Nepal’s development is a complex and inspiring process that involves research, determination, diplomacy, collaboration, innovation, and investment. A narrative blend of genuine curiosity and careful fact-finding in this intriguing domain can enlighten readers, both foreign and local.
The common thread across the diverse content of the Nepal Connect portal is a deep interest in the country’s development, shared by the large Nepali diaspora, grassroots development organisations, government agencies, corporations, individual donors, diplomats, investors, travellers, students, academics, and researchers.
Nepal’s mysterious charm appeals to many foreign visitors, who often return as grassroots supporters. Many Nepali migrants feel compelled to send money or goods back home. Alongside substantial structural development aid and the entrepreneurial spirit of Nepalis in general, these forces drive the country forward.
The country’s GDP has grown sixfold over the past 20 years. One of the poorest countries in the world fifty years ago has now become a promising nation, climbing the development ladder. Nepal’s economic growth has been unexpectedly successful—an achievement and a boost to self-confidence.
Nepalis are resilient and resourceful. The country has faced many challenges over the past half-century. Yet it continues to emerge stronger after each setback.
Development Is a Complex Process
No place on Earth moves rapidly from extreme poverty to wealth without setbacks and occasional unrest. Nepal has its own blend of political instability, remnants of a strict caste system, areas of poverty, persistent discrimination and superstition, limited access to education, mismanagement, and outright corruption.
The public outcry last September was prompted by growing awareness that the country was being badly managed by politicians who ignored persistent social and economic inequality while enriching themselves.
Driven by the younger demographic, broadly grouped under the banner of Gen Z, the September riots have prompted an interim government to organise elections soon, which may pave the way for new politicians capable of strengthening the economy and willing to promote a fairer distribution of wealth while providing accountable, responsible leadership.
Decision-makers in the development sector at all levels struggle to assess conflict situations and are reluctant to develop policies without impartial analysis and balanced insights.
Development is a complex process. A detailed analysis of what works well and what could be improved provides valuable insights, and showcasing what developers do to a broader audience would emphasise this and potentially attract more support.
Inquisitive Souls
Many Nepalis living and working abroad would benefit from a clearer understanding of events and trends in their homeland. Development is not confined to what is discussed and decided in Parliament; it also occurs in boardrooms, workplaces, classrooms, hospitals, and on the streets.
Widespread economic migration is often seen as a loss of talented young people. However, one could also argue that emigration creates job opportunities and generates significant remittances, which account for a quarter of Nepal’s GDP.
Connecting this large population to their homeland through clear insights and perspectives, complemented by transparent narratives on integration and the preservation of their Nepali cultural roots while living abroad, would strengthen their bond with Nepal and spark greater interest in the country, motivating them to contribute more to its development.
Many believe that travelling to Nepal has little to do with development, but we think that the flow of curious visitors lays the groundwork for new grassroots support for the country. There would be no support scene to speak of if it were not for the annual arrival of hundreds of thousands of inquisitive souls who want to immerse themselves in whatever they seek: from wandering around Durbar Squares to climbing Everest.
In Nepal, the past and future, tradition and progress, blend seamlessly, especially in the cities, where modern architecture and ancient dwellings stand side by side and outdated tuk-tuks and ultra-modern electric cars navigate the busy streets. The countryside is also changing rapidly, with large sections of the population moving to the cities and modern agricultural methods and expanded tourism infrastructure emerging.
The range of themes and topics in this true melting pot is dazzling, making it a storyteller’s dream.
