Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Developing countries in need of financial, technical assistance: President Paudel

Kathmandu, Nov. 4

President Ramchandra Paudel has said that developing countries, in particular, require not only financial resources but also technical knowledge and skills, and that advanced-level support based on unity, justice, and shared responsibility is essential for their progress.

Addressing the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, he said, "Particularly developing countries need not only resources but also technological know-how. We need enhanced level of support grounded in solidarity, fairness, and shared responsibility."

President Paudel is leading the Nepali delegation to the Summit, which began in the Qatari capital on Tuesday, at the invitation of the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

He also added that a just global trading system, fulfilled ODA commitments, climate finance, technology transfer, and increased investment are also vital, according to his statement shared to media by his Media Advisor Kiran Pokharel.

President Paudel emphasised that ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and social security for all remains a top priority for Nepal. He noted that inclusiveness, justice, and social protection have been regarded as the fundamental pillars of social development in Nepal.

He stated that since 1995, poverty has been reduced by half, Nepal’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has surpassed the global average, and more than 95 per cent of Nepalis now have access to clean energy. “Gender equality has improved across in all sectors, maternal and child mortality rates have declined significantly, and around 90 social security programmes currently benefit our elderly, women, children, and persons with disabilities. Our Constitution ensures representation of women, Dalits, indigenous peoples, and other marginalised groups,” he added.

Referring to the youth-led movements for good governance seen in many countries, President Paudel said that Nepal had also witnessed a Gen Z movement in September this year. Stating that the current government had guided the country towards stability by announcing general elections for March 5 next year.

 "By ensuring the safe landing of the country and safeguarding the Constitution and democratic system, we have announced the election of members of the House of Representatives on 5 March 2026. We believe that this election will provide political solutions for Nepal and pave the way for good governance, development and prosperity," he said.

President Paudel remarked that what is done today will shape the future. “History has taught us that inclusivity and shared prosperity are the foundations of lasting peace, progress, and human dignity. What we do today will determine the future; therefore, let us design a future that ensures social and economic development for all,” he stated.

Although Nepal’s contribution to global carbon emissions is minimal, the President said the country is suffering from the worst impacts of climate change. “We are in no way responsible for this, yet the disproportionate effects of climate change have hindered Nepal’s socio-economic development journey. In this context, global solidarity, support, and cooperation play a vital role in advancing the development efforts of nations,” he said.

Similarly, President Paudel stressed that the summit would be meaningful only when the international community takes concrete action to support developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in their development endeavours.

Guterres pays courtesy callEarlier, on Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres paid a courtesy call on President Paudel.

During the meeting, President Paudel commended the Secretary-General’s efforts in implementing the Copenhagen Commitments and accelerating social development. He reiterated Nepal’s readiness to work closely with the United Nations to achieve shared goals of peace, social justice, and sustainable development, the Office of the President informed in a statement.

Referring to Secretary-General Guterres’s visit to the Everest Base Camp in 2023 October, he said that Nepal's white mountains are turning black which is a warning that rapid glacial melting threatens the ecosystem and the livelihoods of millions in downstream regions.

President Paudel also acknowledged Nepal’s ongoing contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, noting that this reflects Nepal’s strong commitment to global peace and security, read the statement.

Secretary-General Guterres said the United Nations was working to mobilise support from developed countries to assist vulnerable nations like Nepal in climate adaptation and was committed to reducing global carbon emissions.

He praised Nepal’s progress in promoting human rights and expressed confidence that Nepal’s institutions were capable of addressing their internal challenges independently.

The President is accompanied by his spouse, Sabita Paudel. The delegation also includes his Communication Expert, Kiran Kumar Pokharel, the Secretary of the Office of the President, and other senior government officials.

President Paudel and his delegation will return to Nepal on Thursday, November 6. 

  Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 November 2025.     

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