Institute for Integrated Development Studies(IIDS) on Friday organized a program titled The Diaspora Dialogue (innovation, identity and global influence). The program brought together experts, innovators, and community leaders to reflect on the journeys and contributions of Nepalis around the world.  

From launching the GYAN Innovation Hub to discussing economic diplomacy, digital transformation, and decades of diaspora engagement, the conversations explored how global Nepali voices can drive knowledge, opportunity, and progress at home.  In his presentation titled Decade of Nepali Diaspora (2081 BS to 90), Biswash Gauchan, Executive Director at IIDS, said that rising NPAs and weak institutions risk trapping Nepal in the middle-income bracket, making diaspora engagement essential for trade, investment, and structural reform.”

Rising NPAs threaten financial stability and risk locking Nepal in the middle-income trap, Gauchan said.  He said: “Nepal has five major sources for economic transformation: water, hills, youths, forest, and forex.” 

 Akhilesh Upadhyay, Policy Lead and Geostrategic Affairs at IIDS, said the underutilized diaspora and human capital risks slowing Nepal’s global influence, making diaspora engagement essential for economic growth and diplomacy. Nepal’s economy diplomacy from 1923 treaty with England to engagements with Nehru and Zhou Enlai, underscores the values of international connections, according to Upadhyay, by opening doors, integrating their expertise and leveraging their networks, Nepal can convert human capital into economic and diplomatic strength, and assert its voice in multilateral forum like SAARC, BBIN, and BIMSTEC.