KATHMANDU, MAY 23
The Irish Ambassador to Nepal, Kevin Kelly, has announced over €500,000 in Irish Government funding to support civil society organizations in Nepal. The funding, channeled through Irish Aid's Civil Society Fund, is part of Ireland's broader international development cooperation programme. Irish Aid is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin.
The announcement was made during Ambassador Kelly's official visit to Nepal, which is part of a major European Union diplomatic mission involving 21 ambassadors and representatives from EU member states. The delegation has been engaging in high-level discussions with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, civil society leaders, and business community members.
"Ireland's support for civil society in Nepal reflects our commitment to development that is inclusive, resilient, and locally led. It also demonstrates the growing and positive relationship between Ireland and Nepal, and the tangible contributions this partnership is making to Nepalese society," said Ambassador Kelly during a press event in Kathmandu.
The funding forms part of a larger €7.9 million package recently announced by Ireland's Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD. The grants support ten Irish NGOs globally, with two organizations delivering programmes in Nepal:
Social and Health Education Project (SHEP)
Based in Cork, SHEP has received €330,000 over three years for its 'Shakti Phase 2 – Empowering Civil Society in Nepal' initiative. The project focuses on mobilizing marginalized groups in rural districts of Nepal to promote gender equality and social inclusion, youth empowerment, climate resilience, agro-ecology, food security, and civil rights.
SHEP will implement the project in partnership with Sahakarmi Samaj, with whom they have collaborated for over 17 years.
Irish Red Cross
Awarded €200,000 over two years, the Irish Red Cross will implement the project 'Empowering Communities, Building Resilience' in partnership with the Nepal Red Cross. The initiative aims to boost economic security through diversified livelihood strategies, including climate-smart agricultural practices and enhance social inclusion and disability support, while promoting community-based decision-making.
This funding builds on the €160,000 previously provided for related initiatives between 2023–2024.
EU's Unified Support for Nepal
Commenting on the broader EU mission, Ambassador Kelly added: "This EU mission sends a strong and united message of support to Nepal. Our collective engagement reflects the EU's commitment to Nepal's development, democracy and prosperity."
