PODS by PEI

In this episode of PODS by PEI, PEI colleague Shreeya Rana sits down with Raj Gyawali, tourism entrepreneur and founder of Social Tours Pvt. Ltd., to explore how sustainable and community-based tourism can redefine Nepal's future.Raj shares personal stories from his two-decade journey in tourism, unpacks the value of local communities in the tourism value chain, and challenges conventional development models. From livable destinations to people-first tourism, this conversation offers deep insight into what makes Nepal's tourism product truly unique—and what needs to change.Topics covered:The shift from adventure to experience-based tourismThe flower power movement and Nepal's 1960s tourism boomGrassroots sustainability in rural tourismThe real contribution of tourism to Nepal's economyNavigating climate change and over-tourismIf you care about responsible travel, Nepal's development, or the intersection of tourism, identity, and community, this episode is a must-listen.***About Raj Gyawali: Raj has over two decades of experience working specifically on responsible tourism in practice – on the ground developing his company Social Tours as the first tour company in Asia to be sustainability certified.As a consultant, he helps governments and communities develop more sustainable practices, and inserts sustainability strategies in government plans.Raj's work ranges from training guides in more sustainable practices, to educating customers on the practice of responsibility in tourism as travelers, developing more sustainable tourism offerings, as well as guiding governments and stakeholders in putting sustainable procedures into action.***If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics (⁠ ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠⁠ ), and click here (⁠ ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!!

In this sambaad, Rupa Basnet, Padma Sundar Joshi and host Sabin Ninglekhu explore Kathmandu as a city shaped by three parallel urban realities—Newa settlements, informal settlements, and formal developments—each with unique histories and relationships to governance. Using the September 2024 floods as a critical lens, the conversation delves into questions of urban planning, legal accountability, and the impacts of aesthetic-driven development policies that often marginalise vulnerable communities.This is a live recording of the panel discussion at Project Sambaad. ⁠⁠Project Sambaad⁠⁠ is a collaborative platform that promotes in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, PEI and like-minded organisations seek to explore broad, impactful questions that contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region.Just a quick heads-up—this is a live recording of the conversation, so the audio quality might not always be perfect. This episode starts off a bit disturbed, but evens out soon enough. Also, you'll hear a mix of Nepali and English throughout the conversation—hope you enjoy!!

In this episode, Shuvangi Poudyal and Chandra Dev Bhatta engage in a thoughtful discussion on the evolution of Nepali civil society—from its pivotal role in democratic movements to its present-day entanglements with political power, funding constraints, and growing public distrust. Drawing from Bhatta's research and recent discourse, the conversation explores the blurred lines between activism and partisanship, the influence of donor agendas, and the need for more inclusive, accountable, and locally grounded civil society frameworks in a federal Nepal.Chandra Dev Bhatta is a political scientist whose work spans research, teaching, and public commentary on Nepali politics, geopolitics, and South Asian affairs. A former research fellow at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, he has explored themes such as the rise and fall of national service in Nepal.

In this Sambaad, Pranay Rana, Anusha Khanal, Anup Ghimire, and Khushi Hang explore the rise of alternative media in Nepal. From rethinking what's newsworthy to building niche communities and making complex ideas more accessible, the conversation unpacks the creative and strategic shifts redefining Nepal's media landscape.This is a live recording of the panel discussion at Project Sambaad. ⁠Project Sambaad⁠ is a collaborative platform that promotes in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, PEI and like-minded organizations seek to explore broad, impactful questions that contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region.Just a quick heads-up—this is a live recording of the conversation, so the audio quality might not always be perfect. This episode starts off a bit disturbed but evens out soon enough. Also, you'll hear a mix of Nepali and English throughout the conversation—hope you enjoy!!

In this Sambaad, speakers Nisha Onta, Anaya Bhadra Khanal, and Dinesh Gautam dive into the evolving landscape of Nepali civil society—its identity crisis, growing fragmentation, and shifting role from political activism to policy influence. They discuss the rise of think tanks, the challenges of donor dependence, and the need for greater collaboration in a sector grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. This is a live recording of the panel discussion at Project Sambaad. Project Sambaad is a collaborative platform that promotes in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, PEI and like-minded organizations seek to explore broad, impactful questions that contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region.Just a quick heads-up—this is a live recording of the conversation, so the audio quality might not always be perfect. This episode starts off a bit disturbed but evens out soon enough. Also, you'll hear a mix of Nepali and English throughout the conversation—hope you enjoy!!

In a world of shifting power dynamics and the fading influence of multilateral forums, critical questions arise on how they can help effectively navigate global conflicts and uphold the independence of member nations. In this episode, Shuvangi and Mona explore the Non-Aligned Movement, from its historical significance to contemporary relevance and impact. They debate Nepal's non-alignment stance versus India's strategic autonomy, questioning whether it ensures independence or limits engagement. They examine NAM's role and Nepal's diplomatic balance between democratic values and diverse global ties. Dr Monalisa Adhikari is a Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Stirling. Her research focuses on emerging powers in global governance, the foreign policies of India and China, and peacebuilding norms in Asia. She is currently working on a book examining Indian and Chinese approaches to peacebuilding and co-investigates the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceREP) project.If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics (⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here (⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!!  

In this episode, Shreeya and Suman explore the transformative journey of rural electrification in Nepal, highlighting its evolution, and impact. They also examine the challenges of equitable access, energy reliability, and integration of diverse models. Reflecting on the broader implications, they consider how lessons from Nepal's experience can inspire sustainable development and inclusive energy transitions worldwide. Suman is a hydropower, renewable energy and management professional with over 37 years' experience in the development and private sectors. He is currently the Team Leader at the Nepal Renewable Energy Programme, a Government of Nepal Programme supported by the UK Government.   His research assesses the rapid acceleration of electricity access in rural Nepal since the early 2000s, identifying key factors that contributed to this phenomenon. The study emphasizes that while Nepal has made significant progress, there remains a critical need to address energy justice, ensuring greater geographical and economic equity in the country's electrification efforts. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!!

In this episode, Aslesh and Nischal dive into Nepal's first-ever sovereign credit rating and what it means for the nation's bold economic future as it gears up to graduate from LDC status. They break down its implications on foreign investments, business opportunities, and more. From hydropower to tourism, they explore the sectors ready to thrive and the reforms needed to keep the momentum going. Nischal Dhungel is a Consultant for the World Bank Group and the Independent Evaluation Office at the Global Environment Facility in Washington, DC. He is also a Non-resident Fellow at the Nepal Institute for Policy Research. Holding an MSc in Economic Theory and Policy from Bard College, New York, he has published over 50 articles on economic issues in international and national platforms. The views expressed in this podcast are Nischal's personal views and do not reflect the views of the organization he works for or represents. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!! 

Khushi and Katharine discuss Nepal's community-based road-building initiatives, examining how these projects reveal the complex relationships between citizens, the state, and socio-economic systems. The conversation begins with a field memo from Katharine's recent research and offers an anthropological perspective on how local cultural values, political dynamics, historical context, and social meanings influence perceptions of corruption, governance, participation, and rule-breaking. Katharine Rankin is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto. She is the author of Cultural Politics of Markets: Economic Liberalization and Social Change in Nepal, among other influential works focused on the politics of planning and development, comparative market regulation, feminist and critical theory, neoliberal governance, and social polarization. Her recent article, Between Eating and Being Fed: Competing Ethics of Community-Based Road Building in Nepal, co-published with Shyam Kunwar, Lagan Rai, Elsie Lewison, and Sarah Shniederman, delves into the local ethical logics underpinning Nepal's community-driven road-building programs. The paper challenges conventional discourses of corruption by highlighting the contested legitimacy of rules and presenting competing visions of rural infrastructure, offering a more complex understanding of community engagement in development. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!!  

Shuvangi and Akhilesh explore Nepal's borderland communities' unique challenges and contributions. They discuss how federalism has reshaped governance and service delivery in these regions and examine the effects of cross-border policies and pandemic-era restrictions on local livelihoods and trade. The conversation highlights how borderland communities are often excluded from national discussions despite their critical role in conflict management and cross-border relations, raising important questions about inclusion and visibility in decision-making processes.  Akhilesh Upadhyay is researching the Himalayan borderlands. He is working on a book discussing the history of the region's cross-border trade, migration, and family ties. He also looks at the geopolitics of the Eastern Himalayas, where Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh - smaller states - share a 'crowded corridor' with two big powers - China and India. He is a Senior Fellow with the Strategic Affairs Center at IIDS, a Kathmandu-based think tank.   If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!! 

An introduction to PODS by PEI Season 3.

Ep#111 नेपालको संविधान जारी भएको नौ वर्ष पूरा भएको उपलक्ष्यमा पोड्स बाई पि.ई.आई.को आजको भागमा पी. ई. आई.का अविनाश कर्ण र तराई–मधेश लोकतान्त्रिक पार्टीका अध्यक्ष बृषेशचन्द्र लालबीच चैत्र २०, २०७९ मा कान्तिपुरमा प्रकाशित उहाँको लेख “नागरिकता विधेयकमा अनुचित अलमल” को सेरोफेरोमा रहेको संवाद पुन: प्रसारण गर्दै छौ| यस लेखमा अध्यक्ष लालले संविधानका शर्त पूरा गरी पारित भएको नेपाल नागरिकता (पहिलो संशोधन) विधेयक–२०७९ लाई कानुन बनिसकेको घोषणा गर्नुपर्ने र लोकतन्त्रवादी भनाउने राजनीतिक दलहरू, र समुहहरुले वर्षौंदेखि नागरिकतालाई राजनीतिक मुद्दाका रूपमा प्रयोग गर्दै सत्ता समीकरण बनाउने र नेतृत्वमा बसिरहन बिनाआधारको सिटबन्धन मात्र तिनका निमित्त पहिलो चासोको विषय रहेको भन्ने विचार र नागरिकता संग सम्बन्धित अन्तरवस्तुमा रहेर कुराकानी गरिएको छ| If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( ⁠https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome⁠ ), and click here ( ⁠https://patreon.com/podsbypei⁠ ) to support us on Patreon!! 

Ep#110 Shuvangi Poudyal is a public policy researcher based in Kathmandu, with a focus on South Asia geo-economics, regional connectivity, and local governance. As the Program and Outreach Officer at PEI, she contributes to research projects like Infrastructure Diplomacy and RENT, while also coordinating programs and communicating findings through publications and an in-house host at PODS by PEI. Previously, she worked with Nepal-based think tanks such as CESIF and Governance Lab. Shuvangi holds a Master's degree in International Relations from the University of Warwick, UK. Khushi and Shuvangi delve into PEI's latest publication Of Infrastructure Diplomacy and Development, a comprehensive study that examines the aid dynamics between Nepal and its key partners—India, China, and Japan, and others. A key contributor to the study, Suvangi provides insights into the geopolitical context shaping Nepal's infrastructure landscape, the trends in aid and investment, and the public perceptions of different donors. We also exploresthe distinctions between DAC and non-DAC partners, their environmental and social impacts, and discuss recommendations for the Nepali government on navigating this complex terrain. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics ( https://policyentre.substack.com/welcome ), and click here ( https://patreon.com/podsbypei ) to support us on Patreon!! 

Ep#109 More than 15 years have passed since the end of the armed conflict between the Maoists and the Government of Nepal with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord. While the country has done a remarkable job not recoiling back into the violent conflict with which it grappled for a decade, the years after have been slow and painful for the thousands of survivors who keep waiting for a justice that just won't show.  In this episode, PEI colleague Khushi sits with ⁠Jaya Luintel⁠ to highlight the harrowing stories of thousands of Nepali women who survived war atrocities and are still struggling to find justice and reparation for their losses. Recounting women's experiences during and after the conflict, the two explore gendered aspects of war and how the Nepali State has failed to cater to its female survivors.   Jaya is the co-founder of ⁠The Story Kitchen⁠, where she works with women nationwide to empower them to share their stories by providing them with the skills and platforms to vocalize their issues and experiences to seek social justice. She has over two decades of working as a journalist and a development practitioner. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Applied Conflict Transformation Studies. The episode also features testimonies from some survivors themselves, which were retrieved from the archives of The Story Kicthen's radio broadcasts.

Ep#108 Dr. Sameen A. Mohsin Ali is an Assistant Professor of International Development at the University of Birmingham. Her research focuses on the impact of bureaucratic politics on state capacity and service delivery. She is particularly interested in the dynamics of bureaucratic reform, the implementation and impact of donor programs, and the intersection of party politics, citizens' interests, and bureaucratic incentives. Exploring cases from Pakistan and Nepal, Sushav and Sameen delve into the dynamic relationships between politicians and bureaucrats. In doing so, they imagine bureaucracy in a decentralized context, discuss ways of navigating bureaucratic embeddedness, corruption, and efficiency, and explore how to plan bureaucratic reforms. The conversation offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of governance and the critical forces that shape public administration in developing countries. Like listening to PODS? We'd love to hear your thoughts and reviews on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to the show! You can also follow us on Twitter at Tweet2PEI, and on Facebook and Instagram at policyentrepreneursinc for updates on the latest episodes and share to help us reach more enthusiasts. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!       

#Ep.107 Purushottam Ojha is the former Commerce Secretary of Nepal and has extensive expertise in trade, transit, investment, private sector, and institutional development. Mr. Ojha has held key roles in public service since 1979 and has also served as a Trade Facilitation Consultant for The World Bank and Global Training Institute Development & Research, providing strategic advice on trade negotiations and capacity building. Lasata and Purushottam's discussion centers around the longstanding trade relationship between Nepal and India, guided by the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Ojha shares his insights on how historical trade arrangements have shaped Nepal's economy and the ongoing challenges and opportunities in this bilateral relationship. From tariff regimes to non-tariff barriers, this episode offers a comprehensive look at Nepal-India trade dynamics and the future of this crucial partnership. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

PEI- Modi 3.0: Is neighborhood still first? Unpack the evolving India-South Asia dynamic as Modi enters his third term as Prime Minister. PEI brings a curated panel of experts from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh to dissect the regional shifts for a can't-miss panel discussion. The conversation is a part of the PEI Webinar Series on Managing India, China, and the US. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: ⁠Of Policies and Politics⁠, and ⁠click here⁠ to support us on Patreon!!  

Shradha is the Research Coordinator at the Centre for Social Change (CSC) focusing on Nepal's natural resources, climate governance, and environmental peacebuilding. Recently, she co-authored an article titled "Understanding the Interrelations Between Natural Resources and Development Governance in Federal Nepal." She has a Master's in Humans and Natural Resources from Kathmandu University. Khushi and Shradha discuss historical and contemporary conflicts concerning natural resource governance in Nepal. They focus on the significant shifts brought by Nepal's transition to a federal structure, the challenges of a centralized mindset, and the lack of clarity in roles among federal, provincial, and local levels. Shradha also explains key governance conflicts, environmental and human-wildlife security impacts, and her research on the Resource Curse theory.  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

अब जारी: पि. ई. आईको गभर्नेन्स टिमका ३ जना सहकर्मीहरु - जनक पोख्रेल, अविनाश कर्ण र सुशभ निरौला,  गत महिना फिल्ड भिजिटमा कोहि कर्णाली त कोहि लुम्बिनी पुग्नुभएको थियो | आजको भागमा उहाँहरुले नेपालको गभर्नेन्स स्पेसमा गरिरहनु भएको अध्ययन अनुसन्धान र त्यसै क्रममा देशका विभिन्न ठाउँमा पुगेर विभिन्न क्षेत्रका मान्छेसँग अन्तरक्रिया गरेर, सुनेर, सिकेर, बुझेर आएका कुराको छलफल र समिक्षा गर्नुभएको छ | उहाँहरुले नेपालमा संघियता कार्यन्वयन र त्यसमा पनि विशेषगरी प्रादेशिक सरकार र त्यस अनतर्गतका विभिन्न संरचनाहरुको कार्यसम्पादन र तिनलाई संघिय र स्थानीय सरकारले हेर्ने दृष्टिकोणका साथै, बृहत्तर जनसमुदाय र अन्य सरोकारवाला संस्थाको प्रदेश सरकारसंगको अनुभबका बारेमा समिक्क्षात्मक बिस्लेशन गर्नुभएको छ | आजको भागका ३ जना सहकर्मीहरुमा जनक पोख्रेल Research Officer को रुपमा, अविनाश कर्ण Sub-National Programs Coordinator को रुपमा र सुशभ निरौला Researcher को रुपमा पि. ई. आईमा आबद्ध हुनुहुन्छ | उहाँहरुको अनुभव र काम बारे थप जान्न तपाइले हाम्रो वेबसाईट pei.center भिजिट गर्न सक्नु हुन्छ | हामी आशा गर्दछौँ तपाईंलाई आजको संवाद फलदायी लाग्नेछ !

Namaste and Happy Pride Month! The pursuit of marriage equality in Nepal has experienced both progress and setbacks over the last 15 years. In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of full rights for LGBT individuals. However, significant delays followed, with temporary registration of same-sex marriages only beginning in 2023. A year later, in April 2024, Nepal finally legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Although this marks substantial progress, with lingering legal ambiguities and the urgent need for broader social acceptance, Nepal has a long way to go. As we are at the end of Pride month, for today's episode, we are rebroadcasting a conversation between former PEI colleague Tsedon Kansakar and Sunil Babu Pant on marriage equality in Nepal. They discuss Pant's firsthand experience with the landmark 2007 case Sunil Babu Pant and Others V. GoN, which sought equal marriage rights. They also explore the broader significance of marriage equality for human rights, society, and the economy. Sunil Babu Pant is the founder of the Blue Diamond Society, an LGBTQ rights organization in Nepal, and Asia's first openly gay national legislator. As a member of parliament, he championed equal justice, civil, and economic rights for the Queer community. He led the landmark Supreme Court case that decriminalized homosexuality and recognized a third gender in Nepali citizenship. Now, he continues to advocate for these causes as an activist. We hope you enjoy the conversation! If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: ⁠⁠⁠Of Policies and Politics⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠ to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.102 Soni Thapa, a professor at Humber College in Toronto, holds a PhD in Sociology and an MA in Women's Studies. Her research focuses on gender equality, violence against women, race, ethnicity, and immigration. She recently published "The Nepalese Diaspora and Adaptation in the United States" in the Journal of Genealogy (2024). Soni is the executive director of a non-profit empowering rural women in Nepal and president of the Nepali Women's Global Network, USA. Nirjan and Soni explore the history and current status of the Nepali diaspora in the U.S. They detail migration trends and community categories, examining cultural, structural, marital, identificational, and receptional adaptation. They highlight key findings from Soni's study and discuss future research recommendations for better understanding and tapping into the potential of the Nepali diaspora. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: ⁠⁠Of Policies and Politics⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠ to support us on Patreon!!

The practice of preparing an annual budget dates back to 1951, right after Nepal's political transition that led to the end of the Rana regime in the country. Subarna Sumsher, the finance minister then, had publicly announced an outlay of NPR 50.25 million. The political context of the country then was such that the budget was not presented in the Nepali parliament but announced via Radio Nepal. It was only much later, in 1959, that a budget was first presented to the Nepali parliament.  Nepal's budgetary practice has evolved over the years, but it continues to hold significance, and with some fanfare. What is the day like?   Picture this: the Finance Minister walks to the podium with a document briefcase wrapped in a red ribbon. Anticipation and excitement fill the air as people eagerly await to hear what's included or excluded in the budget. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.100 Sudeshna Thapa is a human rights lawyer and holds an LLM in International Human Rights Law from Lund University, Sweden. She is currently working as Research Coordinator at Social Science Baha, where she is involved in research on a range of issues including gender and social inclusion, minority rights and labour migration. She has previously worked as Research Assistant to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Toxics.   Khushi and Sudeshna discuss majoritarianism in Nepal and recounting its historical and contemporary manifestations. They explore the illusive nature of Nepali majoritarianism as it persists and grows despite despite multiple efforts like electoral reforms. The conversation also explores effects on marginalized groups, and the role of social institutions in perpetuating it and considers future scenarios for creating a more inclusive society in Nepal. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: ⁠Of Policies and Politics⁠, and ⁠click here⁠ to support us on Patreon!!

With: Host Deependra Chaulagain and guests Dipendra Jha and Khim Lal Devkota Despite the significant achievement of federalism in Nepal's political transition, it faces criticism for its financial costs, perceived inefficiencies, and corruption. Reflecting on these challenges, Project Sambaad hosted Khim Lal Devkota and Dipendra Jha in a panel discussion moderated by Deependra Chaulagain. The session, which exceeded its allocated time, examined Nepal's commitment to federalism, considering both its triumphs and the ongoing criticisms. The conversation provided a platform for deep insights into the future of federalism in Nepal. We hope you enjoy the conversation. You can find the full conversation with audience interaction on YouTube at Policy Entrepreneurs.  To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad.

#Ep.098 Riya Sinha is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) in New Delhi, where she coordinates the Sambandh Regional Connectivity Initiative and co-manages the Sambandh Policy Dialogue. Her research focuses on regional economic connectivity in South Asia, covering trade, logistics, infrastructure, and border management. In 2022, she was a Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington DC and a Fellow at the Asian Forum on Global Governance. Previously, Riya worked at the Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF), conducting research on regional trade, supply chains, and trade facilitation.   Shuvangi and Riya reflect on a decade of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy since its inception in 2014. They discuss India's initial focus, strategic adjustments in response to China's Belt and Road Initiative, and regional expectations for enhanced connectivity and cooperation, including the potential revival of SAARC. Riya highlights new connectivity projects with the Middle East and Europe, economic cooperation with Nepal, especially in the energy sector, and collaborative initiatives with the U.S. She advocates for prioritizing funds and manpower for India's neighbors to achieve its 'Vishwa Guru' ambitions and emphasizes incorporating a feminist dimension into the policy. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.097 Shabda is the Investment Director and a partner at Dolma Impact Fund, the largest private equity fund focused on Nepal. He leads the investment team at Dolma, overseeing deal origination, transaction execution, regulatory approvals, and post-investment management. He is actively involved in sectors such as healthcare, renewable energy, and technology​ . He holds a B.A. in Economics from Colorado State University (CSU) and an MBA in Sustainable Entrepreneurship from the same institution. Pragati and Shabda discuss Nepal's investment sector with a special focus on the market for bonds. They observe the dominance of equity-based investments and explore alternative FDI mechanisms, and the potential of green bonds for financing renewable energy projects. Drawing from his observations, Shabda shares insights on the restrictiveness of Nepal's bond market and Nepal's weak credibility in this scene. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

With: Host Anup Upreti and guests Samikshya Rai and Shabda Gyawali  The difficulties are endless for doing business in Nepal  but every entrepreneur present in the session  spoke of the untapped potential in Nepal. There are opportunities for growth and to take Nepali products to a global market. However, there are impediments for growth. In this session moderated by Anup Upreti,  corporate lawyer and managing partner at Pioneer Law Associates, the conversation highlights the joys and difficulties of doing business in Nepal. He is in discussion with Samiksha Rai, CEO of Pack My Lunch and Shabda Gyawali, the investment director of Dolma Impact Fund.  In the audience, were several entrepreneurs who added to the conversation on the challenges of navigating Nepali society and bureaucracy while doing business in Nepal.  You can find the full conversation with audience interaction on YouTube at Policy Entrepreneurs.  To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad.

#Ep.095 Nirjan is a researcher with over 20 years of experience of designing, managing, and leading analytical studies in Nepal and the United States. He specializes in political economy analysis and has examined critical reforms in the electricity sector, water governance, and geopolitics. Nirjan is the primary author of the recent PEI report “Pen, Power, Politics: How China and India wield soft power through education diplomacy in South Asia. Nirjan and Shuvangi discuss the strategic use of education diplomacy by China and India in the South Asia region, drawing insights from his research. They explore how both countries leverage educational initiatives as a tool of soft power to extend their influence, defining soft power and emphasizing the significance of "education diplomacy." We review India's evolving educational diplomacy, highlighting its "neighbor first" approach, and China's initiatives to internationalize its higher education system and the growing appeal of Chinese universities in the region. They also consider competing perceptions about Chinese and Indian education diplomacy, contrasting these with Western strategies, explore the future dynamics of geopolitical influence through education. Find more about us on our official website and for more video related content, find us on Youtube . If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!       

Despite the inflow of remittance that keeps the country afloat, migration is considered a net loss for Nepal. To move beyond this persistent rhetoric of loss, Project Sambaad brought together migration scholars Amina Maharjan, a Senior Specialist at ICIMOD, and Slesh Shrestha,  a former economics Professor at the National University of Singapore, for an evidence-based conversation on the state of Nepal's labor migration. The conversation was moderated by Sadikshya Bhattarai, research coordinator at Social Science Baha/CESLAM.  Amina and Slesh highlighted the economic benefits of migration, emphasizing the return of skilled workers with valuable experience. The conversation noted that Nepal's competitive advantage lies in supplying cheap labor, which can be optimized through stronger government-to-government relationships to improve work contracts. They evaluated recent local government efforts to halt migration and addressed the debate on remittance usage.  argued against local governments' efforts to halt migration, suggesting instead programs for skill development and support for returned migrants to start businesses. They also addressed the debate on remittance usage, highlighting investments in education as productive.  Both speakers criticized media narratives for perpetuating negative views of migration, emphasizing its transformative potential for individuals and the economy. They also discussed challenges in mapping migration patterns due to social relations crossing borders. The discussion concluded with engaging interactions between the speakers and the audience. If you found the conversation insightful and crave more lively interaction from the audience, hop over to Policy Entrepreneurs on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for the complete live broadcast. To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad. ⁠⁠https://projectsambaad.info/

Last month, in our efforts to revitalize deep discussions in Nepal, PEI and other like-minded organizations in Kathmandu began a new venture we call Project Sambaad.   Project Sambaad is a collaborative platform that promotes in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, we seek to explore broad, impactful questions that will contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region. In just two days, we had six immersive and interactive panel discussions on relevant contemporary topics from development migration to business in Nepal.   Sambaad comes to life when it reaches a wider audience, and that's why we're excited to share live recordings of the conversations. In today's release, we have guest speakers Dil Bhushan Pathak and Ameet Dhakal with host Durga Karki in a Sambaad on The Present and Future of Journalism in Nepal: Adapting to a Changing Media Ecosystem.   If you found the conversation insightful and crave more lively interaction from the audience, hop over to Policy Entrepreneurs on ⁠YouTube⁠ for the complete live broadcast. To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad. ⁠https://projectsambaad.info/⁠

Namaste and Happy Earth Day.  Over the year, we have collaborated with visionary individuals who have enhanced our discussions and expanded our perspectives on environmental sustainability and stewardship. At PEI, Earth Day 2024 is about expanding the conversation surrounding the environment to include and highlight the narrative of climate change, energy, and sustainable development.   For today's episode, we are rebroadcasting a conversation between PEI colleagues Saumitra Neupane and Ajaya Dixit on Risk and Resilience: Climate Change, Loss and Damage, and the Future of Nepal's Development Pathway. The second of a two-part series, this discussion explores Nepal's ambitious net zero emission goals and the impact of climate change on Nepal's water, energy, and infrastructural development. They also discuss the transboundary nature of the water relationship in the region and how climate change can perturb the existing interdependencies.  Ajaya is the co-founder and advisor at the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition (ISET) – Nepal. He is an Ashoka Fellow and a leading voice in Nepal, and internationally, on issues of climate change adaptation, resilience building, and disaster risk management. We hope you enjoy the conversation! 

Last month, in our efforts to revitalize deep discussions in Nepal, PEI and other like-minded organizations in Kathmandu began a new venture we call Project Sambaad.   Project Sambaad is a collaborative platform promoting in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, we seek to explore broad, impactful questions that contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region. In the two days, we had six immersive and interactive panel discussions on relevant contemporary topics from development migration to business in Nepal.   We think that Sambaad comes to life when it reaches a wider audience, and that's why we're excited to share live recordings of the conversations. If you found the conversation insightful and crave more lively interaction from the audience, hop over to Policy Entrepreneurs on YouTube for the complete live broadcast. To sound out your thoughts and reflections join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, all @projectsambaad. https://projectsambaad.info/

Ep#090 Dilrukshi is an international award-winning investigative journalist and a lawyer from Sri Lanka. She has worked extensively across South Asia as an on-ground reporter and trainer. As an investigative journalist, she has broken stories on grand corruption and crime, conflict and communities, and dedicated significant time to reporting on women, children, health, and the environment. A recipient of many prestigious journalism fellowships, she won the coveted Wash Media Award in 2014. She was also the Sri Lankan Journalist of the Year in 2012. Sushav and Dilrukshi discuss Sri Lanka's complex socio-political history, including its violent ethnic conflict and colonial legacy, exploring the role of various events in shaping its identity. Drawing simultaneously from her work and her lived experience of the war, Dilrukshi illustrates the political roots of the conflict, reflecting on the civil war's impact and the quest for ethnic minority rights, including the rise of groups like the LTTE. They also examine international influences, notably from India, China, and the West, on Sri Lanka's political landscape and review its governance challenges, human rights issues, and economic reforms. The dialogue concludes with reflections on Sri Lanka's civic space, civil society, press freedom, and the broader South Asian context of handling dissent and nurturing democratic spaces. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!       

Ep#089 Kshitiz Dahal is an economist at South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment with key interests in international trade, development economics, and econometrics. He has worked extensively in Nepal's international trade, trade in digital services, migration and remittances, Nepal's industrial policy, and public debt. He has contributed to the research initiatives of international organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Aslesh and Kshitiz discuss Nepal's public debt, exploring its origins, implications, and current scenario. Beginning with an examination of the concept of public debt and historical examples worldwide, they unravel the rising concerns surrounding Nepal's per capita debt. Through an analysis of various indicators and drivers behind the recent surge in public debt, they navigate the intricate landscape of debt financing and its repercussions on the Nepali economy and society. From understanding key lenders to dissecting the explicit and implicit costs associated with debt servicing, we shed light on the multifaceted nature of this economic phenomenon. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.088 यस एपिसोडमा पि. ई. आईका सुशभ, पुर्व मुख्यसचिव लिलामणि पौडेलसँग नेपालको कर्मचारीतन्त्रको बारेमा संबादमा बस्नुभएको छ। पौडेलले आफ्नो लामो अनुभवका आधारमा, नेपालमा निजामती सेवाको विकास, यसका मूल्य-मान्यता, वर्तमान अवस्था र चुनौतीहरुको विमर्श गर्नुभएको छ भने उहाँहरुले यस विषयलाई नेपालको सङ्घीयता र निजामती सेवा ऐन लगायत सम्बन्धित विषयको सन्दर्भमा समेत केलाएर चर्चा गर्नुभएको छ। लिलामणि पौडेलले विभिन्न सरकारी कार्यालयमा ३२ वर्ष सेवा प्रदान गर्नुभएको छ। यसअघि उहाँले नेपाल सरकारको मुख्य सचिव, चीनका लागि नेपाली राजदूत, प्रधानमन्त्री तथा मन्त्रिपरिषद्को कार्यालयमा सचिव, गृह मन्त्रालय, सूचना तथा सञ्चार मन्त्रालय र संस्कृति पर्यटन तथा नागरिक उड्डयन मन्त्रालयमा काम गरिसक्नु भएको छ। पौडेल हाल काठमाडौं विश्वविद्यालयमा अध्यापन गर्दै  आउनुभएको छ र गृह प्रशासन अन्तर्गतको पूर्वसचिव, प्रहरी प्रमुख र प्राज्ञिक बिज्ञ सम्मेलित सुधार समितिको अध्यक्षता समेत गरिरहनु भएको छ। If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.087 Alex Shrestha represents a generation of architects and urban planners creating a positive impact across the Nepali landscape. As managing director at Wonaw & Associates, he focuses on beautiful, functional and sustainable architecture. Alex's creations have earned national and international distinctions in being among the top 4 resorts in Asia and is recognized by the Society of Nepalese Architects with the Architectural Excellence Award 2021. His most critically acclaimed creation is the environment friendly resorts Pavilions Himalayas Resort, Pokhara where he incorporated sustainability and energy saving features in hospitality.    Sudipa and Alex discuss the niche and nascent idea of sustainable architecture. They navigate the role of architecture in promoting sustainability and the factors influencing its adoption in Nepal, including societal values and economic considerations. They explore the evolution of architectural preferences in Kathmandu, focusing on how major events like the 2015 earthquake have influenced social aspirations in architecture. They end with a dialogue on innovative building technologies and policy strategies in shaping sustainable architectural practices. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.087 Pankaj Saran is a former diplomat. He has served as India's Ambassador to Russia and India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh and as Head of the Northern Division in the Ministry of External Affairs dealing with Nepal and Bhutan. He has worked in different capacities with successive Indian Prime Ministers in the Prime Minister's Office, contributing to decision-making at the highest levels in a diverse range of sectors, including foreign affairs and national security, Pankaj is presently Convenor of NatStrat, a Delhi-based independent Centre for Research on Strategic and Security Issues. He is a Member of the National Security Advisory Board and a Distinguished Fellow of the National Maritime Foundation.  Anurag and Pankaj explore the evolution of India's foreign policy from the perspective of the former diplomat himself. They cover recent historical landmarks from the tectonic shifts in global geopolitics during the Cold War's end to India's strategic maneuvering amidst the complexities of the Indo-US nuclear deal to explore how each shaped India's foreign policy. With a keen focus on India's contemporary aspirations on the global stage, they explore the significance of forums like BRICS and India's hosting of the G20 summit in shaping its foreign policy priorities. As Pankaj candidly shares his experiences, the conversation also uncovers unique insights into the high-stakes, high-octane lives of diplomats.  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

#Ep.086 Mandakini is an international development consultant with more than 18 years of expertise in program design, development, and aid management in South Asia. She has managed complex regional programs in South Asia focused on sustainable development, with a strong understanding of governance systems, institutions, and political economy dynamics. In March of last year, she worked with The Asia Foundation to publish a report on how South Asian Civic Spaces are evolving.   Shuvangi and Mandakini begin with an overview of civic spaces in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, highlighting the challenges amidst evolving political landscapes and exploring how South Asian civic spaces adapt with innovation and resilience. They emphasize collaboration to address common challenges and strengthen civic spaces. They also delve into the role of donors in safeguarding civic spaces, offering recommendations for effective contributions and promoting sustainability. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.085 Despite once being gripped by patriarchy, Nepali society has come a long way in terms of gender equality and equity, and gender policy efforts have played an undeniable role in reshaping the reality of women in Nepal. Today, women's representation and participation is incentivized in different development sectors, including education, health, workforce, and politics.  However, the strides of progress are still enervated by inefficient implementation, which poses questions about the vitality of gender policies.   In this episode, guest host Yuki Poudyal sits with Sucheta Pyakurel to explore Nepal's policy landscape with Gendered Lenses. They begin by elucidating the case for gender equality and its vital connection to responsive policies and budgeting in patriarchal societies like Nepal. Tracing Nepal's history of gender policies, Sucheta shares pivotal reforms that have significantly narrowed the gender gap while also critically examining the formal and informal hindrances. The two discuss crucial gender policy events and debates to extract observations on the efficiency of such policies and recommend changes. Originally aired on 12 December 2023, we have guest host Yuki Poudel's conversation with Sucheta Pyakurel on Power and Parity: Charting Nepal's Gender Policy Journey. Sucheta Pyakuryal is the Director of the Center for Governance at the Institute of Integrated Development Studies (IIDS). She teaches Gender in Politics/Policymaking for the Masters and PhD programs at Tribhuvan University and is a visiting faculty of Kathmandu University's Masters in Public Policy and Management program. An alumna of the Regional Center for Strategic Studies of South Asia, her work focuses on the study of democratic development and good governance in the region.    Yuki is currently the co-founder of the Nepal Institute of Study Abroad and has experience working across a myriad of sectors, from non-profits to innovative start-ups as a consultant, strategist, and leader. She completed her Masters in Development Practices and International Business from Tufts University. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, ⁠⁠PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics⁠⁠, and/or ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠ to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.084 राजुप्रसाद चापागाई संवैधानिक तथा मानवअधिकार कानुनको क्षेत्रमा क्रियाशिल अधिवक्ता हुनुहुन्छ । वहाँ न्याय तथा अधिकार संस्था (जुरी नेपाल)को संस्थापक अध्यक्ष तथा संवैधानिक कानुन व्यवसायी मञ्चको पूर्व अध्यक्ष समेत हुनुहुन्छ । वहाँले राष्ट्रसंघीय मानवअधिकार उच्चायूक्तको कार्यालय नेपालको कानुनी सल्लाहकार तथा एम्नेस्टी इन्टरनेसनलको दक्षिण एसियाको अनुसन्धानकर्ताका रुपमा भूमिका खेल्नु भएको छ । साथै वहाँ सामाजिक न्याय, संक्रमणकालीन न्याय लक्षित नागरिक आन्दोलनमा आवद्ध हुनुहुन्छ। यसका अतिरिक्त वहाँले काठमाण्डौ स्कुल अफ् ल मा मानवअधिकार तथा लैंगिक न्याय सम्बन्धि कानुन अध्यापनको अनुभव संगाल्नु भएको छ । मानवअधिकार न्याय तथा मानवअधिकारको विषयका उहाँका दर्जनौं लेख तथा रचना राष्ट्रिय तथा अन्तराष्ट्रिय रुपमा प्रकाशित छन । If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

Last month, in January, several stolen cultural heritage were returned to Nepal from the United States. Among them were sacred idols of the Hindu god Uma-Maheshwar that were stolen almost 50 years ago from Chyasal, Patan. They were identified recently in the storage facilities of the Brooklyn Museum, which began repariation, after the efforts of Newa Guthi New York.   Locals welcomed their Gods with heartfelt celebrations and a puja for forgiveness. The idols were taken around the city in chariots and, finally, re-instated in Chyasal hiti.   In recent years, Nepal has seen many such successful repatriation efforts. The trafficking of cultural heritage had once left local communities with immeasurable pain and loss.  So, In this re-broadcast, we bring my conversation with criminologist Dr Emiline Smith about cultural heritage trafficking in Nepal. Originally aired on 26 September 2022, in this episode, PEI's ⁠Khushi⁠ and Emiline delve into the obscure world of cultural heritage trafficking and its impact on communities, with a particular focus on Nepal. The two tap into Emiline's expertise as a criminologist to understand the processes involved in the trafficking of cultural objects and its history and persistence in Nepal. They then discuss the repatriation of such objects and how restorative justice can be achieved in the process. ⁠Dr. Emiline Smith⁠ is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Glasgow (Scotland). She is a Fellow of the Centre for Criminology at the University of Hong Kong and a member of the Trafficking Culture Research Consortium and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. In addition, she is an advisor to the Nepal Heritage Recovery Campaign and several other NGOs. She recently authored and published a trilingual storybook for children titled ‘Pema and the Stolen Statue from Dolpa'; for more information, see www.stolenstatues.com. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, ⁠PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics⁠, and/or ⁠click here⁠ to support us on Patreon!!

Laxman Datt Pant  is the chairperson of Media Action Nepal and an elected co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition-Consultative Network (MFC-CN). He is also an adjunct Professor of Media Ethics & Journalism at the Tbilisi State University  and the University of Georgia. He currently serves as the AMIC Country Representative for Nepal. Pant started his career as a journalist more than two decades ago and worked with numerous media institutions in different capacities ranging from a reporter to an editor.   PEI's Hridesh and Laxman delve into analyzing the bill's provisions and how they may conflict with constitutional rights to free speech. They also explore how Nepal can better foster digital spaces as forums for civic expression and debate. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.081 Bhupesh Adhikary is the Senior Air Quality Specialist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu. He is working on understanding the science and mitigation aspects of air pollution in the Hindukush Himalaya region using chemical transport models, in-situ, and satellite-based observations. He previously worked for the EvK2CNR Committee as their resident scientific coordinator. Bhupesh also worked at Kathmandu University as an assistant professor for several years, teaching graduate and undergraduate students.  Khushi and Bhupesh embark on a comprehensive exploration of the city's alarming air pollution problem. They tap into Bhupesh's expertise as an atmospheric scientist to discuss the current sources of pollution, the seasonal intricacies affecting the atmosphere, and the city's unsettling ranking among the world's most polluted places. Bhupesh sheds light on health risks, socio-economic repercussions, and the vulnerability of specific urban populations. The episode further navigates the challenging policy landscape, scrutinizing state efforts, significant policy developments, and the persistent challenges hindering effective intervention. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.080 Padma Sundar Joshi is the Vice President of Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology. He has more than a decade of experience in. urban planning and environment. He has worked with the city office on projects like. the Municipal Infrastructure Improvement Project and the Kathmandu Valley mapping program. He has published books and a series of articles on urban development, including a recent publication titled The Hiti System: Past, Present, and Future.  Lasata and Padma discuss the intricate relationship between. water and urbanism in Kathmandu Valley, focusing on the traditional water management system known as Hiti Pranali. Covering historical backgrounds and the current challenges the valley faces, including water shortages and  climate change impacts,  they explore the potential of traditional systems like Hiti in addressing modern water management issues. The conversation extends to ongoing projects and challenges restoring the Hiti and other traditional water systems, emphasizing their significance as sustainable, nature-based solutions.  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

#Ep.079 आजको भागमा पी. ई. आई. का अनुराग आचार्य, पत्रकार हरी थापा सँग नेपालको शासकीय व्यवस्था, प्रणाली र अभ्यास बारे संवादमा बस्दै हुनुहुन्छ | यो एपिसोडमा उहाँहरु नेपालको बिगत पाँच दशकको शासन व्यवस्थाको नालीबेली बारे कुरा गर्दै हुनुहुन्छ | हरि थापा बिगत तिन दशक देखि सुशासन बारे कलम चलाउने पत्रकार हुनुहुन्छ। उहाले नेपालको बर्तमान शासन र प्रशासनलाई न्यूज-रुम भित्रबाट नियाल्नु मात्र भएको छैन कि बिगतमा पंचायत कालका शक्तिशाली प्रधानमन्त्री सूर्यबहादुर थापा र प्रभावशाली प्रशासक भेषबाहादुर थापाको संस्मरण लेख्ने क्रममा त्यस समयको शासन-प्रशासन प्रणालीको बारेमा पनि राम्रोसंग बुझ्नु भएको छ । हामी आशा गर्दछौँ तपाईंलाई आजको संवाद फलदायी लाग्नेछ !  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

#Ep.078 Introducing and directing agendas in the policy sphere is a challenging task. Additionally, when the agenda in question is pushed to the margins with shame, stigma, and taboo, the pursuit becomes ever more demanding. Menstruation is one such topic repressed by societal norms of the global south, the stigma of which causes detrimental effects on the lives of innumerable individuals. How does one advocate for that?   In this episode, Khushi and Jesselina discuss the challenges in pursuing policy solutions to issues of access to a dignified period. Jesselina shares the unexpected hurdles in advocating for menstrual rights and the importance of strategy, collaboration, and sustainability in it. They explore barriers to accessing menstrual health and dignity, their deep impacts, and recount national issues like the Period Tax and the state of periods in prison. They also discuss the evolution of a dignified period in the realm of human rights, the different ways it has expanded, and how the conversation can be taken forward.   Jesselina Rana  is a human rights lawyer, social entrepreneur, and feminist activist. A Harvard Law School graduate, Jesselina co-founded Pad2Go, a social enterprise focusing on menstrual health in Nepal, in 2018. Since its inception, Pad2Go has garnered national and international recognition for its impactful contributions to the menstrual health landscape in Nepal. Jesselina's passion for feminism, human rights, and the law has driven her to contribute to both human rights and politico-legal discourse in Nepal and internationally.  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.077 In this episode, Khushi and Preeti discuss strategic peacebuilding and the role of Dialogue in it. The two explore the core principles of dialogue as a conflict-solving tool and the wide scope of issues it has helped tackle professionals like Preeti in inviting resolution. They place the significance of dialogue & peacebuilding in the specific context of Nepal and highlight how underlying contentions impact aspects of society and development. They then discuss Preeti's view on the nexus of peace building and justice and recommendations to improve the State's efforts for sustainable progress in this front.     Preeti Thapa is a peacebuilder, lawyer, mediator, and certified master trainer in mediation and dialogue with more than 21 years of experience. She is The Asia Foundation's deputy director of Justice and Governance in Nepal. Her expertise lies in access to justice and strategic peacebuilding through community mediation and multi-stakeholder dialogue. Preeti has worked with Nepal's Ministry of Law and Justice on mediation policies and, in particular, contributed to the passage of the Mediation Act and Regulation. Preeti is a member of the Nepal Bar Association and of the Community Mediators' Society Nepal. She is also a visiting faculty member at Kathmandu University, the Army Command and Staff College, and Folke Bernadotte Academy, Sweden on Mediation and Dialogue. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!   

Last week, Nepal and India signed a power trade deal during the Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishanker's visit. The agreement consolidates the bilateral understanding of electricity exports pushed during the PM's visit to India in 2023.  Given the Indian government's conditions on cross-border electricity trade, which recognizes electricity as a strategic commodity of interest, the recent agreement can be interpreted as a positive sign. However, the current agreement does not specify who, how, and when this electricity will be traded.  Hopefully, these matters will be progressively defined in the days to come. For now, we are re-releasing an earlier episode that touches upon the drivers, optimism, and challenges of Nepal India's power trade.  Originally aired on 26 September 2022, in this episode of PxP: Conversations, Saumitra Neupane and Sagar Prasai discuss how the Indian electricity market gets featured in Nepal's hydropower imagination, the impact that this has had on Nepal's ability to exploit its hydropower potential, and what differentiates the Nepali model from that of other bilateral arrangements such as those between India and Bhutan.  They also examine India's policy positions on cross-border electricity trade in the last ten years and how regional rivalry between India and China complicates energy markets in South Asia. They also discuss the future market opportunities for Nepali hydropower and whether there are longer-term trends that support supply signals and investor confidence in Nepali hydropower. They end their conversation by discussing the possibilities of markets beyond India, primarily Bangladesh and China, and evaluate whether realistic opportunities exist on these fronts. Sagar Prasai is a development professional with over two decades of experience working in water, energy, climate issues, and regional cooperation in South Asia. He is based in Nepal and provides advisory services to various organizations, including The Asia Foundation and the Australian Government's DFAT. Previously, he served as The Asia Foundation's country representative in India. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!  

Ep#075: On the second of this month, Prime Minister Dahal hosted a high-level side event at COP 28 entitled “Call of the Mountain: Who Saves Us from the Climate Crisis?”. Nepal, from its first pavilion ever at COP, spoke of the disproportionate impact on its ecosystem and local inhabitants despite having near-zero emissions -finally gathering the world's attention for an agenda it heralded for more than a decade.  In this episode, PEI colleagues Lasata Joshi and Raju Pandit dive into the pivotal themes and outcomes of the recent COP. Recounting Raju's participation in this and multiple previous COPs, they explore the significance of COP Nepal and the real-life experience of Nepali delegates. They discuss recent critical shifts in the climate narrative on fossil fuels, proactive participation of major oil industries, global stocktake, loss, and damage, and Nepal's push for the mountain agenda.   Raju Pandit Chhetri is the Executive Director of Prakriti Resources Centre (PRC), an environment and development organization based in Kathmandu. He has over fifteen years of experience in climate change policy and sustainable development. Raju has followed UN climate change negotiations under the UNFCCC and Green Climate Fund (GCF) for over a decade. He closely works with the Government of Nepal and the Least Developed Country Group at the climate negotiations. He has written and contributed to several papers on climate change. Raju passionately advocates for ambitious climate actions and sustainable development.  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!

Ep#074 In this episode, PEI colleague Aslesh Shrestha sits with Kalpana Khanal to discuss Nepal's heavy reliance on remittances, analyzing their pivotal role in driving economic growth while also scrutinizing the associated risks and vulnerabilities. Exploring the historical trajectory of this dependency, they uncover the factors behind the reliance and examine their impact across sectors ranging from the macroeconomy to households and sector-specific consequences. Kalpana Khanal is an economist specializing in public policy, international finance, money and banking, development economics, and institutional economics. She currently serves as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and Head of the Center for Economic and Infrastructure Development Policy at the Policy Research Institute (PRI) in Nepal. She obtained her Ph.D. and MA degrees in Economics from the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), USA. Her research focuses on the comprehensive analysis of economic policy issues at a broader level. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!

#Ep.072 Despite once being gripped by patriarchy, Nepali society has come a long way in terms of gender equality and equity, and gender policy efforts have played an undeniable role in reshaping the reality of women in Nepal. Today, women's representation and participation is incentivized in different development sectors, including education, health, workforce, and politics.  However, the strides of progress are still enervated by inefficient implementation, which poses questions about the vitality of gender policies.   In this episode, guest host Yuki Poudyal sits with Sucheta Pyakurel to explore Nepal's policy landscape with Gendered Lenses. They begin by elucidating the case for gender equality and its vital connection to responsive policies and budgeting in patriarchal societies like Nepal. Tracing Nepal's history of gender policies, Sucheta shares pivotal reforms that have significantly narrowed the gender gap while also critically examining the formal and informal hindrances. The two discuss crucial gender policy events and debates to extract observations on the efficiency of such policies and recommend changes. Sucheta Pyakuryal is the Director of the Center for Governance at the Institute of Integrated Development Studies (IIDS). She teaches Gender in Politics/Policymaking for the Masters and PhD programs at Tribhuvan University and is a visiting faculty of Kathmandu University's Masters in Public Policy and Management program. An alumna of the Regional Center for Strategic Studies of South Asia, her work focuses on studying democratic development and good governance in the region.    Yuki is currently the co-founder of the Nepal Institute of Study Abroad and has experience working across a myriad of sectors, from non-profits to innovative start-ups as a consultant, strategist, and leader. She completed her Masters in Development Practices and International Business from Tufts University.  If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics, and click here to support us on Patreon!!