KATHMANDU, JULY 14 Sriram Haridass, the newly appointed United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative for Nepal, presented his letter of credentials to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal on Tuesday. During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal and Haridass reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the Government of Nepal and UNFPA in promoting population and development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and evidence-based policymaking. The two also discussed Nepal's changing demographic landscape and the need to strengthen demographic data and analysis to support inclusive and sustainable development. Minister Khanal said Nepal values its long-standing cooperation with UNFPA in advancing population and development priorities and strengthening the country's health system. He stressed the importance of integrating demographic trends into national development planning. Haridass reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to supporting Nepal's development priorities and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). He said the agency would continue working closely with the government and development partners to strengthen national systems and enhance demographic resilience. UNFPA has been working with the Government of Nepal since 1971, supporting programmes on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, youth empowerment and population data systems. A Sri Lankan national, Haridass assumed office as UNFPA Representative for Nepal in July 2026 after serving as the agency's representative ad interim for a year. He has more than 23 years of experience in programme management, policy engagement and humanitarian response across Asia and Africa.