FIPMO AFCAN and AFNA_Seminar on Foreign Dimlopacy_7 May 2024

On May 7, 2024, the Forum of Former International Professionals of Multilateral Organizations (FIPMO), the Association of Former Nepali Ambassadors (AFNA), and the Association of Former Career Ambassadors of Nepal (AFCAN) jointly organized a half-day seminar in Kathmandu titled “Strategies for a Dynamic, Effective, and Development-Oriented Foreign Policy.”

Key Participants

• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, an illustrious former diplomat and public official in Nepal.

• Key Commentators: Ambassador Dr. Shambhu Ram Simkhada and Prof. Dr. Meena Vaidhya Malla.

• Moderator: Ambassador Mr. Bhim Udas (who outlined the seminar's objectives on protecting national interests).

• Welcome Address: Ambassador Mr. Bhagirath Basnet, President AFCAN

• Thank you: Bhai Raja Pandey, FIPMO Chairperson

Core Discussions & Themes

The Shift to Modern, Multi-Actor Diplomacy:

A major takeaway was that modern diplomacy can no longer be conducted solely by career diplomats. Due to the widening scope of international relations, various other stakeholders—such as civil society, business communities, think tanks, the media, and even individual citizens—now play a significant role in shaping and conducting foreign policy.

In the current global era, speakers emphasized that international engagement must prioritize collaboration, finding common ground, sharing perspectives, and expressing mutual expectations rather than defaulting to confrontation.

Speakers pointed out that Nepal has developed numerous foreign policy documents over the years, but they suffer from a severe lack of follow-up. He stressed the vital need for stability in foreign policy, especially given the country's frequent changes in government.