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.
