KATHMANDU: National College, affiliated with Kathmandu University, has launched the Bachelor in International Relations and Diplomacy (BIRD), a new undergraduate program aimed at preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international affairs, foreign policy, trade, and global governance. The program was officially inaugurated at a special ceremony held at the college premises in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu, in the presence of diplomats, foreign policy experts, academics, government officials, and students. Speaking as the Guest of Honor, renowned foreign policy expert and former Ambassador of Nepal to the United States, Prof. Dr. Shreedhar Khatri, emphasized the growing need for professionally trained diplomats and international affairs specialists in Nepal. 'Today's world is increasingly interconnected, and countries require professionals who can understand global politics, economics, security, and culture simultaneously,' said Dr. Khatri. 'Nepal needs young people equipped with diplomatic skills and international perspectives to effectively represent the country's interests in the global arena.' He praised National College for introducing a specialized undergraduate degree in international relations and diplomacy, noting that such academic initiatives would contribute to strengthening Nepal's foreign policy capacity in the future. 'The establishment of BIRD is a timely step. It will help cultivate a new generation of informed and competent professionals capable of engaging with the complexities of contemporary international affairs,' he added. Madhav Prasad Neupane, Principal of National College, said the program addresses a long-standing gap in Nepal's higher education system, where students interested in diplomacy and international relations had limited opportunities for specialized undergraduate study. During the event, Shweta Karki, Program Lead of BIRD, presented the academic vision and curriculum of the program. She highlighted that the degree combines theoretical foundations with practical learning experiences, including diplomatic simulations, field visits, internships, and policy analysis exercises. Former diplomat Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign affairs analyst Dr. Nishchal Nath Pandey, and retired Major General Dr. Purna Bahadur Silwal also addressed the gathering. The speakers underscored the importance of institutionalized diplomatic education in a rapidly changing global environment and welcomed the program's emphasis on experiential learning. Chief Guest Prof. Mahesh Banskota, former Dean of the Kathmandu University School of Arts, congratulated National College for introducing the program and expressed confidence that it would contribute to strengthening research, policy discourse, and international academic engagement in Nepal. Concluding the event, National College Chairman Dr. Badri Dev Pandey thanked Kathmandu University, distinguished guests, diplomats, faculty members, and development partners for their support. He reiterated the college's commitment to producing globally competent graduates through innovative and practice-oriented education. The inauguration concluded with an interactive networking session, providing students and guests an opportunity to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in international relations and diplomacy.