Remarks by Foreign Secretary Ms. Sewa Lamsal at the Half Day Seminar cum Workshop on the theme, “Bridging Generations: Transferring Knowledge on Bilateral and Multilateral Negotiations” Organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Nepal

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Remarks by Foreign Secretary Ms. Sewa Lamsal at the Half Day Seminar cum Workshop on the theme, “Bridging Generations: Transferring Knowledge on Bilateral and Multilateral Negotiations” Organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Nepal

Monday, 1 July 2024, Aloft Kathmandu Hotel

 

 

Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Honourable Public Service Commission Member Mr. Madhab Belbase,
Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs,
Former Ambassadors, my seniors,
Resource persons,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends from the media,
Namaste and a good afternoon!

 

  1. Let me begin by extending my sincere appreciation to the Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Prakash Kumar Subedi, and IFA team for organizing this event on such an important subject which is relevant to all generations of Foreign Service.
  2. I am confident that the discourse in today’s programme will deliver innovative ideas and profound knowledge on how we can shape and groom the cadre in the Foreign Service.
  3. Today’s topic “Bridging Generations: Transferring Knowledge on Bilateral and Multilateral Negotiations” is not only important but it is all time relevant as well. This workshop is bridging the generation gaps by bringing together former and present officials of MoFA, foreign affairs experts, and our young officers in Foreign Service. 
  4. The knowledge, experience, skills, and learnings acquired by the previous generations during their rich career remain an asset to the nation. And, for a country to sustain, prosper and grow, that knowledge and the lessons learnt must be respected, documented, and handed over to the next generations, which I believe is the essence of the Workshop.
  5. Today’s programme is an excellent opportunity for exchange of views, sharing of knowledge, and interactions among senior and young diplomats. I applaud the IFA team for this initiative and encourage them further to hold this type of program regularly in the days ahead.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

  1. Nepal’s Foreign Policy has always been marked by the elements of, both continuity and growth.  Throughout the series of political upheavals and systemic transformation that followed in the past, basic tenets of our foreign policy remained consistent with necessary adjustments in its nuances and strategies.
  2. Safeguarding of the freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and dignity of the country, border security, economic well-being and prosperity, and the rights of the Nepali people, among others, are defined as the basic elements of Nepal’s national interest.
  3. The Constitution directs Nepal to pursue independent foreign policy and adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, non-alignment, Panchasheel, international law, and the norms of world peace while conducting foreign policy.
  4. Nepal has been an active member of the UN throughout its history, from her role at the Security Council, Human Rights Council to the continued contribution to the UN Peacekeeping operations in the maintenance of international peace and security and protection of human rights.
  5. Nepal currently stands the largest troop and police contributing country in the UN peace operations. Likewise, Nepal and Nepali officials and diplomats have largely contributed to various UN Specialized agencies in different capacities over time. 
  6. Today, due to the resurgence of geopolitical competition, power polarization and economic nationalism, the maintenance of world peace and security has come under serious strain. 
  7. Globalization and advancements in information technology have revolutionized human civilization in the past few decades. Artificial intelligence, problems caused by the digital divide, internet warfare, among others are deeply concerning. 
  8. The world is witnessing rapid economic growth, but also uncertainty is increasing in global dynamics. The issue of climate change poses a serious threat to humanity.
  9. The conduct of foreign policy in advancing our national interests in today’s world is becoming increasingly complex and thus demanding deeper scrutiny and intelligence.
  10. Among these complex issues and ever-changing global order, our past, present and future generations will need to reflect upon the national interests while centering the greater global good in the conduct and delve deeper into how the future of the humanity will shape and sustain prosperity।
  11. We therefore need deeper, broader, and more frequent deliberations and interactions like today’s workshop on pertinent and emerging issues bringing together past, current and future diplomats and stakeholders of Nepal’s Foreign Service.
  12. Finally, let me conclude by noting that Nepal can be proud of its past and remain ambitious for the future. I am confident that Nepal’s future remains in capable hands.

Thank you for your attention!