IIDS

Economy | Human Assets | Environment and Climate Change

[IIDS @iids1979]

Join us in welcoming our Summer Intern 2026!

We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the fresh perspectives, energy, and ideas they will bring to our team. Here's to a summer of learning, collaboration, and growth.

Welcome to the team!

[IIDS @iids1979]

On May 25, IIDS presented the White Paper 2026 and Development Strategy for Vision 2100 to Nepal's National Planning Commission, followed by an extended discussion with Honorable Vice-Chairman Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, NPC Members, and senior government officials.

[IIDS @iids1979]

IIDS is pleased to welcome Dr. Bhupesh Adhikary to the team as Policy Lead, Environment and Climate Change, and Senior Research Fellow.

[IIDS @iids1979]

Under the theme “Next Nepal under New Normal,” the discussion will explore the possibilities of a digitally connected, globally integrated Nepal where innovation, exports, and enterprise become the drivers of growth.

[IIDS @iids1979]

From remittance dependence to enterprise-driven growth Nepal’s next chapter will require the private sector at the forefront.
As part of Niti Daudaha, the flagship outreach initiative of IIDS, Episode 4 brings the conversation to the CNI Talk Series featuring Dr. Biswash Gauchan

[MOFA of Nepal 🇳🇵 @MofaNepal]

Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Shisir Khanal launched the report “Nepali Diaspora in Australia” at an event organised by Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) in Kathmandu today.

Speaking at the event, the Hon. Minister highlighted that the Nepali diaspora in Australia represent one of Nepal’s national strengths. He noted that education remains a key pillar of Nepal-Australia relations and emphasised that they serve as an important soft-power bridge strengthening mutual goodwill, cultural understanding and multifaceted partnerships beyond remittance.

Hon Minister invited the diaspora community to remain actively engaged as partners in building a prosperous and inclusive Nepal, while appreciating IIDS and the research team for the valuable study.

The programme was also attended by government officials, Australian Ambassador Mr Simon Ernst @AusAmbNP, researchers, private sector leaders, friends from media and representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Association @NrnaOfficial.

[IIDS @iids1979]

Durga Bhattarai closed the event: the diaspora's opportunities are vast — but are we meeting them with equal sincerity? The frameworks exist. The bilateral mechanism, the 2024 TIFA; the foundations are there. Now it's about the will to build on them.

[IIDS @iids1979]

Nepali Diaspora in Australia | Report Launch
We heard from the private sector, academia, and the digital economy — and the message was unified: diaspora potential goes far beyond remittances. Energy, agriculture, digital infrastructure — the opportunities are real.

[IIDS @iids1979]

Minister Shishir Khanal was candid: dual citizenship is a constitutional constraint, not just a policy gap. He also reassured that NRN citizenship is on the table, and the ministry is already exploring what can be unlocked within the existing framework.

[IIDS @iids1979]

Nepali Diaspora in Australia | Report Launch
H.E. Mr. Simon Ernst, Australian Ambassador to Nepal, offered a perspective that went beyond numbers. He noted that the diaspora's value extends beyond remittances; it is Nepal's living network worldwide.

[IIDS @iids1979]

Nepali Diaspora in Australia | Report Launch

Presenting the study's key findings, author Ms. Sneha Ghimire (Senior Program & RA at IIDS) reframed how Nepal should see its Australian diaspora, not as a remittance pipeline, but as an engaged community seeking deeper ties.

[IIDS @iids1979]

Dr. Biswash Gauchan set the tone of the launch with a striking reality check: diaspora remittances account for over 30% of Nepal's GDP. And if harnessed well, this could fast-track Nepal's development and produce the country's first billionaire from its own diaspora.

[IIDS @iids1979]

IIDS is proud to announce the launch of the Nepali Diaspora in Australia report by the Right Honorable Shishir Khanal, Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Mr. Simon Ernst, Australian Ambassador to Nepal; and Dr. Biswash Gauchan, Executive Chair, IIDS.

[IIDS @iids1979]

We have hit the ground running! IIDS launched the GYAN Teaching Fellowship, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening the STEM pipeline in Nepal’s government schools.

[IIDS @iids1979]

Tomorrow: IIDS & IFPRI host a workshop on low-carbon, resilient development pathways. Focus on clean energy, e-mobility & climate-smart agriculture for Nepal’s growth & jobs.

[IIDS @iids1979]

IIDS handed over its White Paper 2026 and Development Strategy to Hon. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle at the Ministry of Finance — charting Nepal's path to a USD 100B economy and upper-middle-income status within a generation.
Event report to follow.

[IIDS @iids1979]

As Nepal accelerates its digital transformation, IIDS is committed to keeping people at the center.

Our recent Human Capital in the Age of AI dialogue explored shifting skills, evolving human capital, and policy priorities.

Here’s what our speakers had to say 👇

[IIDS @iids1979]

*IIDS Niti Daudaha Goes Global*

After presenting Nepal’s White Paper & Development Strategy to the GoN, IIDS is taking policy dialogue to the global Nepali diaspora.

🗽 NY | Boston | DC | Denver | Silicon Valley
📅 Apr 23 – May 3

Theme: Next Nepal Under New Normal

[IIDS @iids1979]

Exciting milestone for the GYAN Teaching Fellowship! 🎓Our partner schools have officially signed MoUs with IIDS, joined by local education officers. Today’s meet-and-greet was a great opportunity for fellows, principals, and officials to align on our shared vision for education.

[IIDS @iids1979]

IIDS had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from the @OxDiplo for a knowledge sharing session on IIDS' work on Economic Diplomacy, the Nepali Diaspora, and the GYAN Innovation Hub, and a discussion on contemporary issues on the political economy.