KATHMANDU, Sept 5: The Government of Nepal and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) convened the annual meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027 in Kathmandu. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari, vice chair of the National Planning Commission and Hanaa Singer Hamdy, UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal.
As Nepal moves closer to its historic graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the discussions highlighted the role of the UNSDCF in supporting the Government’s Smooth Transition Strategy and in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting reflected on the progress achieved in 2024. These results demonstrate the breadth of joint efforts across health, livelihoods, climate resilience and governance, showing how the Cooperation Framework is delivering concrete benefits for people across Nepal.
Nepal’s LDC Graduation – The Clock Is Ticking
During this period, a nationwide measles-rubella campaign immunized 6.3 million children, enabling Nepal to eliminate rubella, while expanding access to health care, education, safe water and protection services. Together, the Government and the UN also advanced inclusive growth, created more livelihood opportunities, strengthened social protection and supported recovery and resilience in communities affected by disasters.
Ambitious climate commitments, ecosystem restoration and expanded civic participation further reinforced Nepal’s path toward irreversible LDC graduation and accelerated SDG progress, according to a statement issued by UN.
Speaking at the occasion, Hanaa Singer Hamdy, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, said “Seventy years of partnership between Nepal and the United Nations this year is a testament to shared values, resilience and progress. Today, as Nepal prepares for its historic graduation from LDC status, our Cooperation Framework serves as the roadmap to make that graduation irreversible, resilient and inclusive. Together with government leadership, development partners, and communities, we are advancing systemic change, creating jobs, strengthening social protection, tackling climate risks, and harnessing digital transformation. The United Nations remains a steadfast partner to Nepal in accelerating the SDGs and ensuring a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous.”
The Co-chair of the Joint Steering Committee and Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari, expressed appreciation to the UNCT for their partnership and emphasized the importance of national ownership in advancing global commitment, strengthening data and enhancing institutional capacity through technical assistance. He further highlighted that joint collaboration is required in harnessing synergies and strengthening collaboration for shared goals through holistic and interconnected approach, strong focus on inclusivity, building capacity, commitment to evidence and accountability and strong multi-agency collaboration.
