KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 11 The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) marked 55 years of its volunteer programme in Nepal amid calls for stronger collaboration among international volunteer agencies working in the country. The JICA Nepal Office organized a cross-national gathering titled 'Cross-National Volunteer Synergy: Enhancing Impact in Nepal' in Kathmandu on February 6, bringing together nearly 100 participants representing various Volunteer Sending Agencies (VSA), volunteers, and development stakeholders. The event focused on enhancing coordination among agencies deploying volunteers in Nepal and strengthening the collective impact of grassroots-level development initiatives. Volunteer Sending Agencies have been convening regularly for more than three decades to address operational challenges, share security management updates, and exchange information on field activities. Speaking at the event, JICA Nepal Chief Representative Matsuzaki Mizuki said the presentations delivered by volunteers reflected the depth of engagement and tangible contributions being made across sectors in Nepal. Peace Corps Country Director Troy Kofroth described the gathering as an opportunity to build synergy among volunteer agencies operating in Nepal and expressed hope that it would lead to greater collaboration. Similarly, KOICA Nepal Country Director Mooheon Kong said such joint platforms demonstrate inclusive and sustainable development efforts strengthened by solidarity among agencies. The programme featured presentations by volunteers from different organizations highlighting their ongoing work in Nepal, followed by group discussions centered on field-level challenges and shared learning across sectors. Representatives from the Australian Volunteers Program (AVP), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Peace Corps, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), and JICA participated in the event. On the occasion, JICA also reflected on the milestones of its volunteer engagement in Nepal. The first batch of Japanese volunteers arrived in Nepal in September 1970 under the JICA Volunteer Programme, which was established in 1965. Since then, JICA volunteers have worked in diverse sectors including agriculture, health, education, forestry and fisheries, civil engineering, sanitation, sports, culture, and public administration. According to JICA, a total of 1,480 Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and Senior Volunteers have served in Nepal over the past 55 years. The gathering concluded with participants emphasizing the need for continued coordination among agencies to maximize the impact of volunteer-driven development initiatives across the country.