Nepal Russia Science Society (NRSS), in partnership with the Russian House, Kathmandu, organized a round table discussion on “People’s Diplomacy through Science and Education” at Kamalpokhari on Tuesday to mark the UN International Day of Science for Peace and Development.
Er Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Science and Technology and President of NRSS, chaired the program, which was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ramesh Maskey.
Bringing together prominent scientists, academics, policymakers, diplomats and energy experts from Nepal and Russia, the program explored the role of science and education as powerful instruments of international cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development.
The event commenced with the official inauguration of a photo exhibition titled “Russian Universities: Diplomacy through Science and Education.”
Chief Guest Dr Rajendra Dhoj Joshi, Chairman of Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, inaugurated the exhibition, which showcased the legacy and modern achievements of Russian universities in building international academic collaboration.
In her welcome address after the inauguration, Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, highlighted Russia’s commitment in promoting academic and scientific cooperation with Nepal.
“Science is not only about laboratories and theories; it is about people. When we connect scientists, educators, and young minds from Nepal and Russia, we create living diplomacy that lasts longer than any political document,” she said.
Representatives from leading Russian universities, including the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) and the Omsk State Agrarian University, joined virtually to share insights on Russia’s expanding network for global education and research partnerships.
Speaking on the occasion, Acad. Prof. Dr. Anjana Singh said that while science diplomacy is still emerging in Nepal, it holds immense potential.
“For a country like Nepal science diplomacy is a pathway to sustainable progress,” she noted, calling for institutional frameworks and science counselors within embassies.
Similarly, Prof. Dr. Jibaraj Pokhrel, Former Vice-Chancellor of NAST, stressed on the need for stronger national prioritization of science and technology, recommending the establishment of a Science Attaché post in Nepal’s embassies.
Likewise, Dr. Mitra Bandhu Poudel highlighted the gaps in policy and human resources, underscoring that Nepal must strengthen competency-based education and negotiation skills before engaging internationally.
Dr Dipak Gyawali, Former Minister for Water Resources, drew a distinction between science and technology diplomacy, stressing the value of Track-2 and people-to-people diplomacy:
“Academia, chambers of commerce, and the media must engage directly to keep collaboration alive even when governments pause,” he said.
Also speaking at the program, Dr Shambhu Ram Simkhada, Former UN Representative, observed that science and diplomacy both depend on truth and trust, stating that “foreign policy must be informed by evidence and guided by continuity.”
Prof. Dr. Tri Ratna Bajracharya linked renewable energy and international education to science diplomacy, noting that Nepal’s hydropower sector could serve as a platform for collaboration with Russia and beyond.
Kushal Gurung, President of the Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal, called for stronger climate diplomacy, while Er Gunaraj Dhakal, Climate and Energy Expert, emphasized bottom-up motivation and public–private partnerships for green transformation.
In his closing remarks, Er Ganesh Shah emphasized the transformative role of science in diplomacy, stating that it “connects nations beyond boundaries. We can foster global collaboration for peace and sustainability through education, research, and innovation,”
