December 22, 2023
The Karnali Policy Outreach Center, a joint initiative of Hriti Foundation and KUSOM Policy Lab, organized a Sub-National Symposium on Provincial and Local Level Policymaking and Planning on December 22, 2023, in Birendranagar, Surkhet. The symposium aimed to bring together various stakeholders from the sub-national level to discuss the challenges and opportunities for public policy building in the context of federalism and decentralization.
The symposium was graced by Hon. Bedraj Singh, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Karnali as the chief guest with the keynote speech.
Hon. Ghanashyam Bhandari, Chairperson of Social Development Committee and Member of Karnali Province Assembly; Hon. Kalyani Khadka, Chairperson and Provincial Affair Committee and Member of Karnali Province Assembly, Hon. Bijaya Budha, Member of Karnali Province Assembly; Hon. Kal Bahadur Hamal, Member of Karnali Province Assembly; Hon. Gamata BK, Member of Karnali Province Assembly; Hon. Nahakul KC, Vice-Chair, Lumbini Province Planning Commission; Hon. Yogendra Bahadur Shahi, Vice-Chair, Karnali Province Planning Commission as guests of honor.
The symposium featured three paper presentations by eminent scholars and practitioners from different fields of public policymaking and planning at the sub-national level. The first paper by Prof. Dr. Chandra Prasad Rijal, Coordinator of MU Policy Lab discussed the policy scenario in federal Nepal and the implications for sub-national governance.
The second paper by Kamal Raj Lamsal from the Hriti Foundation highlighted the challenges sub-national entities face in implementing policies and plans effectively. The third paper by Mr. Asharam Chaudhary from IID Nepal presented some best practices and lessons learned from various sub-national initiatives in Lumbini Province.
Two compelling panel discussions were the focal point of the symposium. The first, moderated by Dr. Purna Nepali, Director of KUSOM Policy Lab, explored the collaborative approach for subnational public policy building. Panelists, including Hon. Nahakul KC, Vice Chairman of Lumbini Province Planning Commission, and Hon. Yogendra Bahadur Shahi, Vice Chairman of Lumbini Province Planning Commission and Kirtikusum Shakya, Dean of Lumbini Technical University shared perspectives that fueled a dynamic Q&A session.
The second panel, skillfully moderated by Dinesh Gautam, Executive Director of Hriti Foundation, delved into the critical role of provincial assemblies in public policy building. Panelists, including Hon. Ghanashyam Bhandari and Hon. Kalyani Khadka, provided valuable insights, stimulating further discussion among participants. Karnali Provincial Assembly Members Hon. Kal Bahadur Hamal, Hon. Bijaya Budha, Hon. Gamata BK, and other program participants participated in the panel discussion.
The symposium was a successful event that brought together various stakeholders from different sectors to exchange views and experiences on public policymaking and planning at the sub-national level in Nepal.
The Sub-National Symposium on Provincial and Local Level Policymaking and Planning, hosted by the Karnali Policy Outreach Center, is a testament to the region’s commitment to collaborative governance and effective policy initiatives. The event underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in shaping policies that will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Karnali province.
