12th NRNA global conference issues 12-point declaration

Kathmandu, March 16: The 12th global conference and grand international unity convention of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) concluded in Kathmandu on Monday issuing a 12-point declaration. The declaration highlights key commitments related to promotion of investment, protection of welfare of Nepali migrant workers, bolstering engagement among Nepali Diaspora and fostering organizational unity among others. The declaration called on the government of Nepal to introduce legal and policy reforms to create a more favorable environment for investment by the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs). Participants of the conference underscored the need to encourage and attract Nepali Diaspora’s investment in sectors such as job creation, entrepreneurship and infrastructure development. The conference also proposed establishing a dedicated body to manage investments made by the NRNs and urged the government to amend relevant laws and regulations to simplify procedures for opening bank accounts and repatriating investment returns for NRNs. Participants of the three-day event expressed concern about evolving situation in the Middle East and underscored urgency for stronger coordination among NRNs, the government of Nepal and international agencies to ensure rescue, relief and rehabilitation of Nepalis facing crises abroad. The conference further pledged to coordinate efforts with concerned countries, international organizations and the governments of Nepal to ensure safety, rights and dignified employment of Nepali migrant workers around the world and improve their working conditions. Another key point in the declaration focused on engaging the second generation of the Nepali Diaspora. The conference highlighted the initiative to connect second generation of Nepalis youth born abroad with Nepali language, culture and history through education and cultural programs and digital platforms. The NRNA also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Nepali Diaspora’s investment in sectors such as hydropower, agriculture, tourism, information technology and innovative industries while cooperating with the Nepal government to create an investment-friendly environment. The declaration reaffirmed a collective commitment of the NRNs to leverage the knowledge, experience and capital of Nepalis around the world to help build a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant Nepal. The declaration also pointed out the collective commitment of the NRNs to work collectively for Nepal’s prosperity and development while protecting the rights and interests of Nepalis living abroad. According to the organizers, a total of 4,286 representatives participated in the conference held from March 14 to 16. More than 400 delegates attended in person in Kathmandu.