Nepal’s development results impressive despite headwinds: UN resident coordinator

Untied Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Robert Piper Friday said that Nepal’s development indicators have been impressive despite challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha (left) with ...

“Significant results have been achieved and Nepal's development indicators continue to improve. These results are all the more impressive given the headwinds development efforts have faced over the last decade in this country,” Piper said addressing a function organised at the UN House, Lalitpur, to mark the UN Day, “Nepalis from many walks of life, from civil servants to village health volunteers, from police men and women to teachers, have achieved so much. Imagine what they could have accomplished in a more conducive governance environment. “

Informing about the UN’s involved in a number of areas in Nepal including development, governance, food security, poverty alleviation, women and children, peace process and Bhutanese refugee resettlement, Piper said the UN Country Team has continued working hard alongside its government partners, non-government actors, development partners and others to reduce poverty and accelerate Nepal's development process.

Piper also noted that there has been no resort to arms since the peace agreement was signed and Nepal has transitioned peacefully into becoming a republic.

“The cantonments have been emptied and the final integration of the Maoist army will be completed in just a few weeks time. The country has become minefield-free. These achievements need to be protected,” said he.

“This peace process, from its very beginning, has been truly Nepali-led, supported by the international community. We urge and hope that the country’s leadership will overcome the current deadlocks, reach out across political divides and lead Nepal successfully towards the national transformation envisioned in the CPA.”

He added, “We also recognize that the euphoria of almost 6 years ago has given way to uncertainty and concern. Concern about a continuing political and constitutional crisis. Uncertainty about when and how the constitution drafting process will get back on track. Questions about when and how the next elections will be held, and the challenges of ensuring a conducive environment for them. Concerns that the rule of law remains fragile.”

The UN Resident Coordinator also informed about the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) signed between the Nepal government and the UN country team, which will frame the next 5 years of UN involvement in support of the government’s overall development vision.

“This was a critical process at a critical juncture in Nepal’s development trajectory,” Piper added. nepalnews.com