Irish Ambassador to Nepal, Kevin Kelly, has announced over €500,000 in funding to support civil society organizations in Nepal under Irish Aid’s Civil Society Fund.
The announcement was made during a press event in Kathmandu, attended by local partner organizations, as part of a major EU diplomatic mission involving 21 ambassadors and representatives from EU member states.
The funding is part of a larger €7.9 million grant by Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, supporting ten Irish NGOs working on global development and human rights projects. Two of these organizations—Social and Health Education Project (SHEP) and Irish Red Cross—will implement programs in Nepal.
SHEP will receive €330,000 for its project Shakti Phase 2, focusing on gender equality, youth empowerment, and climate resilience in rural Nepal. The Irish Red Cross has been allocated €200,000 for empowering communities, building resilience, aimed at improving livelihoods and social inclusion for vulnerable groups.
Ambassador Kelly emphasized Ireland’s commitment to inclusive, locally led development in Nepal, highlighting the growing partnership between the two nations. The EU delegation also held high-level meetings with Nepali leaders, reinforcing the bloc’s support for Nepal’s development and democracy.
The funding underscores Ireland’s ongoing efforts to strengthen civil society and foster sustainable progress in Nepal.
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