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A new diplomatic initiative, the International Relations Concern Community (IRCC) Nepal, has been launched under the leadership of Dr. Hari Prakash Chand. The initiative aims to enhance the diplomatic acumen of the state and build a consensus on key issues of Nepal’s foreign policy.

The concept paper of IRCC Nepal was presented on Saturday during a seminar titled ‘Nepal’s Political System and Foreign Policy after the Gen-Z Movement.’ The paper emphasizes the urgent need to reform Nepal’s diplomatic appointment system to strengthen the nation’s international reputation.

“For the sake of Nepal’s international image, the appointment of diplomats representing the country must be conducted with utmost seriousness and careful consideration,” the paper states. 

It warns that repeating past weak practices will only further deteriorate Nepal’s foreign affairs and diplomacy.

The concept paper proposes that Nepal adopt a merit-based system in which only qualified subject-matter experts are appointed as diplomats, following global standards and best practices.

According to the paper, eligible candidates should include:

• Professors or academic experts with a Ph.D. in International Relations, Diplomacy, Political Science, International Law, or Economics, who are actively engaged in teaching or research.
• Individuals holding a Ph.D. in any discipline with at least 15 years of service in the foreign service.
• For political appointments, those with a minimum of 15 years of active involvement and significant contributions in the foreign affairs departments of political parties, holding a Ph.D. in any field, or independent experts in the related disciplines.
• Individuals with at least 15 years of experience in other diplomatic missions, or those who have served as heads of diplomatic missions for at least one term.
• Researchers with a minimum of 10 years of experience in foreign affairs–related think tanks.
• Individuals who have led missions in international peacekeeping or other missions under the Nepalese Army.

The IRCC initiative seeks to institutionalize professionalism, academic expertise, and meritocracy in Nepal’s foreign service to strengthen the country’s diplomatic standing globally.

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nepal Udo Eugen Volz and Marianne Beck-Volz graciously hosted a reception at the ambassador’s residence in Gyaneshwor on Friday to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Day of German Unity and 67 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Germany.

Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav graced the occasion as the special guest.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Volz stated, “Today, as we celebrate 35 years of German Unity, we also mark 67 years of bilateral relations between Nepal and Germany. Germany has stood by Nepal through challenging times — during the civil war, the 2015 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current democratic renewal. We appreciate the commitment to reinforce democratic values like accountability and service delivery to the people of Nepal,” reads a statement issued by the German Embassy in Kathmandu.

This year also commemorates 51 years of GIZ’s presence in Nepal, 62 years since the establishment of KfW, and 18 years of PTB's engagement in the country.

As key institutions under the German Development Cooperation, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has been providing impactful technical assistance to Nepal, while Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) has supported the country through financial cooperation across diverse sectors.

Likewise, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) — Germany’s national metrology institute — has been contributing to strengthening Nepal’s quality infrastructure by supporting standards, metrology, testing, and accreditation systems that promote fair trade and enhance industrial competitiveness.

Government bodies, political leaders, diplomats, business people, journalists, and intellectuals, reflecting the enduring partnership and shared values between Nepal and Germany, attended the event.

Third Trans-Himalayan Forum on Communication and Social Development kicked off in Kathmandu.

The event was jointly organized by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Kangba TV (China), Tribhuvan University, and Himalaya Television (Nepal).

Held under the theme “Peripheral Digital Communication and Regional Public Governance, the forum aims to address shared challenges through digital innovation and cross-border collaboration.

Amid complex and shifting global dynamics, strengthening trust and cooperation among Trans-Himalayan nations has become more critical.

Countries linked by shared geography and culture face common challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, water security, and sustainable development. The forum aims to leverage digital tools and academic dialogue to promote practical solutions and strengthen regional stability.

The event brought together over 150 scholars and practitioners from nine countries, including China, Nepal, the US, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Japan, with more than 60 academic papers submitted.

The event’s timing, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of China–Nepal and the 75th anniversary of China–India diplomatic relations, stressed on its broader historical and regional relevance.

During the program, Professor Manukonda Rabindranath of Jawaharlal Nehru University (India) discussed AI-driven fact-checking tools, while Bhutan’s Dawa Penjor introduced the “Gelephu Mindfulness City” model. Professor Chen Changfeng of Tsinghua University examined how algorithms are reshaping societal cognition.

Women’s empowerment emerged as a key theme, with India’s Deepika Pant highlighting the resilience of Pahari women amid social and environmental transformations. Kangba TV host Qimi Wengmu emphasized the media’s vital role in amplifying women’s voices and promoting intercultural understanding.

Meanwhile, experts emphasized the need for deeper integration.

Professor Taibur Rahman (University of Dhaka) illustrated synergies among Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Nepal through case studies. Japanese photojournalist Hiroyuki Torii demonstrated visual storytelling’s power in bridging cultures, while Pakistan’s Professor Abida Ashraf advocated for enhanced media industry cooperation .

The Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University emphasized the importance of evidence-based academic exchanges in the context of ongoing geopolitical shifts.

Professor Ding Huang, Dean of UESTC’s School of Public Administration, noted, “This forum serves as a digital bridge to share knowledge and tackle common challenges”.

Professor Han Hong, Director of the Center for Trans-Himalayan Communication Research, proposed a “Seven-Point Initiative” to consolidate consensus during the sessions.

The Mustang-Dolpa road has been closed for the last 10 days due to accumulation of snow on the road following heavy snowfall. 

The Road Division Office in Mustang has expanded the Mustang–Dolpa road from Pakling in Mustang through Sangta village to Chhuksam in Dolpa. 

To assist Upper Dolpa residents in transporting goods to Jomsom in Mustang and traveling to Pokhara–Kathmandu, the Baglung Road Division Office has upgraded the Mustang–Dolpa road and created a new track as the shortest direct route from the Dolpa headquarters. 

Additionally, the Mustang–Dolpa road was widened to facilitate the transport of goods from Mustang to Upper Dolpa and to enable the movement of sheep and yaks from Dolpa to Mustang. 

Surendra Gurung, the ward chairperson of Baragung Muktichhetra–5, reported that the Mustang–Dolpa road, situated at an elevation of 4,000 meters above sea level, has been blocked due to heavy snowfall. 

The blockage has hindered the transport of goods and vehicles from Jomsom to Chhuksam. 

Ward Chairperson Gurung mentioned that a request has been made to the Baglung Road Division Office to remove the snow.