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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for Spain next week to participate in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. The United Nations has been organizing the conference to provide financial resources and facilities for the development of least developed and developing countries.

More than 50 heads of state, and heads of various regional financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization, will participate in the gathering. As Nepal is the chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group, Prime Minister Oli will also represent Nepal as the leader of the LDCs.

The conference will focus on reforming the international financial architecture and addressing financing challenges to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will also assess progress on the Monterrey Consensus, the Doha Declaration, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. The event will also explore key areas of action, such as domestic public resources, private finance, international cooperation, debt sustainability, and international financial architecture.

The conference will address urgent financing needs for the SDGs, reform of the international financial system, and development effectiveness.

The aim is to address the urgent financing challenges that hinder the achievement of the SDGs, with focus on mobilizing large-scale capital, reforming the international financial architecture, and strengthening support, especially for developing countries.

Spain is a significant contributor to development financing, focusing on poverty reduction, addressing malnutrition and promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Spain's development cooperation has included bilateral aid and support for initiatives such as “Aid for Trade” to enhance the integration of developing countries into the global economy.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific plays a role in facilitating discussions and strategies related to financing for development in the Asia-Pacific region, including Nepal, with a focus on infrastructure development and the SDGs.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, meanwhile, monitors development finance and its characteristics, including its role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. 

Spain allocates part of its bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) to key areas of poverty reduction and addressing malnutrition. It also supports projects that promote the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities. 

Nepal is actively engaged in discussions and initiatives related to financing for development, including infrastructure financing strategies for sustainable development. Nepal is also part of the Asia-Pacific region, where ESCAP plays a key role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation on financing for development.

Through the conference, Nepal hopes to overcome the challenges in mobilizing domestic resources and addressing the financing gap to achieve the SDGs.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the newly built Gwarko flyover would resolve the nagging problem of traffic jams at Gwarko and vicinity.

Inaugurating the flyover at Gwarko amidst a programme organized by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructures and Transport, PM Oli made a commitment to forward the holistic and multidimensional development of the country.

The overpass was built by the Ministry. It is the first of its kind in Nepal.

The infrastructure was constructed by Ashish Samanantar Religar JV in the framework of engineering procurement construction (EPC). It cost Rs 170.6 million.

The overpass has a 500-meter approach road. The initiative aimed at wiping out traffic congestion at Gwarko Chowk was launched four years back.

"We've been working tirelessly for development. Just yesterday, it was found that Dailekh had a deposit of methane gas sufficing for Nepal for 50 years. Among three such places identified for exploration and excavation, such potential was found from the one alone," he explained, adding that once iron production begins from Dhaubadi, it will boost the country's economy.

With the exploration of mines, modernization of agriculture will also be forwarded. Establishment of new industries and social and administrative reform were equally prioritized, according to the PM. 

Moreover, the PM argued the Sunkoshi-Marin diversion and postal highway would not only bring a sweeping change in Tarai but also across the country. 

Other infrastructures like Madan Bhandari Highway and Pushpalal Highway were also gaining pace, he said.

The meeting among Nepal’s top political leaders—Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal—has been postponed yet again.

Scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday, the tripartite talks were called off at the last minute.

This is the second postponement in as many days. A meeting originally called for Wednesday was canceled because Dahal was out of Kathmandu.

Though he returned on Thursday, the meeting was still not held.

According to sources, the decision to delay was taken after the scheduled time had already lapsed, reportedly at the Prime Minister’s initiative. 

The officials of the Land Problem Resolution Commission have apprised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli about the progress of the work done by the commission so far. 

During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar today, the Commission officials reported to the PM that the commission is working in collaboration with all three tiers of the government on identifying landless Dalits, squatters, and unregistered inhabitants, collecting land records and carrying out certification, surveying, dispute resolution, as well as land registration and distribution of the land ownership certificates.

Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Balram Adhikari was also present on the occasion.

Chairman of the commission, Hari Prasad Rijal, informed that a standard has been prepared to identify landless and the squatters who have not received housing and government land for the past 10 years, as well as those who have been living on government, public, and leasehold land for at least 10 years without proper arrangements. 

The commission officials mentioned that it would be easier for the commission to pursue its works if the bill to amend some land-related laws in Nepal is passed.

Prime Minister Oli expressed the confidence that the bill under consideration in Parliament would be passed soon and instructed the commission to proceed ahead with the identification of landless Dalits, squatters, and unregulated settlers in a planned and accelerated manner. 

The government formed the commission on October 30 last year.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need of eradicating caste based discrimination and untouchability by fostering empathy and equality.

In his message of best wishes via social media on the occasion of the National Day for the Elimination of Caste Discrimination and Untouchability, Prime Minister Oli said that we should develop society in which persons are evaluated not by their caste, surname, or birth, but by their action, thought and contribution.

"Mothers do not give birth to castes, they give birth to newborn humans. Once a newborn baby starts to walk, society begins to ask about his/her caste and lineage. There is no caste above humanity. Everyone's blood is of the same color. Tears flow with the same pain for everyone. We need to create a society where we are evaluated not by caste, lineage, or birth, but by our actions, thoughts, and contributions," PM Oli stated in his message.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that there was no alternative to the federal democratic republic system in the country. 

Addressing a special ceremony organised at Tundikhel on the occasion of Republic Day 2082, Prime Minister  Oli shared that the republic does not belong to any one party and its true owner is the people as well as a  democratic republic system of governance 'of the people, by the people and for the people.'

According to this principle, citizens themselves choose their representatives from the ward level to the President and they can change their representatives, added PM Oli, stating that therefore, the responsibility for good or bad also lies in our hands.

He mentioned that the country has seen far greater progress in schools, communications and infrastructures in just 17 years of its establishment than in 250 years of the lavish monarchy, stressing the need that all should be united to build and strengthen the republic.

"The debate in our society is not about whether autocracy or the republic is better. There may still be many areas where those of us in formal and informal positions of power must improve our conduct and behavior. The challenges of poverty, unemployment and corruption facing the nation cannot be overcome by seeking an authoritarian ruler wearing a crown. Rather, in a democratic system, the solution lies in honestly electing strong political leaders who can face and address these issues. History bears witness; the monarchy ruled over the people; it did not serve them. The shift from rule to service began with the republic- it is not yet complete."

PM Oli argued, "Good governance, transparency and accountability are the backbone of a republican system. We are committed to strengthening them and dedicated to fulfilling our national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.'

"Republic is not something we were given, it's something we achieved through the sacrifices and dedication of thousands of people. Today the people themselves cote inclusively, electing at least 36,057 representatives from various castes, ethnicities and communities--from ward members to the president of the country", he mentioned

Prime Minister Oli stated, "When rights are matched with responsibilities, only then the republic can steer our beautiful country towards development, prosperity and good governance."

He questioned, "Where were our development indicators before the republic and where are they now? Let us reflect: Where was our Human Development Index before the republic? Where is it now? How any schools and hospitals existed during the 250 years of monarchy and how many kilometers of roads existed then and how many now? How many people had access to clean drinking water and electricity and how many have it today? Where was the standard of living of the people then and where is it now?"

He shared that all these achievements were possible from democratic republic.

Prime Minister Oli further said, "Today is a special day for us. It marks the historic date--Jestha 15, 2065- when after years of struggle with the sacrifices of thousands of brothers and sisters, and our collective tireless efforts, Nepal became a democratic republic. In remembrance of that historic day, today we are celebrating Republic Day."

He mentioned that we all people dismantled the autocratic system ruled by the commands of the crown and established a system where the country is governed by the decisions made from the hearts of the people, adding this historic milestone achieved by our society is something we must never forget and we never will.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad on the occasion of the Republic Day. 

"Today is the day when the people created their history by abolishing the repressive regime of the Royals; when the nation's interests took the centre stage; when the citizens' dignity was reinstated by breaking the pride and priggish of the throne and when the peoples' seven-decade-long struggle and sacrifice was materialized earn the republican system", the PM wrote on Facebook. 

"On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, I sincerely wish all Nepali brothers and sisters residing in the country and abroad, Jaya Jaya Jaya Nepal!"  

Today, the 18th Republic Day is being celebrated across the country with various programs.. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister in Baluwatar on Wednesday, matters of strengthening bilateral interests, mutual relations and multifaceted collaboration were discussed, while recognising that there is immense potential for cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, tourism, education and investment.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli briefed that the incumbent government had given priority to stability, development, good governance, social justice and social transformation along with the national ambition of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.   

Similarly, the visiting Deputy Prime Minister Peters stressed the need of boosting the collaboration between the two countries even in the international forums for Nepal's development and prosperity. 

High-ranking officials of the Foreign Ministry were also present in the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today laid a foundation stone for a new building to be constructed for trauma and emergency services of the Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavrepalanchowk.

The facility is going to be constructed on the financial support of the Japan Government. The government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had signed an agreement in this regard.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that development is a gradual process, requiring integrity and continuous effort to turn dreams of transformation into reality. "Those who envisioned an advanced healthcare facility here many years ago have contributed to making it a reality today," he said.

He also praised the local community for contributing land for the hospital’s construction and expressed hope that the hospital would leave no stone unturned in delivering quality services to those in need.

As per the latest agreement reached between the two sides on May 16, the Government of Japan will provide an additional grant of 3.02 billion yen for the improvement project of the Trauma and Emergency Centre (internal grant), according to the hospital.  The agreement for the grant assistance was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ikuina Akiko.

Although a grant agreement of 3.02 billion yen had already been signed between the two sides in 2023 for the implementation of the project, the additional grant was ensured as the initial budget had been insufficient to implement the project due to price rise and other financial issues.

As per the agreement, Japan shall bear 60% of the cost for the building and 40% for all sorts of medical devices. The facility will have a five-story building with three levels of basements, a parking lot, ICUs, three operation theaters, HDUs, laboratories, a pharmacy, waste management, and all other necessary service mechanisms.

Health and Population Minister Pradip Paudel was also present on the occasion.

The National Vigilance Centre (NVC) has submitted its annual report for fiscal year 2023/24 to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

NVC Secretary Saraju Kumar Baidya presented the report to the Prime Minister at a program organised at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today.

On the occasion, PM Oli directed the NVC to carry out its works in an effective manner as the present government has been formed with the mission of accomplishing good governance and development.

He emphasised that since the NVC is under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, it needs to be more active in terms of regular reporting and following directions, stating that corruption is an obstacle to development and good governance, and that all concerned parties must sincerely fulfill their assigned responsibilities to control it.

The report mentions that the NVC has been working on regulation and monitoring, including surprise inspections, to make the service delivery from public bodies effective in order to eradicate corruption and maintain good governance according to the objectives of the 16th plan.

If any irregularities are found during the monitoring process, the NVC writes to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority for action.

High officials, including the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Eak Narayan Aryal, were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged tourism authorities to ensure warm hospitality to tourists visiting Nepal, while avoiding legal and administrative hassles.

At the National Tourism Dialogue organised by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation at Singha Durbar today, he directed for comprehensive reforms to remove obstacles, if any, and advance the pace of tourism infrastructure development.

Unnecessary hassles for visitors at the immigration, loss of luggage and harassing tourists entering through the land border checkpoints should be put to an end. "Let us take tourism ahead as a basis for prosperity without any shortcomings in the facilitation work required from the concerned authorities," the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the EU ban imposed on Nepali aviation service providers, the Prime Minister also directed the concerned authorities to work to address the terms and conditions and to fulfill other criteria towards that end, including by dividing the aviation regulation authority into licensing and regulatory agencies.

The dialogue emphasised the need for timely construction of major highways and roads including Kathmandu-Muglin-Pokhara, Butwal-Palpa-Pokhara, Kathmandu-Dhulikhel, ease of entry of tourists through border checkpoints, direct air connectivity to European countries, branding Nepal on the world stage, formulation of a master plan for tourism promotion, restructuring of Nepal Airlines Corporation, implementation of conclusions of the Sagarmatha Dialogue, quality investment, human resource management, ease of tax and currency exchange, cleaning of the Himalayas, expansion of digital efficiency and increased inter-agency coordination.

The event was attended by the concerned federal ministers, ministers in charge of tourism of the provincial governments, high-ranking officials, and representatives of the private sector. An action plan prepared on the basis of suggestions received from the private sector regarding the existing problems in the tourism sector and solutions was presented for deliberations at the dialogue.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said that the elected ward chairpersons at the local level should strengthen their close relationships with the public and the party to work towards development and good governance.

Inaugurating the Bagmati province-level training program for the Ward Chairpersons elected from the CPN-UML in Lalitpur today, the party Chair Oli urged elected local body heads and deputy heads to work in coordination along with other political parties to win the trust of the general public by providing quick and easy services as well as maintaining development and good governance.

"You have been elected from the party to the position of responsibility. After winning the election, one should not cut off contact with the party as if cutting the thread of a kite. It is not acceptable to say, I won, I have no further concern. Another election will also come. Therefore, you should now actively serve the country and the people by following the party's policies and directives,” said PM Oli.

Stating that the UML is a party that is formed for establishing a true people's democracy and it is a party that steadfastly works in favor of the country's independence and territorial indivisibility, he described the CPN-UML as the country's 'protagonist party'.

"Some so-called leftists conspired against the UML, saying that they will make the UML bite the dust to the point it would be impossible to find them even by shining torchlight, but we have shattered those conspiracies and moved forward," he asserted on the occasion.

Prime Minister Oli commented that after they united the party to form the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), which had nearly two-thirds majority in Parliament, they (the so-called communists) had tried to stop the campaign of the UML to develop the country by committing the crime of division in the party. He stated that the attack on UML by both domestic and foreign forces to prevent the country's development is an attack against the nation itself.

Although there is no basis for the monarchy's return, Prime Minister Oli urged the party leaders and cadres not to let the morale of the UML fall while the reactionary elements are trying to raise their heads, emphasizing the need to dispel the illusion spread by those who shamelessly wish for the people to become 'serfs'.

PM Oli stated that currently, the corrupt and the cooperatives fraudsters are spreading confusion among the public by raising voices such as 'Oppose corruption and give justice to cooperatives victims'.

A total of 359 ward chairpersons elected from the CPN-UML from Bagmati Province are participating in this two-day training program.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the country's economy is moving towards a positive direction. 

Taking to his social media account, Prime Minister Oli noted that exports have increased by 73 percent compared to last year over the past 10 months, indicating that the economy is on a positive path. 

"In the past 10 months, exports have risen by 73 percent compared to last year. During this period, exports amounted to Rs 218 billion. The economy is moving in a positive direction," Prime Minister Oli mentioned.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to respond to the queries of lawmakers in the Parliament today.

The Federal Parliament Secretariat said that the Parliament meeting has been summoned for 11 am.

General Secretary of Federal Parliament Secretariat Padhma Prasad Pandey said that Infrastructure Development Committee Chair Dipak Bahadur Singh is also expected to table the Infrastructure Development Committee Annual Report, 2081 in the House.  

Likewise, Minister for Land Management and Poverty Alleviation Balaram Adhikari would table a proposal seeking considerations on "bill to amend certain Nepal Acts relating to land, 2082".

European Union delegates paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday.

This is the first time in Nepal that such a number of EU delegates including Veronique Lorenzo, the EU ambassador to Nepal, have been in Kathmandu.

They arrived here to take part in the three-day first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad held in Kathmandu on May 16-18. 

During the meeting, discussions between the two sides centered on the Nepal-EU diplomatic ties for 51 years, and the significance of EU cooperation for Nepal's stability, economic development and good governance. 

On the occasion, the Prime Minister apprised the delegates that Nepal has now picked up pace in the areas of economic development and good governance following its transitions from the armed conflict, peaceful people's movement, peace talks and the promulgation of the constitution from the Constituent Assembly.

Stating that two major political parties in Nepal - the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress (NC) - formed the incumbent coalition government with commitments to advancing economic development and good governance, the Prime Minister urged the EU delegation to invest in Nepal for its prosperity and job creations.

Citing that there is no possibility to recede from the federal democratic republic system, an outcome of people's struggle, he said, "Stability and prosperity is the onward destination of Nepal."

The PM said that "Friendship with all, animosity with none" reflects Nepal's foreign policy, emphasising its close relations with both India and China, as well as maintaining friendly ties with all other nations.

He expressed gratitude to the delegation members for attending the Sagarmatha Sambaad with the greater realisation of its theme and objectives.

The event was themed - "Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity."

The Prime Minister seized the opportunity to announce that there would be no further delay in resolving the issues of transitional justice, as the relevant laws have already been enacted and two commissions have been formed in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.

The EU ambassadors pledged their continued support to Nepal in areas such as education, infrastructure, health, energy, information technology, and climate change, while collaborating with the country on its socio-economic development efforts.

Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Bishnu Prasad Rimal, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present in the program.

Visiting Executive Director of the United Nations Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage  Ibrahima Cheikh Diong  paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the latter's official residence in Baluwatar on Sunday.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister thanked him for taking part in the first edition of the Sagarmatha Dialogue. "In absence of the protection of mountains and environment, the entire human life will be insecure," he said, adding that this should be the matter of global concern. 

Expressing his concern over 'intention' demonstrated by some of the rich countries to step back from the Paris Agreement, the Prime Minister said the protection of Sagarmatha, the pride of Nepal, and the mountains should be the concern of the globe including Nepal.  

The executive director congratulated Nepal on the successful conclusion of the Sagarmatha Sambaad, promising to give priority to Nepal while allocating funds. 

The Fund aiming to support the developing countries bearing the brunt of climate change followed the decision of the COP-27.