads.

Giving his remarks, Anup Upadhyay, chair of the new political party Nepal Ujjwalo Party and chair of Nepalese Association of PPP Professionals and Practitioners (NAPPP) called highlighted the government’s policy and gaps that have not allowed to transform the policy into practice.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to fostering continued dialogue on these critical issues. As a gesture of gratitude for their invaluable contributions, Sajina Rai, Program Director of AIDIA, presented a token of love to the esteemed presenters.

The French Embassy in Nepal has announced a €4,000 grant to the Radha Paudel Foundation to support its project, “Strengthen Youth Leadership on Menstrual Dignity for Preventing Gender-Based Violence in Nepal.”

The project will run from January to December 2026 and will support strengthening the youth leadership on menstrual dignity to minimize the gap at all levels and sectors as a learning project, reads a statement issued by the French Embassy in Nepal.

French Ambassador to Nepal Virginie Corteval noted that this initiative reflects France’s international strategy for feminist diplomacy which places the rights of women and girls, and gender equality, at the center of its foreign policy.

The French Embassy reaffirms its dedication to promoting women’s and girls’ rights by supporting the Radha Paudel Foundation.

The government has classified the people, who were injured, during the Gen Z protest into four types.  

Spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Prakash Budhathoki, shared that a technical committee formed to classify the injured people has divided them into four categories - highly serious, serious, medium and minor. They were classified based on their injuries. 

The government had formed the 10-member technical committee under coordination of Head of the Department of Quality Measurement and Regulation of the Ministry, Dr Saroj Sharma. 

The identity card would be provided to the injured ones as per the classification. Sending a circular to all the District Administration Offices, the government had directed them to complete the classification works. 

A total of 2,572 people were injured during the Gen Z protest that occurred on September 8 and 9, added Dr Budhathoki. 

Of them, 11 are still undergoing treatment at hospitals.

From the remote village of Mukli in Solukhumbu, Machchhe Devi Gurung rose to become far more than an individual success story. She became a symbol of resilience for countless women fighting to be heard. As a little girl, she was enchanted by the voices on the radio, never imagining that one day it would become her most powerful weapon for change. Through this medium, she found her own voice and carried with it the hopes and struggles of thousands of women, echoing their concerns on national and global stages. Her journey shines as an inspiring example of courage, perseverance, and an unshakable devotion to social justice.

The village’s natural beauty brightened her childhood, yet beneath this beauty lay the harsh realities of social inequality and gender discrimination, which left a deep impression on her. From an early age, she witnessed how women were denied opportunities, subjected to discrimination, and endured violence. Although her family valued education, their modest means made it difficult for her to pursue her dreams with ease. The radio became her window to the world. Every time it played in the village, she would wonder in awe: “How can people enter this small box and speak?” That innocent curiosity gradually opened the door to a new universe of stories, information, and ideas. Determined to continue her studies, she made the bold decision to move to Kathmandu—her first major step toward a new life, though arriving in the capital was not just a physical relocation; it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her journey.

A campaign to amplify women’s voices

Recognising media as the most effective medium to amplify women’s voices, she enrolled in a ten-month journalism training program at the Nepal Press Institute, which laid the foundation of her career. Following the training, she undertook internships at Kantipur National Daily and Antenna Foundation, where she acquired essential journalistic skills and developed a clearer understanding of the media’s role in society. Her professional journey reached a turning point when she joined Radio Sagarmatha. For her, it was more than just a workplace—it became a platform to advance her vision and advocacy. At the station, she produced and hosted programs focusing on women’s rights, education, health, employment, gender-based violence, and equal participation in state structures. Over nearly 5 years, she produced and presented more than 400 episodes, significantly increasing the visibility of women’s issues and strengthening public discourse around them.

Machchhe Devi understood early on that women’s issues are not uniform. The challenges faced by Indigenous communities, Dalits, Madhesis, Muslims, women with disabilities, and single women are distinct. Through her radio platform, she amplified these diverse voices and brought their concerns to the national stage. Her program Saha Astitwa (Coexistence) became a driving force in pressing for 33 percent women’s representation in the Constituent Assembly. Her initiative inspired women across villages to speak up for their rights. She raised her voice through a Radio program for voiceless, marginalised, and disadvantaged women. 

Machchhe Devi tirelessly advocated for the implementation of the Domestic Violence (Crime and Punishment) Act introduced by the government. Critics labelled her a “feminist,” but she never took it as an insult; instead, she strengthened her campaign further. Her determination earned her recognition from various organizations. The Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FONIJ) honoured her with the FONIJ National Journalism Diaspora Award 2082 on its 26th anniversary. Likewise, the Federation of Indigenous Peoples of Nepal in America (FIPNA) acknowledged her contribution with a certificate of honour on the 31st International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. She also gained opportunities to work on women’s issues through non-governmental organizations.

A new chapter in the diaspora

Currently, Machchhe Devi is in New York, where she is amplifying the voice of the Nepali diaspora through community journalism. She runs an online portal called NYC Nepal News, serving as its editor. Through this platform, she highlights issues related to the Nepali community’s language, culture, and rights. Additionally, she manages the Community Quest interview series and the NYC Nepal Podcast.

While in the United States, she has held various responsibilities in the Nepal America Journalists’ Association (NEAJA). In 2021, during NEAJA’s 7th General Convention, she was elected as vice president with the highest number of votes. During her tenure, she advocated for institutional transparency, women’s participation, and strengthening the journalism profession. She has also worked as a guest editor for Everest Times Online, where she emphasized community journalism to empower the community.

Recognition and inspiration

Machchhe Devi’s contributions have been recognized by various organizations. During Gurung (Tamu) Lhochhar 2023, the Public Advocate of New York City honored her. The Tamang Society of America acknowledged her contributions during the Dumphu Sannjh in 2018. Similarly, in 2012, she was honored for empowering women and combating domestic violence through Radio Journalism by the British Embassy to Nepal and the National Network of Women Human Rights Defenders, and Women Rehabilitation Center WOREC Nepal. In 2023, Nepalism.com recognized her as a change maker acknowledging her contribution to the community through journalism.

She presented a working paper on gender equality in the media sector at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She also served as an election commissioner at the 8th national convention of the Federation of Indigenous Nationalities of Nepal in America (FIPNA). Additionally, she took on the roles of judge and media coordinator at the Nepal Indigenous Film Festival and NIFF Awards 2018. Machchhe Devi took the role as one of the judges for selecting the NRNA Journalism Award provided by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) National Coordination Council - USA and NEAJA in 2025. 

Her journey in journalism began 19 years ago as a trainee at Kantipur Daily, and it continues today with the same energy and passion. She has consistently raised her voice for social justice, equality, and the rule of law. Gurung firmly believes that social change cannot be institutionalised until there is a shift in individual mindsets. Her life story traces a path from a small village to the global stage. What began as a journey through radio has transformed thousands of women’s lives. Gurung’s determination, dedication, and sense of social responsibility have established her as a powerful voice in Nepal and beyond. Her tireless advocacy for women’s rights, inclusion, and respect for diversity inspires a new generation both within Nepal and across the diaspora. Gurung’s story is not merely her own; it represents the collective narrative of countless women striving to make their voices heard on the world stage.