Remarks by Right Honorable President Mr. Ramchandra Paudel, at Roundtable 1: Strengthening the Three Pillars of Social Development: Poverty Eradication, Full and Productive Employment and Decent Work for All, and Social Inclusion

Thank you, Mr./Madam Chair.

Poverty eradication, full and productive employment, and social inclusion are not abstract ideals.

They are the foundation of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Despite remarkable progress in three decades, there are several problems and challenges in social development.

More than 800 million people still live in extreme poverty.

Unemployment rate is still high in many countries.

Millions of people leave their home in search of decent works.

Full, equal and meaningful inclusion and participation is yet to realize.

Excellencies,

Poverty alleviation is one of the topmost priorities of Nepal.

Targeted programs such as cash transfers, healthcare for the poor, and labor-friendly migration policies have significantly contributed to reduce poverty in Nepal. 

As a result, poverty has halved since 1995.

In the same way, we are working to fostering entrepreneurship and creating employment at home. 

We are investing in skills and promoting digital economy.

We are expanding contribution-based social security to informal and self-employed workers.

Likewise, social justice and inclusion is one of the major features of our constitution.  

Now, we can see a visible and tangible results of these policies.

The presence of women, Dalits, indigenous people, and other marginalized groups has significantly increased in all walks of public lives including in public services and education.

Along with these achievements, we have a long way to go to substantially uplift the lives of Nepali people, create decent jobs at home and ensure meaningful participation of all.

Excellencies,

Against this background, allow me to highlight a few points-

First, we must uphold good governance through strengthened democratic and inclusive policies, accountable institutions, and transparent public service delivery.

Second, we must harness emerging sectors to create employment opportunities. The green, digital and knowledge economies are to name a few.

Third, we must reinforce global solidarity and deepen cooperation to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda as well as to support LDCs and other vulnerable countries.

Fourth, accessible, cost-effective and result-oriented financing for social development is imperative.

In conclusion,

Nepal stands ready to work with the global community in this regard.

I thank you.