H.E. Nicola Pollitt, Ambassador of UK to Nepal

What was your first impression of Nepal when you landed here as the British ambassador? 

I first visited Nepal in 1999. One of my most vivid memories from that time was the mass of rickshaws on Kathmandu’s roads. “No rickshaws?” I asked myself, as I walked out of the airport to a mass of cars, taxis and buses. I arrived in 2019 with my two small children so watching their reactions to the peaks of the Himalayas as we landed in the warm sunshine from the UK’s cold grey November was fun too. 

What are the similarities between Nepal and the UK? 

The age and strength of our relationship means we naturally have a lot in common despite our different histories and geographies. The Gurkhas are the most obvious symbol of this, but so too the British love of mountains, and our vibrant charity sectors. I see that desire to help and support others everywhere I go in Nepal and I know there are also many Brits who have made Nepal their home, helping it in a variety of ways. Our rich history and love of culture and the arts also runs deep through both nations.

What are the three milestones you feel you have achieved as the UK’s ambassador to Nepal? 

More ‘work in progress’ than milestones at this stage, but before I leave I hope to have inspired some young Nepali women to take on leadership roles. I’ve just launched a mentoring scheme, with other female Ambassadors and Heads of Agency. Please encourage young women to apply! 

In the run up to COP26 in the UK, I’ve been keen to get Nepal talking about climate change and to contribute to that conversation. It was good to see widespread coverage in the Nepali media last week. I’ve also just launched a series of podcasts (links on our social media sites). Do have a listen! 

How are the people-to-people relations between Nepal and your country and how can the relationship be further enhanced? 

People to people relations are deep and long-lasting, and always will be. There are hundreds of thousands of Nepalis in the UK and they make a big contribution to life there. I am looking forward to seeing British tourists return to Nepal, as Covid stabilizes, and taking home tales of beautiful mountains and rare wildlife. Many Nepali students choose to study at the UK’s world class universities, building lasting relationships and memories of the UK. Our Chevening Scholarships support these ties. 

What do you like the most about Nepal? 

Too tough to choose! Can I have a top three? They would be: the people, the mountains and the variety of Nepali culture and history. 

Where do you think Nepal as a country should improve? 

Climate Change is top of my mind at the moment and Nepal has huge potential in this area. It’s a win-win for Nepal with the opportunities for jobs, investment and leadership in green energy and green growth. 

Is there anything you have planned but are yet to achieve in Nepal? 

So many things I have yet to achieve. Much has been impossible over the 18 months due to covid and it’s great to see things opening up again. I want to travel to every province (one to go). I want to climb a 6,000m peak and I want to know and understand so much more about Nepal than I do.

Personal Message

It’s a great privilege to be the British Ambassador to Nepal. UK-Nepal relations date from 1816 so I’m the 48th UK Representative here and the first woman, which makes it particularly exciting. My time here has of course been colored by Covid, and like many others, the past two years have involved separation from my family and periods away from my job or shut at home. But I’m pleased we’ve been able to offer support to Nepal through Covid, pivoting most of our programming to support communities to tackle the virus, and now with the second wave past, it’s good to see the suffering declining and life resuming. Here’s to an even closer partnership over the next two years.

Quick Questions

Favorite Nepali food: Momos
Favorite place in Nepal: Impossible to choose and not seen enough! 
Favorite Nepali song: I’m still trying to learn the Nepali national anthem… 
Favorite trek in Nepal: So far, Khumbu region up to Tengboche. More to try. 
Favorite season in Nepal: Autumn 
Favorite Nepali festival: Dashain