IFA holds high-level policy dialogue in Kathmandu on 'BIMSTEC at 30'
KATHMANDU: The Institute for Foreign Affairs (IFA) held a High-Level Policy Dialogue under the theme 'BIMSTEC at 30: Promoting People-to-People Contact to Advance Regional Cooperation, Integration and Shared Prosperity'. The event brought together diplomats, government officials, academics, think tank representatives and students.
IFA Executive Director Rojina Tamrakar said the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is increasingly important in strengthening regional cooperation by enhancing people-to-people connectivity and collaboration. She said deeper regional partnerships are essential for advancing shared prosperity and the well-being of the region’s populations.
BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the organisation’s achievements over three decades and outlining ongoing institutional reforms and future priorities. He highlighted the need to expand engagement in connectivity, trade and economic cooperation to realise BIMSTEC’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Bay of Bengal region. He also noted Nepal’s growing role in regional initiatives.
In special remarks, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kiran Shakya reviewed BIMSTEC’s evolution and the challenges that remain for regional integration. He urged stronger interpersonal links, improved connectivity and greater mutual understanding among member states, and reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to supporting BIMSTEC’s transformation into a people-centred regional community.
Ambassadors from Thailand and Sri Lanka, Donnawit Poolsawat and Ruwanthi Delpitiya, attended the dialogue alongside other resident diplomats and officials. The event also included representatives from relevant ministries, policy experts, researchers and university students.
The programme concluded with participants committing to intensify regional partnerships and to work towards a more connected, inclusive and people-centred BIMSTEC.
