Nepal’s National Planning Commission gathers global input on 16th period plan and LDC graduation transition

KATHMANDU: In a pivotal meeting held by the National Planning Commission (NPC) on Tuesday, key international development partners joined hands to provide recommendations on the draft of the 16th period plan and the Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation smooth transition strategy.

Chaired by NPC Vice-Chair Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha, the discussion welcomed officials from the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and diplomatic representatives from various countries.

The United Nations Resident Representative, Hanna Singar Hamdy, and the Ambassador of Finland to Nepal, Riina-Riikka Heikka, jointly presided over the meeting, leading the Nepal-based International Development Partners Group (IDPG).

Reflecting on the discussions, UN Resident Representative Hamdy expressed optimism about Nepal’s trajectory post-LDC graduation, emphasizing that the nation is poised to enter a new chapter of development.

Amid the deliberations, development partners underscored the critical importance of establishing a coherent linkage between the 16th plan and the LDC graduation strategy. The seamless transition from a Least Developed Country status to a more advanced stage demands strategic planning and collaboration to ensure sustained growth and development.

NPC Vice-Chair Dr Shrestha acknowledged the constructive recommendations received from the international development partners, highlighting their significant role in shaping Nepal’s developmental roadmap. He emphasized that these inputs would be duly incorporated into the final version of the 16th plan, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

This consultation follows earlier discussions between the NPC and the recently appointed members of the National Development Council, further reinforcing the collaborative efforts to shape Nepal’s future developmental priorities.

As the nation stands at the threshold of LDC graduation, the global community’s involvement is crucial in navigating this transition successfully. The NPC’s engagement with prominent international organizations, including the United Nations, World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, demonstrates a commitment to harnessing global expertise and resources for Nepal’s sustainable development.

The 16th period plan holds the key to addressing the nation’s evolving needs and challenges, with a focus on inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and social development. The collective wisdom shared during this meeting reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that Nepal’s developmental strategies align with international best practices and standards.