KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 5

The Government of Nepal and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) held the annual meeting of the Joint Steering Committee under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027 in Kathmandu on Thursday. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari, Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission, and Hanaa Singer Hamdy, UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal.

The discussions focused on Nepal's progress toward its historic graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and the role of the UNSDCF in accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) attainment.

The meeting also reflected on the progress achieved in 2024, where joint efforts across health, livelihoods, climate resilience, and governance yielded tangible results, including the immunization of 6.3 million children in a nationwide measles-rubella campaign, contributing to the elimination of rubella. Other achievements included expanded access to healthcare, education, safe water, social protection, and livelihood opportunities, as well as strengthened disaster recovery, climate action, and civic participation.

Speaking at the event, Hamdy highlighted Nepal's 70-year partnership with the UN and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting inclusive, resilient, and irreversible LDC graduation. 'Together with government leadership, development partners, and communities, we are advancing systemic change, creating jobs, strengthening social protection, tackling climate risks, and harnessing digital transformation. The United Nations remains a steadfast partner to Nepal in accelerating the SDGs and ensuring a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous,' she said.

Dr. Adhikari expressed appreciation to the UNCT for their partnership and emphasized the importance of national ownership in advancing global commitment, strengthening data and enhancing institutional capacity through technical assistance. He further highlighted that joint collaboration is required in harnessing synergies and strengthening collaboration for shared goals through holistic and interconnected approach, strong focus on inclusivity, building capacity, commitment to evidence and accountability and strong multi-agency collaboration.