Japan supports library construction in Sunsari

Japan has assisted construction of an earthquake-resistant library as part of a project under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects schemes.

The project is being implemented by Japanese NGO Shanti Volunteer Association, according to a press note issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.

Japanese ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka today attended the ceremony to inaugurate Sunaulo Library in Sunsari district, the press note reads, adding that the library was damaged by the 2015 earthquake and was no longer accessible. "The project aims at improving services provided by community libraries and learning centers, and supporting the construction of a total of four libraries and learning centers, including the Sunaulo Library."

The library will not only operate as a library, but also be equipped with rooms for children and women, a computer room, and a meeting room, where various programmes like reading promotion activities for children, empowerment of women and youths, and activities to improve the lives of people in the community, will be implemented.

During the inauguration programme, ambassador Kikuta expressed his hope that the library will become a community asset that contributes to the development of the region and that the library will be further developed by community and local government.

He also mentioned that this year marks the 120th anniversary since Nepal dispatched its first eight students to Japan for study and that he was delighted to see the completion of the library construction in this celebratory year.

Japan supports improvements in water access and agriculture income

Japan has provided grant assistance of $701,273 (about Rs 83.21 million) for a project on improving water access and agricultural income in Sindhupalchowk district.

The project will be implemented by Peace Winds Japan to stabilise the income and livelihoods of the locals by improving access to water they need and introducing vegetable cultivation, according to a press note issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.

"The grant contract for the project was signed by ambassador of Japan Kikuta Yutaka and acting country representative of Peace Winds Japan Yamaguchi Nana," the press note reads, adding that the project plans to build safe drinking water systems and encourage village committees for managing and maintaining the facilities.

The water supply system is expected to assist health and sanitation improvements of the area and also assist to increase agricultural production there. Promotion and support for efficient marketing of local agricultural products with the support by the project are expected to stabilise incomes of local residents.

Peace Winds Japan, Japan-based international NGO works with the Institution for Suitable Actions for Prosperity (ISAP), their Nepali partner NGO, to carry out the project in Sunkoshi and Melamchi Municipalities and Balefi Rural Municipality.

On the occasion, ambassador Kikuta said that Japan has been assisting community-based projects like this, in which we can find the improvements in people’s daily lives, by collaborating with the non government organisations to make changes especially in remote districts. "Although similar projects are facing difficulties to proceed due to Covid-19," he said, adding that Japan and Nepal can overcome the pandemic, saving peoples’ lives together by focusing on the better public health. "I sincerely hope that this project will improve the lives of people of the communities, which will lead to the prosperity of post-Covid Nepal society."

The Embassy of Japan in Nepal believes that the project will contribute towards poverty reduction by improving water access and agriculture incomes in Sindhupalchowk district, thus strengthening the cordial friendship between the peoples of Japan and Nepal.

Japanese assistance for livelihood improvement through agriculture

 Japan has helped implement a project to support earthquake-affected communities in Sindhupalchowk District to enhance livelihoods through agriculture.

The Charge d'Affaires of Japan to Nepal Yoshioka Yuzo signed a grant contract for $453,368 (about Rs 53 million) with country representative of the Japan Asian Association and Asian Friendship Society (JAFS) Nakajima Ayaka to implement a project to support earthquake-affected communities in Sindhupalchowk district to enhance livelihoods through agriculture.

The support was made under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects Scheme for the fiscal year 2020 and will be implemented by JAFS, an international NGO based in Osaka, Japan, in collaboration with its local partner NGO, AFS-Nepal, according to a press note issued by the Janapese Embassy in Kathmandu.

The project focuses on building irrigation and life water systems, and training local farmers on using the systems, the press note reads, adding that JAFS will also support the establishment of agricultural cooperatives to help farmers to collaborate with each other to add value to their products. "It will also provide opportunities farmers for learning how to grow varieties of fruits and vegetables, such as pineapples, lemons and mangos, etc."

The Embassy of Japan in Nepal hopes that the project will help towards improving the livelihoods of farmers in earthquake-affected areas, and believes that it will also enhance the friendly relations existing between the peoples of Japan and Nepal.

Japanese assistance for improvement of new born and child health project

 Japan has helped for improvement of new born and child health project in Banke district.

The Charge d'Affaires of Japan to Nepal Yoshioka Yuzo signed a grant contract for $448,618 (about Rs 52 million) with project manager of ADRA Japan Onishi Yuka for implementing a project to improve newborn and child health in Banke district.

The support was provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects Scheme for fiscal year 2020 and will be implemented by ADRA Japan, an international NGO based in Tokyo, and its implementing partner, ADRA Nepal, and its local NGO partner, ENRUDEC, according to a press note issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.

The grant has been used to repair and upgrade five health posts and one primary health care center in the district, and for installing medical equipment at 48 health facilities, including at the Bheri Federal Hospital, it reads, adding that the project also organised trainings and seminars for health service providers in coordination with Lumbini Province, the Health Office, Banke, and local government units. "The project focuses on enhancing the capacity of health service providers and it will raise awareness for local communities."

ADRA believes that understanding the importance of care is the first step to save the lives of mothers, new born babies, and children.

The Embassy of Japan in Nepal hopes that the project will enhance child health care services and the understanding of people about basic health care. It also believes that the project will further strengthen the friendly relations between the peoples of Japan and Nepal, the press note adds.

Japanese assistance to improve quality of education in quake-affected areas

 The Government of Japan has extended $877,008 (about Rs 102.82 million) to Shanti Volunteer Association under the grant, according to a press note issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.

The assistance for Japanese NGO Projects Schemes. 

Shanti Volunteer Association, a Japanese NGO based in Tokyo, will work with Nepali partner NGOs Samunat Nepal and READ Nepal, and targeted local communities to improve library and learning center services in four districts and to provide improved teaching methods, the press note reads, adding that a grant contract for tghe project was signed and exchanged today by charge d’affaires ad Interim of Japan to Nepal Yoshioka Yuzo and country director of Shanti Volunteer Association Nepal Office Miyake Takafumi. "This project, now in its second year, aims at improving services provided by community libraries and learning centers in Makawanpur, Lalitpur, Solukhumbu, Syangja and Sunsari districts."

It will also provide teaching methods and install library corners at 53 schools in Makawanpur district to improve the learning environment, adds the embassy of Japan in Nepal that expects that the project will build disaster resilient libraries and learning centers in earthquake affected areas and will contribute to improve the quality of education. "It is also confident that the project will strengthen the cordial friendship between the peoples of Japan and Nepal."

Karki bags first annual ‘Krishi Tara Award’

Dipendra Karki from Surkhet was adjudged ‘Krishi Tara’ on the basis of his innovation, technologies, skills, impact and sustainability and awarded a cash prize of Rs 500,000 along with a winner’s certificate.
Karki bagged the award during the ‘Krishi Tara Award Ceremony’, the first annual national-level award, organised by the Embassy of Israel together with Avsar Foundation, an NGO initiated by Khetan Family.
The other top nine nominees were also honoured with ‘Felicitation Certificate’ by secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr Yubak Dhoj GC, according to a press note issued by the Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu.
The first-of-its-kind award aims to honour deserving Nepali farmers and agri-entrepreneurs, who have been purposefully contributing in agriculture through the use of innovations, technologies and skills learnt in Israel after returning from ‘Learn and Earn (L&E) Programme’.
The Embassy of Israel – in cooperation with Small Farmer Development Microfinance Financial Institute Ltd – started the year-long advanced agricultural training programme in 2013. Since then, around 2,700 Nepali youths associated with the aforementioned institute have already participated and this year, 540 students are partaking in the same programme.
Aiming to encourage local farmers to continue their profession in agriculture by recognising and rewarding their hard work and passion for agriculture, the application was open to the L&E returnees. The 10 best youth farmers were selected among the many applicants.
At the event, the agro products of the nominated farmers were kept on display, while video clips about their farms were also screened.
Congratulating the winner for his outstanding contribution and achievements, GC expressed his commitment, on behalf of the government, to onboard many youth farmers into the programme, to host them upon their return from Israel and to support them with programmes like agriculture subsidy and other measures.
Acknowledging contribution of farmers to the agriculture prosperity, ambassador of Israel to Nepal Benny Omer said, “We should encourage more females to participate in the L&E Programme and to work in the farm upon their return.”
Nepali ambassador to Israel Anjan Shakya, on the occasion, said that Israel has been supporting Nepal in agriculture and many other sectors.
Karki – owner of Karki Cow Farm – said that his farm will continue to be purpose-driven than profit-oriented. His farm produces organic food.
Aiming to encourage local farmers to continue their profession in agriculture by recognising and rewarding their hard work and passion for agriculture, the application was open to the L&E returnees. Among many applications received, the 10 best youth farmers were selected. At the event, the agro products of the nominated farmers were kepton display. The video clips about their farms were also screened during the program.
During the event, vice chair of Avsar Foundation Suman Joshi said that Avsar Foundation is pleased to continue supporting economically and socially deprived community of Nepal to help them engage in income generating activities.
The Embassy of Israel and Avsar Foundation claimed that they are privileged to be a part of this celebration wherein famers’ indispensable contribution to existence is being admired and awarded. “We hope to continue such a programme in the future as well to boost the morale of Nepali youth farmers to continue their engagements in agriculture, cultivate more agricultural talents as agriculture remains the central to the livelihood of Nepalis and economic development of Nepal."

Nepal receives $39.3 million grant from Green Climate Fund

Nepal received its first significant funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a project aimed at helping the country adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change.
The 24th board meeting of the fund in Sangdo, South Korea today has approved the first funding proposal of Nepal, one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of the climate crisis. “The meeting has given the green signal to awarding a $39.3million grant to the project titled ‘Building Resilient Churia Region in Nepal (BRCRN),” according to a press note. “The current funding has been approved for the project which will be implemented on the ground to help climate-vulnerable communities and ecology to adapt.”
The project – that will last for 7 years – will be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Forest and Environment, in the fragile Chure range, which has faced massive degradation in the past.
The approved project – a multi-dimensional one as it not only talks about the resilience of vulnerable communities and conservation but also early warning systems – will help locals in adapting to the changing climate as the Chure range is a significant zone for the people living in the low-lying districts in Terai for its services like water and forest.
As a poor and mountainous country, at the higher risk of climate change and induced disasters, Nepal looks up to international support for climate actions – adaptation and mitigation – in order to gain resilience, and also to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was set up in 2010 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to support the efforts of developing countries to respond to the challenge of climate change.
According an NGO working for sustainable development and environmental justice in Nepal Prakriti Resources Centre, this is the first-ever that the GCF has extended such substantial funding to the country for climate change-related projects. ““In the past, we have achieved some funds from the GCF, but this is the first time the fund has approved Nepal’s funding proposal,” the NGO informed, adding that it is an important achievement for Nepal. Prakriti Resources Centre has been involved in international climate negotiations for years.
Nepal had also received fundings from the GCF twice in the past. First in In 2016, Nepal received a grant of $2.9 million – via the United Nations Environment Programme for preparing its National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) – under the GCF's Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme. The programme to enhance country ownership and access to the funds was also known as Asia’s first GCF-financed project at the time.
Secondly, Nepal received another funding from GCF’s Readiness Support that provides up to $1 million per country per year for strengthening the country’s institutional capacities to access the funds. “Approval of funding for the project for climate actions is a positive development for a climate change vulnerable country like Nepal,” according to GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme under the Finance Ministry.
Nepal is currently preparing at least three projects for accessing grants from the GCF. WWF Nepal has been working on a project proposal which will be based in West Seti area. Likewise, the UNDP Nepal is working on a project proposal to safeguard lives and livelihoods against the project to protect lives and livelihoods against flood and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) targeting finance from the Green Climate Fund.
International Union for Conservation of Nature-Nepal is also developing a project proposal for building ecosystem and community resilience which is likely to be submitted for approval in coming March, the first one to go for approval among others in the pipeline.
However, these all are international agencies-supported projects. Accreditation of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, one of the four national entities nominated by the government in February to gain the GCF status, in February has given new hopes for the country that the government bodies can also apply for similar grants for climate actions projects.
The GCF accreditation to the AEPC means it can access up to $50million in GCF funds for low-carbon, climate-resilient development projects and programmes in Nepal.

UN Fund opens applications for Fintech Fund

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has launched an Innovation Fund in the Asia-Pacific region in a bid to empower women by promoting micro, small and medium enterprises run by them.
Selected applicants from Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Myanmar, Samoa and Vietnam will receive up to $50,000 financing including technical assistance and mentoring, the fund said today. The objective of the project is to promote innovative digital solutions to support women-led micro, small and medium enterprises, it said. 
Eligible applicants, who can apply for the fund are banks and financial institutions, payment service providers, agent banking aggregators, mobile network operators, technology providers, fast moving consumer goods, agriculture and other companies, financial technology companies, and non-governmental organisations (NGO). The applicants should outline how the project will improve access to finance and enhance operational efficiency for women-led enterprises. 
National programme coordinator at the UNCDF Saroj Nepal said that the fund aimed to increase the reach of banks and financial institutions to remote and rural areas. "Now, we can serve those left behind through digital technology,” he said, "Through this project, we will be providing financial access to women-led enterprises, especially in rural areas." 
Fund mechanism officer at the UNCDF Monisha Shrestha said that the project had an opportunity to reach all targeted markets. Likewise, co-founder and CEO of Next Venture Capital Kavi Raj Joshi said that women were more trustworthy than men in terms of repayment, and they make better use of loans compared to males.
According to the fund, 45 per cent of micro and small enterprises in Asia and the Pacific have financial constraints to begin business. There is a finance gap of over $48 billion in these countries, the fund said.
Micro and small enterprises contribute about 38 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ more than 2.5 million people, the UNCDF said. There are more than 183,000 registered micro and small enterprises in Nepal, among which 14,300 are women-led. 
The fund started receiving applications on March 1, and the submission deadline is April 30. The applicants will be shortlisted on May 31 while the project will begin in July and end in July 2020.

Japan pledges Rs 8m grant for coffee processing

Japan today pledged Rs 7.77 million ($68,185) to Nepal for for the construction of a coffee processing center in Kavrepalanchok district.
The support under the Japan government’s grant assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project will be used in setting up one each coffee pulping and processing centre at Timal Rural Municipality of the district, according to a press note issued by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu. "The pulping centre is for cleaning the coffee beans while processing centre is for roasting and packaging the beans after roast."
The agreement was signed between Japanese ambassador to Nepal Masamichi Saigo and chairperson of Association of Rural Social Welfare Nepal Jit Ram Lama. Lama is also the president of NGO Federation Nepal.
Currently, raw coffee beans need to be ferried to Kathmandu to sell which has low value. With the installation of the pulping and processing center, the farmers will get high value for their production, the press note reads.
The Japanese Embassy has also agreed to export the coffee beans from the center to Japan for the promotion of Nepali coffee. "Along with setting up the processing centre, support will be provided in marketing the beans,” the statement adds.

Nepal requires more investment to meet SDG targets

Stakeholders stressed for the need to invest more to meet the target by 2030.
At a joint programme organised by National Planning Commission (NPC), NGO Federation, CSO Forum on SDGs and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – today marking the third anniversary of the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – speakers in Kathmandu said while Nepal is on the frontlines in the process of localising the SDGs, substantive investment is needed to make sure Nepal meets all the SDG targets.
All countries across the globe, including Nepal adopted the SDGs on September on 25, 2015 at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, presenting a universal framework for development to be achieved in 15 years, from 2015 to 2030.
"All the development programmes of the government are now SDG-coded, which helps us track the progress made against each of the 17 Development Goals and targets,” said joint secretary at the NPC Dr Narayan Poudel, taking stock of the progress made toward localising the SDGs. "Localising the SDGs at the local level," he said, adding that it is a challenge as Nepal is currently undergoing a complex process of federalization.
Nepal was among the first countries in the world to publish SDG status report taking stock of the progress made in the past 15 years and setting national targets and indicators for the next 15 years.
UN Resident Coordinator Valerie Julliand, on the occasion, said that the 17 SDGs are all interconnected and they cannot be separated. "The SDGs is a very ambitious agenda," she said, adding that more than a development agenda, they are a moral obligation, on all the governments, including Nepal.
The federalisation is an additional opportunity to entrench the values of the SDGs at all levels in programming and decision making within the spirit of leaving no one behind, said the UN Chief.

Government plans to mobilise foreign aid through budget

The government is planning to mobilise foreign assistance either through budgetary system or a separate basket fund to ensure effective utilisation.
Speaking at a meeting of the Economic Committee – under the House of Representatives – today finance secretary Rajan Khanal said that the government has now realised the need to change modality of the foreign aid and grants mobilisation system.
Currently, donors are allowed to mobilise funds through NGOs and I/NGOs after signing an agreement with the government agencies. "If the foreign assistance is brought under the budgetary system, the government would have a management control on it so that the income and spending would be more transparent," he said, adding that the fund would be utilised in a more productive way. "It was discovered that many foreign donors typically pledge to provide a large amount of funds initially but later don’t fulfill their commitments."
“In many cases, donors also impose a number of conditions when they provide aid,” he added. "The development partners are even found approving money to projects that haven’t made proper preparation in advance.
The country has been able to utilise only half of the committed amount in foreign assistance in the last four years, according to the foreign aid report prepared by the Finance Ministry. "Apart from underperforming, a large chunk of foreign grants and loans that Nepal has been receiving are invested in areas where there are already projects and programmes set up causing duplication," Khanal added.
Also in some cases, received assistance has also remained unspent due to various issues including the land compensation.
"As the government does not have the reserve fund of the past year, we have to rely on foreign aid to run development projects," he said. "So it’s time to revise the policy on foreign aid disbursement to get maximum benefit."
The development partners have also committed to increase foreign aid for smooth operation of the country’s federal system. During finance minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada’s recent visit to the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington DC, they have pledged to double support to Nepal from 2019.

Danuwar wins top US honour

Sunita Danuwar from Nepal is among the ten activists working against human trafficking selected by the US Department of State for 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) honour’s list.
Danuwar – the co-founder and executive director of the anti-trafficking NGO Shakti Samuha –  works to elevate survivors’ perspectives and raises awareness about human trafficking in poor and rural communities.
Issuing a press note today, the US Embassy in Kathmandu congratulated Danuwar for her efforts in the face of serious challenges to protect victims, punish traffickers, and raise awareness on human trafficking.
The US Embassy in Kathmandu also said that Danuwar was recognised for her commitment to providing services to survivors and at-risk communities across Nepal. “The report assesses governments around the world on their efforts to combat modern slavery and presents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of trafficking in persons," the press note reads.
US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo joined the advisor to the President Ivanka Trump to release the US Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2018 in Washington, DC. During the ceremony, secretary Pompeo also honoured the State Department’s 2018 TIP Heroes including Sunita Danuwar.
Danuwar is one of the only 10 anti-trafficking TIP Heroes selected from around the world to receive the international honour, which celebrates the work and achievements of exceptional individuals, who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking. Danuwar was recognised for her commitment to providing services to survivors and at-risk communities across Nepal.
"Modern slavery has no place in the world, and I intend to ensure, through diplomatic engagement and increased action, that the US government’s leadership in combating this global threat is sustained in the years to come," said secretary Pompeo speaking on the occasion.
The report assesses governments around the world on their efforts to combat modern slavery and presents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of trafficking in persons. This year’s report also focuses on the effective ways local communities can address human trafficking proactively and on how national governments can support and empower them.
The report also recognises that Nepal has made progress to eliminate human trafficking through increased efforts to prevent it, as well as modest improvements in law enforcement and victim protection efforts.
It has recommendaed for improvements that Nepal can make to meet the minimum international standards for the elimination of trafficking. The recommendations include acceding to the 2000 UN TIP Protocol, which would send a strong signal of Nepal’s continued commitment to fighting human trafficking. The UN TIP Protocol – also known as one of the Palermo Protocols – has already been ratified by 173 countries.
The US Embassy in Kathmandu is committed to continue its support to Nepal government and people of Nepal in their efforts to combat trafficking in persons, the statement further reads.

Planning commission ready with short-term reconstruction plan

National Planning Commission (NPC) will submit plan for resettlement – for the earthquake-displaced people – and reconstruction of collapsed structures within this week.
NPC vice chair Dr Govinda Raj Pokhrel today said that the plan will be forwarded to the government by Friday. "The plan proposes to build temporary shelters to all displaced population before the monsoon season," he added.
"We are planning to construct temporary shelters – using local resources – that will cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000," he said, adding that it will take only a couple of days to construct the temporary shelters. "The commission has also consulted foreign experts in preparing the short-term plan."
The devastating earthquake of April 25 has damaged some 600,000 house – completely and partially – forcing people to take shelter outside in the open under the tent. However, the nearing rainy season is going to make the lives difficult for them. The temporary shelter is a must before rainy season that is due within a month.
"The short-term plan will include health, education, agriculture and shelter," he added.
However, the planning commission will prepare a more detailed plan for long-term reconstruction by the Dashain festival, Pokhrel shared.
A primary blueprint for the long-term plan will be prepared within a month, he said, adding that the plan will be presented to the international community – asking for their support. The government is holding a local donors' meeting in a week and international donors' meet within a month to get the support from them for resettlement and reconstruction of the displaced people. The long-term plan includes planned resettlement with all the government services, he added.
The international community has, though, pledged billions for relief and rescue operations after the April 25 devastating earthquake, they have been mobilising funds through their INGOs and NGOs. The government has been asking them to contribute to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to make rescue, relief, resettlement and reconstruction through one-door.
Meanwhile, the planning commission vice chair also said that the devastating tremor has caused a loss of Rs 700 billion, around 30 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). "It will also hit the economic growth for the current fiscal year, he said, adding that the revenue mobilisation, especially VAT, and agriculture production will be hit pulling the economic growth down from mid-term budgetary review of five per cent. However, the government has projected six per cent economic growth – in the fiscal policy for the current fiscal year – in July.

Investigation claims 185 Nepali migrant workers died in Qatar

A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has claimed that some 382 Nepali migrant workers died in Qatar in the past two years.

Pravasi Nepali Co-ordination Committee (PNCC) also claimed that the number could rise as very less cases have been brought to light.
"FIFA and the government of Qatar promised to take action to ensure the safety of workers building the stadiums and infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup," the NGO said, adding that the rising number has revealed that they have not kept their promise.
Most of the young Nepali migrant workers have reached Gulf especially Qatar – recently – in search of employment due to lack of jobs back home. According to Amnesty International (AI), there are 1.35 million migrant workers in Qatar. "A study from the humanitarian organisation claimed Qatar's construction sector is rife with abuse and some projects seriously exploit people."
Its not a new news that the Gulf countries abuse migrant workers, but the Qatar death reveals that they disregard also for the basic human rights of migrant workers.
Most of the unskilled Nepali migrant workers have been involved in the construction sector in Qatar but the government has not been able to guarantee the safety of the migrant Nepali workers, who have been sending remittance to help float economy even during the last decade of insurgency. However, the government has not been able to calculate the cost of remittance as everyday around six coffins return and there is a huge social trauma among the children in the rural areas due to absence of their parents.

Australian Embassy provides financial assistance to nine projects

Embassy of Australia today provided direct financial assistance worth Rs 13.93 million to some nine non-government organisations (NGOs) under the embassy’s Direct Aid Programme 2013-14.

Australia’s ambassador to Nepal Glenn White presented cheques of financial assistance to the representatives of the nine organisations during a programme at the Embassy here today.

Australian Embassy, through its Direct Aid Programme, has been funding projects related to health and sanitation, education, and media development in the country.

Nepal Australia Cervical Cancer Foundation, Banepa; Siddhi Memorial Hospital, Bhaktapur; Tamakoshi Cooperative Hospital, Manthali; Nepal Labour Journalists’ Association, Kathmandu; Green Pasture Hospital, Pokhara; Gokuleshwor Multiple Campus, Darchula; Maiti Nepal, Kathmandu;  National Human Right Protection Forum for the Disabled, Kathmandu; and Reiyukai Eiko Masunga Eye Hospital, Banepa are the receipient of the assistance.

Ambassador White, on the occasion, said that the Australian government provides the financial assistance to help communities and projects which have a clear humanitarian or development theme.

The embassy had received some 95 proposals for the financial assistance and the nine were chosen from among them.

New Foreign Aid Policy will be instrumental in boosting development

The government has renamed Foreign Aid Policy to Development Cooperation Policy aiming at increasing its effectiveness of foreign assistance

During the Local Donor meeting here today to discuss the draft of Development Cooperation Policy 2013, the Finance Ministry also urged the development partners to extend their assistance through budgetary system as the Development Cooperation Report 2012 had revealed that almost a quarter of the foreign assistance is still out of budgetary system. “Some 23 per cent of the total aid has still been out of the budgetary channel hampering government’s efforts to maintain transparency in foreign assistance,” chief economic adviser of the Finance Ministry Chiranjibi Nepal said.

The donors have been supporting various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) except their Official Development Assistance (ODA).

“Channelising the foreign assistance through the budgetary system will help increase the transparency and accountability,” he said, adding that the transparency and accountability – the key buzz words of the development partners – will also help better outcome from the external assistance and lessen the dependency on foreign aid.

Presenting the highlights of the proposed Development Cooperation Policy, joint secretary at the minister and chief of the Foreign Aid Coordination Department Madhu Kumar Marasini said that the draft has focused on establishing a system to accept and mobilise foreign assistance in line with the government policy to reap maximum benefit in a transparent manner.

The proposed Policy envisages an environment to accelerate economic growth through effectively channelising foreign aid in line with the government policy, create an environment for private sector growth, trade enhancement and formulate a mechanism for effective implementation of donor funded programmes.

The proposed foreign aid policy will help graduate Nepal from the current status of Least Developed Country (LDC) to Developing Country status, said finance minister Shankar Prasad Koirala said, chairing the meeting.

However, donor’s support would play a key role in its effort to graduate Nepal to developing country, he said, adding that Nepal with proper utilization of foreign aid would graduate to developing country status by 2022. “The proposed policy is aligned to approach paper of third three-year interim plan and included the interest of development partners, and aims at restoring the confidence of private sector.”

The political stability after the CA election will ensure the economic growth, the minister added.

Finance secretary Shanta Raj Subedi, on the occasion, informed that the timely budget for the current fiscal year will help spur the economic growth this fiscal year 2013-14.

Addressing the meeting, World Bank country manager for Nepal Tahsin Sayeed asked the government to speed up the process of implementing the long pending economic reform to create investment friendly environment in the country.

Transparency key to development

Transparency and accountability will help strengthen democracy and boost the performance of development activities coupled with better utilisation of internal and external resources, according to senior economic adviser to the finance ministry Dr Chiranjivi Nepal.

Addressing a launching ceremony of Open Nepal Initiative, which is a collective effort of various organisations including Freedom Forum, NGO Federation, Young Innovations and aidinfo programme at Development Initiative, in collaboration with the World Bank Institute, here today, he also said that aid transparency is not yet sufficient in Nepal.

"Along with the government, international non-governmental organisations should also be transparent and accountable to the public," said Nepal, adding that openness is the only tool that can increase the wealth and uplift the status of countries, people, and lifestyle of the poor.

Some 26 per cent of the foreign aid is off budget, which has to be brought to the red book for effective resource mobilisation, he said, urging development partners and international non-governmental organisations to open up.

The Open Nepal platform has been launched to make all people aware where the money — internal and external — that has to be spent on them for their betterment has gone.

It is not only the recipient country's population that needs to know where the money has been spent but people from the donor countries also need to know where the taxes being paid by them has been spent and has it been utilised or misutilised, said chairman of Freedom Forum Taranath Dahal, on the occasion.

"The initiative for open Nepal and open data was taken with the motto that every citizen should be provided data and information in an understandable form and format," he said, adding that the availability of information and data has not been adequate to ensure people's access to information.

"Usable and consumable data is the need of the hour to transform society through good governance which is the result of transparency and accountability where open data is fundamental," he emphasised.

The Open Nepal Week, which began on Monday, has brought together various national and international experts on data and information, development, information technology, journalists and civil society representatives for building an 'Open Nepal' with open data.