Informed public discourse vital for Nepal’s foreign policy framework: Khanal

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal said on Wednesday that evidence-based research and informed public discourse play a vital role in strengthening Nepal’s foreign policy framework.

Addressing the closing ceremony and research dissemination session for the MoFA Summer Fellowship and Internship Program 2026 in Kathmandu, he encouraged young researchers to stay attuned to global developments and actively contribute to the nation’s diplomatic practice and policy formulation.

The eight-week policy research initiative, launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and hosted by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) from mid-June to mid-August 2026, brought together 10 fellows and 10 interns. According to the IFA, participants conducted policy-oriented studies across five thematic areas: Strategic Affairs and Public International Law, Development and Finance, Emerging Technologies, Clean Energy and the Nepali Diaspora.

IFA Executive Director Rojina Tamrakar said the program aimed to bridge academic research and policy practice. She also emphasized the importance of translating the participants’ research findings into actionable resources for policymakers.

The ceremony featured a research dissemination and exhibition session during which participants presented their findings and recommendations on foreign policy and international relations.

Members of parliament, senior ministry officials, the British Ambassador to Nepal, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from research institutions and development partners participated in the program.