The Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF) organized a national seminar on “Strengthening Nepal’s Diplomatic Negotiations” to present findings from its ongoing research on Nepal’s bilateral negotiations—particularly with China and to discuss practical strategies to enhance Nepal’s diplomatic capacity in a changing geopolitical landscape.

The event featured opening remarks from:

• Amb. Vijay Kant Karna, Executive Chairperson of CESIF, who highlighted the urgent need for strategic clarity and institutional strength in Nepal’s foreign negotiations.
• Amb. Madhu Raman Acharya, Former Foreign Secretary, who reflected on Nepal’s historical and modern negotiation approaches, emphasizing the evolving economic dimensions and the risk of power asymmetries.

Research Presentation

• Mr. Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, Research Director at CESIF, presented critical findings from CESIF’s research, citing challenges such as corruption, poor project viability, and power imbalance in Nepal’s dealings with China—especially within the Belt and Road Initiative framework.

Panel 1: Strengthening Nepal’s Negotiation Capacity

Moderated by: Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, Research Director at CESIF Nepal.

Panelists included:

• Dr. Govinda Raj Pokharel, Former Vice Chairperson, National Planning Commission
• Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Former Chief Secretary and National Security Advisor
• Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini, Former Finance Secretary
• Amb. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, Former Ambassador of Nepal to Spain

Panel 2: Geopolitics and Bilateral Negotiations

Moderated by: Ms. Binu Subedi, Journalist.

Panelists included:

• Hon. NP Saud, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Hon. Shisir Khanal, Head, International Relations Department, Rastriya Swatantra Party
• Hon. Madhav Sapkota, Member of House of Representatives
• Mr. Rameshore Khanal, Former Finance Secretary