NRNA to hold knowledge convention in January 2027

Kathmandu, July 29

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has stepped up preparations for the 4^th NRNA Global Knowledge Convention 2027.

On Tuesday, it presented the event's concept paper to senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun and National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-Chair Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, while seeking closer collaboration to mobilise the expertise of the Nepali diaspora for national development.

The NRNA delegation said the convention, scheduled for January 2027 in cooperation with the government, aims to connect knowledge, skills, technology, research, innovation and investment from Nepalis living abroad with the country's development priorities.

During separate meetings, NRNA Vice-President and Head of the Skills, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Department Dr. Gyanendra Regmi said the convention would build on the 'Networking for Development' initiative launched in 2018. He said this edition would shift from discussion-based engagements to a solution-oriented model by incorporating recommendations from the previous three conventions into government planning and policy processes.

Dr. Regmi said the convention would focus on six thematic areas aligned with the priorities of the National Planning Commission.

According to the NRNA, the convention aims to bring together more than 300,000 Nepali experts, researchers, scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide with policymakers, government agencies, universities, research institutions and the private sector to promote knowledge transfer and international best practices.

Foreign Minister Khanal said the government was prepared to cooperate in organising the convention and remained committed to utilising the knowledge and experience of Nepalis living abroad for Nepal's development.

He also said the government was preparing legal amendments relating to property ownership, investment and visa provisions to facilitate greater participation by non-resident Nepalis in economic activities.

Likewise, Minister Pun said the government was preparing to revive the Brain Gain Centre and stressed the need to link the expertise of Nepali scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals abroad with national development. He said international collaboration in research and knowledge transfer would support innovation and a knowledge-based economy.

Similarly, Vice-Chair Dr. Bhatta said the commission was willing to work with the NRNA on governance, institutional strengthening, legal reforms and the adoption of international practices. He also identified digitalisation of the non-financial sector, higher education, transport infrastructure and tunnel road development outside the Kathmandu Valley as potential areas for cooperation.

NRNA Vice-President Rosina Pradhan Rai called for the implementation of provisions relating to non-resident Nepali citizenship and the amendment of the Non-Resident Nepali Act. She also urged the government to establish the NRN Development Fund and introduce policy measures to engage second-generation Nepalis in national development.

CEO of NRNA Development Fund Anal Raj Bhattarai said preparations to operationalise the development fund were underway, with one legal amendment remaining before its launch. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 30 July 2026.