KATHMANDU, MAY 20 A high-level policy dialogue on strengthening diaspora engagement and knowledge partnerships for Nepal was held at Stanford University on May 15, bringing together Nepali-origin professionals, academics, researchers and entrepreneurs from across the San Francisco Bay Area. The programme, organised by the Global Nepali Professional Network in collaboration with the Nepal Policy Institute, focused on the theme 'A Roadmap for Strategic Diaspora Engagement: Building Knowledge Bridges for Nepal'. During the three-hour interaction, Nepal Policy Institute founder and chair Dr Khagendra Raj Dhakal presented a framework aimed at strengthening 'Diaspora Knowledge Bridges' to connect global Nepali expertise, innovation and professional networks with Nepal's long-term development goals. The event was attended by Nepali-origin technologists, academics, journalists, entrepreneurs, financial professionals, students and policy experts. Opening the programme, GNPN President Niley Shrestha highlighted the organisation's role in promoting professional collaboration and dialogue among Nepali-origin professionals since its establishment in 2006. The session included an interactive workshop in which participants discussed policy and governance, research and universities, innovation and entrepreneurship, youth leadership and mentorship, and digital and civic engagement. Speaking at the programme, Dr Dhakal said Nepal already had a globally connected diaspora community, but stressed the need for trusted and structured systems to translate diaspora goodwill into long-term national capability. Referring to a preliminary diaspora engagement study conducted by NPI fellow Liza Maharjan, he said many Nepalis living abroad were willing to contribute to Nepal but lacked proper institutional mechanisms and engagement channels. According to the organisers, participants stressed the need for a more structured diaspora engagement policy framework and stronger collaboration between diaspora professionals, Nepal-based institutions and government agencies. The programme also announced plans to form a joint NPI-GNPN Policy Task Force to prepare a preliminary Diaspora Knowledge Recapitalization Framework and operational roadmap aimed at strengthening long-term engagement with Nepali professionals abroad. Organisers said the Stanford dialogue marked the beginning of a broader international discussion on promoting knowledge-based diaspora engagement for Nepal's development.