1st NRNA Global Knowledge Convention 2018
KATHMANDU, Oct 11: Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) is organizing a three-day ‘1st NRNA Global Knowledge Convention’ with an aim to ‘mobilize the diaspora’s knowledge pool to complement the government’s development efforts’.
The convention, which will kick off on Friday, is bringing over 350 NRN experts from all over the world to discuss on wide range of issues like agriculture and food security, disaster risk and reduction, education, financial reform, health, infrastructures, sustainable energy and technology transfer, among others.
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“With the anticipated stability of the new government and its focus on economic development, NRNA believes there is an urgency to systematize the previous knowledge-sharing efforts and mobilize the diaspora’s knowledge pool to complement the government’s development efforts,” said Bhaban Bhatta, NRNA President, addressing a press meet in Kathmandu on Wednesday. “The mobilization will augment the country’s knowledge base and help close the knowledge gap that the government and Nepal’s private sectors consider impediments to their development objectives. It will also lead to knowledge transfer, investment, and long-term capacity building of the country.”
He said that the government can tap into the knowledge and expertise of NRNs all over the world for the development of the country.
NRNA Vice President Kumar Pant said that they believe the convention will be instrumental in bringing the capital and knowledge earned by NRNs to Nepal for development of the country. “Though NRNs have already been pouring their capital into the country, this convention will help to leverage the knowledge of NRN experts in the development of Nepal,” he added.
According to the NRNA, 160 papers on various issues will be presented in 19 different sessions on various issues for discussion and deliberations. In the first and second days, four papers on policy issues and solutions for various problems facing Nepal will be presented while the last day will feature parallel sessions on agriculture, hydropower, tourism and health issues.
The organizers have also said that the convention will feature other programs like a closed-door session in which entrepreneurs with innovative ideas will pitch their ideas to NRN and local private sector investors to explore mutual investment opportunities.
“This convention will also help to identify expertise pools in diaspora community and explore modalities of transferring such expertise to address Nepal’s needs,” said Panta.
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli is scheduled to inaugurate the convention on Friday.
The NRNA plans to hold such convention every two years.
