Minister for Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Poudel, held a joint courtesy meeting with senior representatives of the United Nations in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
The meeting took place at the ministry on Baishakh 16, 2083 (April 29, 2026), with the participation of United Nations Resident Representative to Nepal Lila Pieters Yahia, UNESCO Representative Jacodu Toit, and UNDP Representative Kyoko Yakosuka.
Congratulations and Commitment to Cooperation
During the meeting, the UN representatives congratulated the newly formed government of Nepal and extended their best wishes to Minister Poudel for a successful tenure. They reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued support for Nepal’s development priorities across various sectors.
Minister Poudel expressed appreciation for the meaningful and result-oriented programs implemented in Nepal with the support of UN agencies. He acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Nepal and the United Nations and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in the years ahead.
Focus on Climate Change and Mountain Conservation
A key area of discussion during the meeting was the growing impact of climate change in Nepal, particularly in the Himalayan region. Minister Poudel stressed the urgent need for international cooperation to mitigate climate risks and ensure the conservation and promotion of mountain ecosystems. He highlighted that Nepal’s mountains are not only vital for biodiversity and water resources but also central to the country’s tourism industry. The minister underscored the importance of leveraging UN expertise and technical support to address these challenges effectively.
Promoting Indigenous Knowledge and Intangible Heritage
Minister Poudel also emphasized the need to recognize and promote Nepal’s indigenous knowledge systems on the global stage. He proposed that various aspects of traditional practices and cultural heritage be documented and listed as intangible cultural heritage. Such recognition, he noted, would help showcase Nepal’s rich cultural diversity to the world while contributing to cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing confidence that Nepal’s relationship with the United Nations will continue to deepen. Officials highlighted that the UN’s technical expertise and development support can play a crucial role in advancing Nepal’s economic and social progress, particularly in tourism and climate resilience. The engagement is expected to further strengthen cooperation between Nepal and UN agencies, paving the way for new initiatives that support sustainable development and cultural preservation in the country.
