Mainstreaming Borderland Voices in Nepal's Foreign Policy Discourse
The Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF) held a seminar titled “Mainstreaming Borderland Voices in Nepal’s Foreign Policy Discourse” on 23rd July, 2024.The event aimed to present findings from CESIF’s Borderland Fellowship program and discuss the evolving dynamics of borderland issues to better inform policymakers and practitioners.
Key Points:
Ajay Bhadra Khanal, CESIF’s Research Director, opened the seminar by stressing the need to address borderland community concerns, which are often overlooked despite significant national implications.
Presentations from Borderland Fellows:
Anish Tiwari, discussed the imbalance in activity between the Nepal-China Tatopani border, with China restricting Nepali access while increasing exports to Nepal.
Ananda Gautam, highlighted issues at Olangchung Gola, such as reduced cross-border marriages and challenges with Nepali citizenship.
Panel Discussions:
The first panel, “Borderlands in Nepal’s Policy Discourse,” featured Raj Kishor Yadav, chairman of the House of Representatives International Relations and Tourism Committee; Liladevi Boikhim Limbu, and Chanda Chaudhary, members of the House of Representatives,the discussion, moderated by former ambassador Vijaya Kant Karna. The pannel noted that borderland issues are underrepresented in parliament due to fears of political backlash.
The second panel, “Evolving Dynamics of Nepal’s Borderlands,” included Chandra Kishor Jha, senior journalist and analyst; Umesh Chauhan, editor of Kantipur Daily; Amish Mulmi, author; and Chheten Lama Sherpa. The discussion was moderated by Ajay Bhadra Khanal.
The seminar aimed to better inform policymakers by incorporating borderland perspectives into Nepal’s foreign policy.
CESIF Nepal