The NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) has successfully concluded its 11th General Convention, electing a 51-member new leadership team and issuing a 21-point citizens' declaration.
The convention, held from March 9 to 11 in Kathmandu, saw the participation of approximately 1300 social activists and civil society leaders representing 923 organizations from all 77 districts of Nepal.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the chief guest at the inauguration of the National Civil Society Conference, affirmed the government's commitment to enhancing the role of social organizations. "Social organizations are development partners, and the government will introduce necessary policies and programs for their sustainability," he stated during his inaugural address.
The 11th General Convention unanimously elected Arjun Kumar Bhattarai as its new president. Nani Maya Thapa was elected as the senior vice-president, with Rajendra Sharma and Sanjay Lamsal as vice-presidents. Devi Khadka will serve as the general secretary, Bhawaraj Regmi and Kiran Thapa as deputy general secretaries, and Govinda Bahadur Shahi as treasurer. The newly elected 51-member central working committee will serve for three years.
Concluding the discussions and deliberations of the conference, the NFN issued a 21-point citizens' declaration, outlining demands for policy and working environment improvements from the government and relevant bodies. Key demands include rectifying the discriminatory attitude and policies of all three levels of government toward social organizations, restructuring the Social Welfare Council to be more facilitative, advocating for climate justice and green financing for Nepal, and creating an environment for social entrepreneurship.
Newly elected President Arjun Bhattarai expressed the NFN's commitment to advancing social justice, inclusive development, and sustainability. "The NGO Federation of Nepal is committed to moving forward strongly for social justice, inclusive development, and sustainability, and is open to meaningful dialogue with the government," Bhattarai stated. He also emphasized the need for legal reforms, transparency, partnership, and collaboration to make the role of social organizations effective in the federal structure.
The NFN has called on the government, policymakers, development partners, civil society, and all stakeholders to collaborate in the areas of social justice, good governance, transparency, human rights, and climate justice.
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