Govt and UNDP review progress, align priorities for 2026 under Country Programme Framework

Kathmandu / May 12: The Government of Nepal and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with development partners, held the Annual Review Meeting of the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023–2027 at the Ministry of Finance, focusing on progress achieved in 2025 and priorities for the year ahead.

The meeting held at the finance ministry in Singha Durbar on Tuesday brought together senior government officials, UN agencies, international financial institutions, and other development stakeholders, highlighting the multi-partner approach guiding Nepal’s development agenda.

The CPD 2023–2027 serves as the overarching framework for UNDP’s support to Nepal, anchored on three key areas: sustainable and inclusive economic transformation; governance, federalism, participation and inclusion; and environmental sustainability, climate and disaster resilience. Discussions focused on strengthening alignment between ongoing programmes and Nepal’s evolving development priorities.

Opening the meeting, UNDP Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka said UNDP’s six-decade partnership with Nepal continues to be guided by a commitment to strengthening institutions and supporting national development priorities.

She noted that the CPD, jointly developed with the Government of Nepal and national institutions, provides a shared accountability framework to ensure results remain aligned with national needs while adapting to emerging challenges. The annual review, she added, offers an opportunity to assess collective progress and recalibrate efforts within the broader development context.

Joint Secretary and Head of the International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division at the Ministry of Finance, Dhani Ram Sharma, said Nepal is entering a phase of renewed political stability and reform momentum, with priorities centered on good governance, economic reform, improved public service delivery, and a more conducive environment for investment and private sector growth.

He described UNDP as a “trusted development partner” and highlighted ongoing collaboration in governance reform, local government strengthening, climate resilience, social protection, and sustainable development. He also called for deeper cooperation in digital governance, institutional reform, and innovative financing to translate national priorities into measurable outcomes.

Participants at the meeting provided feedback on improving programme effectiveness, enhancing accessibility, advancing digital transformation, and strengthening alignment with government systems. The discussions underscored the need for greater coherence and coordination to maximize development impact.

Alongside the review, UNDP Nepal launched its Annual Report 2025, marking 60 years of its presence in the country. The report highlights the organization’s work with government agencies, civil society, communities, and the private sector, emphasizing evidence-based programming and adaptive approaches in support of Nepal’s development objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As Nepal advances toward Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation, UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting stronger coordination among development partners, diplomatic missions, and international financial institutions to ensure more integrated and effective development outcomes.