KATHMANDU, Aug. 25: Thames International College is set to host the Nepal Social Work Symposium 2026 on August 26 and 27, bringing together activists, academics, journalists, researchers, artists and community organizations to discuss social justice, inclusion, land rights and collective approaches to social reform.

 

The two-day symposium will be held under the theme “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.” The first day will begin with creative and expressive arts activities, followed by a screening of the documentary Marshyangdi Wile Ri’iba: May You Live as long as the River and a discussion with filmmaker Manjit Lama.

 

The film follows a community whose sacred site is required to be relocated for an electricity substation, while a women's group downstream opposes the proposed transmission lines through their community forest.

Lama, a Kathmandu-based filmmaker and visual storyteller, has worked in cinematography, editing and visual storytelling. His work focuses on art, culture, community and personal experiences.

The symposium will also feature an original theatrical production by the Thames Theatre

The symposium will also feature a Community Connect initiative by Heart and Mind Hub and an exhibition by the Writing Center throughout both days. A pop-up library by Photo Circle Kathmandu and a product stall by VOW Media are also scheduled as part of the event.

The organizers said the symposium aims to create a platform for dialogue on social divisions and explore ways of building more inclusive, participatory and community-centered approaches to social change.