PM Karki Urges NRNs to Actively Contribute to Nepal’s Development and Prosperity; NRNA World Conference Emphasizes Investment, Worker Protection and Unity

Kathmandu / March 16: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called on Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) to actively participate in Nepal’s development and prosperity, stating that the government prioritizes policies aimed at attracting foreign investment into productive sectors and ensuring the safe and transparent mobilization of capital from the Nepali diaspora.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 12th General Convention and World Conference of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) in Kathmandu on Sunday, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to establishing long-term investment structures to facilitate diaspora investment.

She described Nepalis living across the world as goodwill ambassadors of the country and praised their contributions to Nepal’s development. Urging the diaspora community to become active partners in the nation’s development journey, Prime Minister Karki emphasized the need to channel the knowledge, skills, experience and capital gained abroad toward the development of the motherland.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the end of internal divisions within the organization following the recent convention and expressed satisfaction that unity has been restored under a single platform. She noted that only through unity and cooperation can the shared aspirations of Nepalis around the world be strengthened.

Highlighting provisions in the Constitution of Nepal that grant NRNs citizenship with economic, social and cultural rights, she said the arrangement has further strengthened ties between the diaspora community and their homeland.

Prime Minister Karki congratulated the newly elected leadership of the association, including its President Dr. Hemraj Sharma, and wished them a successful tenure. She noted that the contribution of NRNs is important not only economically but also in building social capital.

She further stressed that cooperation among Nepalis at home and abroad—through investment, knowledge sharing and innovation—is essential to transform Nepal into a prosperous nation of opportunities. The unity and commitments expressed during the convention, she said, would provide new guidance for Nepal’s development and prosperity.

NRNA World Conference Declaration Focuses on Investment, Worker Safety and Unity

The 12th World Conference and International Unity Convention of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, organized under the slogan “Our Unity, the Foundation of Prosperity,” concluded with the issuance of a 12-point declaration prioritizing diaspora investment in Nepal, protection of migrant workers’ rights and institutional unity.

Held in Kathmandu from March 14 to March 16, the conference reaffirmed the commitment of the global Nepali community to work together for Nepal’s development, prosperity and the protection of Nepalis living abroad.

The conference urged the government to introduce legal and policy reforms to create a more conducive environment for NRN investment in Nepal. It also pledged to promote diaspora investment in job creation, entrepreneurship development and infrastructure construction.

The declaration called on the government to amend relevant laws and regulations to establish a dedicated body to manage NRN investments, facilitate the opening of bank accounts and ensure easier repatriation of invested funds.

Expressing concern over the recent situation in the Middle East, the conference emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation with the Government of Nepal and international organizations for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of Nepalis affected by crises in the region.

It also committed to working with host countries, international institutions and the Nepali government to ensure the safety, rights and dignified employment of Nepali migrant workers across the world.

The declaration further stated that initiatives would be taken to connect second-generation youths born abroad with Nepali language, culture and history through education, cultural programs and digital platforms.

The conference also pledged to promote NRN investment in sectors such as hydropower, agriculture, tourism, information technology and innovative industries, while working with the Government of Nepal to create a more investment-friendly environment.

Participants collectively expressed their commitment to harness the knowledge, experience and capital of Nepalis worldwide to contribute to building a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant Nepal.

According to the organizers, a total of 4,286 representatives participated in the conference, with more than 400 attending in person in Kathmandu and the remaining joining virtually.