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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held a meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Sunday.

Matters related to Nepal-India bilateral interests and mutual benefits were discussed on the occasion.

The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers of both the countries and members of the delegations.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Office of the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN in New York today.

PM Oli is currently in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly, leading the Nepali delegation.

On the occasion, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Türk, expressed his happiness over the endorsement of the legislations related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Disappeared Persons, the two laws connected to finalization of the peace process in Nepal.

In the meeting, Türk stated that this topic of political consensus in Nepal could be a model for the world, according to Bishnu Prasad Rimal, the Principal Advisor to PM Oli, who was present during the meeting.

Similarly, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights agreed that climate justice is inevitable to Nepal, as the melting of snow in the mountains of Nepal due to global warming will affect the world.

Prime Minister Oli stressed on giving equal and strategic value to climate justice issues for protecting the human race in the world.

PM's Principal Advisor Rimal, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, and Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa were present during the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the 'Summit of the Future' session of the 79th United Nations General Assembly on Sunday.

PM Oli is currently in New York, leading the Nepali delegation to the 79th UN General Assembly.

On the occasion, PM Oli underscored on industrialization and increasing the production for combating poverty which remains as the common challenge of the Group of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

PM Oli stated that the LDCs have been adversely affected by emission of greenhouse gasses by developed countries and urged the latter to invest more in climate financing.

Noting that hundreds of thousands of children are deprived of their rights to food and education due to poverty, he stressed on concerted efforts for poverty alleviation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, PM's Principal Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, and Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN Lok Bahadur Thapa among others attended the Session.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal is clear in its view that carbon emitting countries should compensate the non-emitting countries.

Prime Minister Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), leading the Nepali delegation, said this while addressing as the keynote speaker at a program on Parliamentarians for Fossil Fuel Free, on Saturday.

Stating that Nepal has helped reduce the climate change impact through zero carbon emission, he stressed on compensating the communities suffering from climate change impact due to the emissions by the developed countries. He presented the case of the snow melting in the Nepal Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt Everest).

PM Oli called on the developed countries of the world to increase funding for future climate adaptation as established by the Paris Agreement. "Our future is bright because we are investing for the future," he said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres held a meeting on Saturday.

Prime Minister Oli, who is in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly, met with UN Secretary General Guterres at the United Nations Building.

During the meeting, they shared opinions on the need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On the occasion, Secretary General Guterres expressed his commitment to lobby with the international community for compensating Nepal for the impact it has been having including melting of its mountains due to climate change. He also emphasized that sufficient climate finance should be provided to mountainous countries like Nepal, while working on radical reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Recalling his visit to Nepal last year, Secretary General Guterres emphasized the need for intensive reform in the global order with a focus on reducing and preventing carbon emissions that have been impacting developing countries, including least developed countries like Nepal, according to Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, who also attended the meeting.

Assuring that the United Nations will take initiatives for simplified access of the developing countries to advanced financial assistance, the UN Secretary General also highly praised the performance of the Nepali security personnel in the UN peacekeeping missions.

In response, Prime Minister Oli expressed his gratitude to the UN Secretary General for visiting Nepal while urging him to take the initiative to deliver climate justice to Nepal. He also requested to provide leadership positions to Nepal in the UN peacekeeping force, considering its notable contribution to maintaining international peace and security.

The Prime Minister also thanked the United Nations and the international community for their concern in the recent avalanche in the Khumbu region of Nepal and shared that Nepal will soon host the Sagarmatha Dialogue on the agenda of the Himalayan ecosystem. He also invited the UN Secretary General Guterres to join the dialogue.

Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba, Prime Minister's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amrit Bahadur Rai were also present in the meeting.

Earlier today, UN High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, called on Prime Minister Oli at the office of the Nepali Mission.

During the meeting, matters relating to enhancing Nepal-UN cooperation including the promotion of LDCs’ interests in multilateral fora were discussed.

Leading a Nepali delegation, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli left for New York to take part in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Prime Minister will address the UNGA on September 26.

The theme for the 79th UNGA General Debates is "Leaving No One Behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations."

Prime Minister Oli will attend the Opening Session of the General Debate of the 79th UNGA on September 24 and the reception to be hosted by the President of the United States, Joseph Robinette Biden on September 25, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While in New York, the Prime Minister will address the Summit of the Future as the Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

He will also address the High-Level Plenary Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats posed by Sea-Level Rise and the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), among others.

On September 23, Prime Minister Oli will deliver a keynote address on 'Nepal's Journey to Democracy and Economic Prosperity' at Columbia University. In addition, he will speak at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard University, on "Nepal's Prospective: From Transitional Justice to Climate Justice' on September 27.

Similarly, the Prime Minister will have a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres and is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings in the margins of the UNGA, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Prime Minister Oli was accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and other senior officials.

He will return to Kathmandu on September 30.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for the UN Headquarters in New York, leading a Nepali delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Prime Minister will address the UNGA on September 26.

The theme for the 79th UNGA General Debates is "Leaving No One Behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations." 

 Prime Minister Oli will attend the Opening Session of the General Debate of the 79th UNGA on September 24 and the reception to be hosted by the President of the United States, Joseph Robinette Biden on September 25, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While in New York, the Prime Minister will address the Summit of the Future as the Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

He will also address the High-Level Plenary Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats posed by Sea-Level Rise and the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), among others.

On September 23, Prime Minister Oli will deliver a keynote address on 'Nepal's Journey to Democracy and Economic Prosperity' at Columbia University. In addition, he will speak at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard University, on "Nepal's Prospective: From Transitional Justice to Climate Justice' on September 27.

Similarly, the Prime Minister will have a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres and is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings in the margins of the UNGA, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Prime Minister Oli will be accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and other senior officials.

He will return to Kathmandu on September 30.

This week, the KP Sharma Oli-led government unveiled its ‘policy commitment’ paper, two months after the formation of a coalition government consisting of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and other smaller parties. The key focus areas of the document include foreign policy priorities, constitution implementation and amendment, good governance, quality public services, economic development, implementation of fundamental rights, and transitional justice issues.

The document is intended to provide clear policy guidelines for the government’s functioning. While it doesn’t present any new foreign policy strategies, it emphasizes attracting more foreign investment and assistance based on Nepal’s development needs. It also highlights resolving bilateral issues with neighboring countries through diplomatic channels and fostering good relations. Prime Minister Oli is due to address the 79th UN General Assembly, where he is expected to discuss these foreign policy priorities.

Regarding constitutional amendments, the document aims to further strengthen the political system and preserve the achievements of the 2006 political movement. This comes amid concerns that the NC and UML may seek to remove certain progressive provisions. The ruling parties have pledged to consult all stakeholders before proceeding with any amendments. In conjunction with Constitution Day, celebrated on Sept 19 (Thursday), leaders reiterated their commitment to upholding the constitution. 

On the occasion of Constitution Day, Nepal also received congratulatory messages from the international community. US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken expressed pride in the US-Nepal collaboration to strengthen ties, promote economic growth through the debt-free partnership with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and support climate resilience and clean energy efforts. Blinken’s mention of a “debt-free partnership” appeared to subtly reference China’s involvement in Nepal.

In another story this week, a parliamentary probe committee investigating fraud in the cooperative sector submitted its report to Parliament, which has asked the government to take necessary actions. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) claims that its leader Rabi Lamichhane was cleared of allegations of cooperative fraud. However, others argue the report suggests the government should take action against Lamichhane for his role in the misuse of cooperative funds when he was the director of Gorkha Media. Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba thanked Gagan Kumar Thapa, the party’s general secretary, for raising Lamichanne’s issues in Parliament stating that Lamichhane’s involvement has been verified. But RSP senior leaders are bent on creating a narrative that Lamichhane was not involved in the case. It is yet to be seen how the government takes action. Despite Lamichhane dominating the headlines, the broader issues raised in the report have received less attention. Meanwhile, the RSP is preparing to hold its first general convention to elect new leadership next year.

This week, the Constitutional Council recommended Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat as the new Chief Justice, following the retirement of the current judiciary head this month. Rawat will serve for 18 months. 

In politics this week, the ruling UML made strategic decisions to strengthen its organization, including a plan to expand its active membership to one million, which would constitute six percent of the electorate. UML plans to emerge as the largest political party in the 2027 national elections. In the process, the party also plans to enhance its social media presence and to counter what it calls ‘false propaganda’.

Inside the NC, there appears to be a growing cordiality between party President Deuba and General Secretary Thapa. Despite efforts by senior leaders like Shekhar Koirala and Bishwa Prakash Sharma to prevent Deuba from becoming prime minister once again, Thapa publicly stated this week that Deuba would lead the government after two years, following a power transfer from Oli. There are rumors within the party that Deuba may support Thapa’s bid for party president in the upcoming general convention.

The relevance of provincial structures became a hot topic of public discourse this week, with some leaders calling for their abolition. Minister for Information and Technology Prithvi Subba and a section of UML leaders have questioned the need for provinces, suggesting scrapping them through a constitutional amendment. In contrast, former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai has proposed increasing the number of provincial governments to 10. NC leader Deuba has also defended the provincial system, arguing that it should be strengthened rather than dismantled, while also reaffirming the party’s commitment to inclusive provisions, including the electoral system.

Another story of note this week was the findings of the latest report from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), which paints a grim picture of rising corruption, particularly at the local government level. The CIAA’s 34th annual report (2023-24) shows that 38.91 percent of public complaints involved local governments, with the education sector accounting for 15.79 percent. The Auditor General’s 2022-23 report also identified significant financial discrepancies in local governments, highlighting a broader trend of increasing corruption.

Audits covering Rs 1.13575trn across 746 of the 753 local governments uncovered discrepancies totaling Rs 35.67bn. The data shows a consistent increase in complaints related to local and educational institutions.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said policy initiatives have already been started to upgrade the Grade 10 Secondary Education Examination (SEE) results to about 70 percent.

Addressing the program organized by the National Education Day, 2081 Celebration Main Committee today, PM Oli said the government is steadfastly working to remove the existing backwardness in the education sector. 

He added that significant improvement would be made in the SEE results, by teaching major subjects to students through the online mode. The present pass rate of students in SEE is around 50 percent.

"Policy-level initiatives have already begun to bring significant improvement in the SEE results. We have no time for making speeches. The education of this land that is home to education, knowledge, meditation, yoga, civilization, and culture cannot remain in the backwaters now," Prime Minister Oli said.

Noting that a wave of education development had automatically started in the villages of Nepal with the establishment of democracy in 2007 BS, but we could not make strides in education to the extent possible in this area, he said, "The Rana and Shah rulers were more engrossed in taking pleasure in comfort and their rule. Now the republic has been established. It is the responsibility of us all not to let education remain backward in this system."

He urged educationists to produce capable citizens who can compete at the world level.

On the occasion, PM Oli presented prizes to the campuses, schools and organizations excelling in higher education, school education, and social sector.

National Education Day is being observed across the country today around the slogan - "Knowledge, Science, Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Originality: Partnership and Systemic Competence."

The government began celebrating National Education Day on Ashoj 2 starting last year, based on the date of the certification of the "Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075," which was enacted to implement the fundamental rights outlined in the constitution. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed on the need of distribution of equal opportunity of quality education encompassing the backward classes, regions, gender and nationalities in the mainstream of education.

He has said it is inevitable to ensure equal opportunity and benefit by removing the inequalities existing in education at all levels and opportunities at the province and local levels. In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the National Education Day today, the Prime Minister asserted that the government is committed to increase the share of the national budget in the education sector to achieve the sustainable development goal and also to have the School Education Bill, 2081 discussed and passed by Parliament.

The National Education Day commemorates the day the Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075 was issued to implement the fundamental right to education guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal. The government began celebrating National Education Day on Ashoj 2 starting last year, based on the date of the certification of the "Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075," which was enacted to implement the fundamental rights outlined in the constitution. 

This year the day is being observed with the slogan, "Knowledge, Science, Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Originality: Partnership and Systemic Competence." The PM expressed his happiness that the National Education Day is being celebrated across the country by organizing various programs.

The Head of the Government said there is a situation in which all the three tiers of the government needed to enhance partnership in investment based on mutual coordination, collaboration and co-existence for achieving the goals of compulsory and free basic education and free secondary education.

"It is necessary to utilize the existing investment and resources in an effective and productive manner and to produce citizens and build society with moral character, and to promote employment, through quality education," PM Oli said.

As the Prime Minister said, the teaching-learning from school education, the general/technical education to higher education needs to be made inclusive and of quality in order to achieve the global sustainable development goals by 2030.

He also insisted on developing all the education institutions into the center of excellence in knowledge and making education as the means for achieving the national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.'

Nepal will present its positions and policies on a broad range of national, regional, and global issues at the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), according to top officials.

In a recent address to Parliament, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli outlined his intentions for the UN forum. “Nepal has its own policies, viewpoints, and challenges, along with our achievements,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to sharing Nepal’s progress and challenges with the global community while seeking international cooperation where necessary.

Prime Minister Oli is set to travel to New York this week to participate in the annual UN meeting. Officials indicate that he will spotlight Nepal’s key political milestones, including the 2015 Constitution and its defining features. Oli will also outline Nepal’s vision of democracy, making the distinction between democracy and anarchism.

Oli will also reaffirm Nepal’s foreign policy fundamentals, particularly its emphasis on relations with neighboring countries. In his Parliament address, Oli reiterated that Nepal’s foreign relations are guided by the principle of “amity with all, enmity with none.” He added that Nepal’s foreign policy is anchored in the UN Charter, non-alignment, non-interference in internal political affairs, and a firm stance against external interference.

Nepal is also expected to express its concerns regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. Additionally, climate change will feature prominently in Oli’s address to the UN assembly, with the prime minister planning to raise awareness about its impact on Nepal’s Himalayan region. “I will draw attention to the link between melting Himalayan glaciers and rising sea levels,” Oli said, stressing that this is not just a regional issue but a global concern.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last year expressed alarm over the effects of climate change on Nepal, noting that it faces severe impacts due to the climate crisis. “Nepal is one of the countries suffering the most, and other South Asian nations may soon face similar threats from receding glaciers,” Guterres said in a 2023 address to Nepal’s Parliament. “What is happening in this country as a result of climate change is an appalling injustice and a searing indictment of the fossil fuel age.”

On the sidelines of the UNGA, Prime Minister Oli will attend the “Summit of the Future: Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,” focusing on securing a sustainable future for humanity and the planet. The prime minister plans to present Nepal’s views on critical issues, including the protection of children and the environment. He will also address the challenges faced by small island nations due to rising sea levels, linking them to the broader issue of climate change impacting mountainous countries like Nepal.

Preserving ecosystems will be another priority for Oli at the UN. He told Parliament that he plans to discuss the interconnectedness of mountain and ocean ecosystems, underscoring the need for global cooperation in environmental preservation. Additionally, Prime Minister Oli is expected to participate in discussions on drug-related problems, a growing concern for Nepal, though he did not elaborate on specific details.

Prime Minister Oli assured Parliament that all his statements at the UN would be made public, and he pledged to provide a detailed report to lawmakers upon his return. “I want to assure the honorable members that after my return, I will report to the House about everything I did and said. All my statements will be available to the media—nothing will be kept secret,” Oli said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has made it clear that he will not do anything to bow down Nepal's image in the international arena while participating in the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations.

Informing the House of Representatives (HoR) today about the matters to be raised in the UN General Assembly, the PM mentioned that he would make it clear about Nepal's policy of not interfering in the internal affairs of others and not accepting the interference of others in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

He said that the Constitution of Nepal, democratic principles, the identity of an independent nation with sovereignty, fair national interests and international commitments will be discussed. "What are our efforts and problems in the journey of development and prosperity and how to join hands with the world regarding our efforts will be put in the United Nations," Prime Minister Oli said, adding that Nepal wants to have good relations with its neighbors, and not fake and artificial relations.

"We believe in the notion 'friendship with all and enmity with none'," Prime Minister Oli made it clear. He said that he will represent the country and people at the international arena, considering this fact because he is doing politics for the country and the people, for today and even more so for tomorrow.

Referring to the 'Future Summit' event that he will be participating in after attending the General Assembly, Prime Minister Oli informed the parliament that in the Summit he will present Nepal's perspective on the safety of mankind and the earth, the 'ecosystem' of mountains and seas. He will also speak on the topic of rising sea level due to the melting of the snow in the mountains.

During his stay in the United States, he will address separate events at Columbia University in New York and Harvard University in Boston.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today informed the House of Representatives about his participation in the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations.

PM Oli is scheduled to go to the United States by leading Nepali delegation on September 20 to participate in the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations.

Prime Minister Oli also informed the meeting about the issues he will raise in the general assembly.

Non-Resident Ambassador of Romania to Nepal Daniela Mariana Sezonov Tane paid a farewell call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today.

In the meeting, PM Oli thanked the Romanian envoy on completion of her term in office in Nepal and contributing to the bilateral relations between Nepal and Romania.

Various matters of bilateral interest and exchange of cooperation were discussed on the occasion.

Similarly, the proposal on each country opening its embassy in the other also came up during the discussions.

Honorary Consul General of Romania to Nepal, Narayan Bajaj and officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present on the occasion.

Similarly, Ambassador Tane paid a farewell call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba at her office in Singha Durbar today.

The Foreign Minister thanked the Ambassador for her efforts in further strengthening Nepal-Romania relations.

The Romanian ambassador also paid a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that all should move ahead actively to make the campaign against human trafficking successful.

In a message today on the occasion of 18th National Anti- Human Trafficking Day, Prime Minister Oli extended best wishes, saying this Day could give more inspiration to all to end human trafficking. The Day is being observed today under the slogan, "Commitment of Three-Tier Governments: Solidarity of All against Human Trafficking".

"Human trafficking and smuggling are a heinous crime of human civilization. Nature, form and destination of human trafficking and smuggling have been found continuously changing with the passage of time", reads the message. 

"Most of the women are trafficked while going as domestic workers to the countries where the government has banned foreign employment from Nepal. As well as teenage girls working in the entertainment sector are also at high-risk from the point of view of human trafficking" reads the message.

Prime Minister Oli mentioned that the government has been launching different awareness programs to reduce growing trafficking to children and teenage girls.

The government has been strictly implementing laws formulated to end human trafficking, he explained.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that it is the responsibility of each State to respect the voting rights of the citizens.

Inaugurating the 12th Conference of the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA) today, the Prime Minister said the elections is the means of demonstrating people's aspirations and mandate.

"In South Asia, we share many common challenges. From ensuring voting rights and addressing diaspora issues to fostering fair competition and coexistence among political parties, our experiences often run parallel. From movements for independence to struggles for comprehensive democracy, the leaders of South Asia have made unparalleled sacrifices for the cause; we have earned the high esteem of our people. However, weaknesses in post-movement management and ineffective service delivery, amidst the high expectations of our citizens, have allowed autocratic and regressive forces to challenge our democracies time and again."

Ensuring universal suffrage, and conducting free, fearless, accountable, and transparent elections where governance is determined by the people’s choice, is the only solution to such manipulation against honest and innocent citizens, he added.

According to the Prime Minister, each citizen shall have the opportunity to exercise the right to vote no matter where they are.  Our efforts will be for enabling an atmosphere towards that end, he said, adding that it is warranted to work collectively to simplify the election procedures as per the aspirations of the citizens residing at home and abroad among opportunities and challenges induced by migration, climate change and social media.   

"Climate change, as we all understand, is far more than an environmental issue; it touches every facet of our societies. From rising sea levels and melting Himalayan glaciers to unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters, the impacts of climate change threaten our ability to ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote. As leaders in election management, we must confront these challenges head-on and develop strategies that protect the integrity of our electoral processes, even in the face of such adversity," Prime Minister Oli said.

He added that "migration, too, presents its own set of unique challenges. The movement of people across borders and within our own countries has profound implications for electoral rolls, voter identification, and the right to vote. In a region where countries serve as both sources and destinations of migration, we share the burden of addressing issues such as managing large numbers of foreign arrivals while also accommodating our citizens abroad. With often insufficient infrastructure, we face significant challenges in ensuring that no citizen is disenfranchised due to their circumstances. We must explore ways to include our diaspora in the democratic process, ensuring their right to have a voice in the future of their homeland."

Social media and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the way we engage with voters and conduct elections. While these tools offer unparalleled opportunities for outreach and participation, they also bring risks—risks of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and manipulation that can erode trust in our democratic institutions. As we embrace these technologies, we must do so with caution and a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability, according to the government head.

The Prime Minister informed the gathering that climate change, migration, the rise of social media, and the role of artificial intelligence will be discussed by relating to the election management.

He expressed his hope that the Conference will undoubtedly contribute to advancing the FEMBOSA charter, reinforcing our collective efforts to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections across the region. "Together, let us ensure that the outcomes of this gathering resonate far beyond these walls, fostering a future where every election truly reflects the will of the people."

During the opening session, Forum Chairperson Dasho Sonam Topgay, the Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan, handed the Forum leadership to Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal, Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya.

The two-day event is attended by Chief Election Commissioners and representatives from the South Asian nations including Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The 11th Conference of FEMBOSA was organized virtually two years ago under the chair of Bhutan.