Kathmandu, Nepal – November 22, 2023
The vibrant city of Lalitpur played host to the culmination of the Nepal Dialogues Summit 2023, a significant gathering organized by a collaborative effort between the Nepal Dialogue Initiative, UNESCO, GIZ CPS, and Kurve Wustrow. This groundbreaking conference, held on November 20 and 21, brought together a network of 36 influential social organizations dedicated to the noble cause of peace building and inclusion.
Inaugural Presence of Distinguished Guests
The General Assembly’s opening session was graced by the esteemed presence of the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, who served as the chief guest. Adding to the international flair, Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer from the Philippines, joined as a special guest. The distinguished panel also included Mr. Michael Croft, Representative for UNESCO Nepal, and Ms Stephanie Theis, Coordinator of the GIZ Civil Peace Service Program.
Addressing Cultural Harmony by Minister Sudan Kiranti
During the conference, Minister Sudan Kiranti emphasized the unique interdependence of Nepal’s geography, caste, religion, and language, asserting that all parties in the country are minorities. Minister Kiranti proposed that dialogue is the key to addressing intercultural conflicts in the region. He highlighted Nepal’s commitment to religious diversity, citing the acceptance of multi-religions at various religious sites, including the sacred Lumbini.
International Collaboration and UNESCO’s Involvement
Representing GIZ, Ms. Stephanie Theis expressed her delight in the ongoing efforts of the Nepal Dialogue Conference, initiated in 2018. She underscored the conference’s unique position as an initiative led by civil society organizations. Mr. Michael Croft, the UNESCO Nepal Representative, expressed his satisfaction at UNESCO’s role as a co-organizer, underscoring the potential for the world to draw valuable lessons from Nepal’s diversity, strong social relations, and rich history.
Insights from Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer
Prof. Ferrer shared insights from her experiences in the Philippines, illustrating how peace could be achieved by engaging in dialogue between the government and rebel factions. Her impactful speech highlighted the power of dialogue in steering the course of peace-building efforts.
Seven Insightful Sessions
The conference featured seven distinct sessions, each focusing on a crucial aspect of dialogue and peace building. Topics ranged from “National Perspectives on Dialogue and Peacebuilding” to “Advocacy Paths for Promoting the Culture of Dialogue in Nepal.” Notable personalities and stakeholders engaged in constructive discussions during these sessions, fostering a wealth of ideas and strategies.
About Nepal Dialogues Initiative NDI
NDI is a loose forum where organizations and individuals practicing dialogue have come together to harness the power of dialogue in Nepal by mutual exchange of knowledge, skills and resources related to dialogue andpeacebuilding in Nepal. Since its inception, the NDI has been building resources (both knowledge products and human resources) through regular events such as workshops, trainings and conferences in areas related to dialogue and peacebuilding in Nepal. Nepal Dialogues Initiatives organized the first Nepal Dialogues Summit on 19-20 December 2022 in Kathmandu with the theme “grassroots to global” (G2G), where the chief guest of the event was Ms. Ouided Bouchamaoui, the Nobel Peace Prize winner of 2015 who shared deep insights on creating dialogic spaces by civil society when the nation faces a crisis of division. Building on this momentum, NDI organized the second edition of Nepal Dialogues Summit on 20-21 November 2023, the week which marked the signing of Comprehensive Peace Accord in Nepal.
The Kathmandu Declaration: A Blueprint for Global Peace
For those seeking detailed insights, the Kathmandu Declaration, a comprehensive document reflecting the conference’s resolutions and strategies, is attached as a reference. The declaration serves as a blueprint for global peace, encapsulating the collective wisdom shared during this historic conference.
As the Nepal Dialogues Summit 2023 concludes, its impact reverberates globally, marking a significant step forward in fostering dialogue, inclusion, and peace on an international scale. The shared commitment of nations and organizations alike sets the stage for a more harmonious and interconnected world.
Declaration: