KATHMANDU, MAY 24
During high-level discussions with Nepali entrepreneurs in Kathmandu today, the UK Minister for Indo-Pacific and Minister for Equalities, Seema Malhotra, emphasised the growing importance of Nepal-UK collaboration in skills and education.
She referred to it as a 'full spectrum education partnership,' spanning decades and encompassing all aspects of education, from public-sector collaboration to private-sector tie-ups and pastoral care for Nepali students in the UK. "The UK will remain a valuable and reliable education partner for Nepal, bringing benefits to people in both our nations."
Minister Malhotra emphasised the UK's longstanding partnership with Nepal. "We were Nepal's first partners, and our friendship is the only one in the world founded on a treaty. We have uniquely strong ties between our people and government."
And now, at a time of democratic renewal in Nepal, I'm here to strengthen our partnership and modernise it to meet today's challenges, she stated. According to her, no nation can achieve its goals without investing in human talent.
For more than 70 years, the UK and Nepal have collaborated on education. "Much of that began with school support and teacher training. Together, we've made significant progress, with more children now able to access education outcomes, including quality, skills and opportunities. And that is where the UK is currently collaborating closely with your new government."
She stated that the UK is assisting Nepal in developing its first foundational learning framework, drawing on expertise in Kathmandu and London. This builds on longstanding partnerships such as the UK's Girls' Education Challenge, which has helped over 30,000 of Nepal's most marginalised girls learn, stay in school and find work.
She also added that 19 UK universities are currently working with 27 campuses in Nepal, serving over 17,000 students. "That is the power of transnational education. That ambition lies at the heart of our International Education Strategy, which is about more than just growth. It is about shared prosperity, helping countries like Nepal build the skilled workforce that the future requires," she stated. "This is where transnational education, or TNE, comes into its own. This means that students can obtain a UK qualification without leaving Nepal."
Welcoming the Nepal government's focus on quality assurance, she said that the UK stands ready to support through the British Council and our quality bodies. She expressed her happiness, stating that Nepalis are the 6th largest group of international students in the UK. "It is a sign of trust and of the deep ties between our countries," she said.
"But it has to be the right choice, for the right student. That means strong preparation, including language skills. And it means proper support once students arrive. Both our governments are increasingly focused on this."
She also emphasised that the British Council and organisations that connect people from our two countries, such as the Britain Nepal Society and the Nepal Britain Society, are increasing support for Nepali students in the UK, building on more than a century of friendship between our countries. "It is a practical example of the friendship between our countries in action," she added.
"Those students are part of a living bridge between our countries, shaped by friendships and warm personal ties. So, Nepal is a partner shaping our shared future – building skills, driving innovation and growing our economies together. Because it is through education that opportunity is created," she said, adding, "And it is through opportunity that talent is unleashed. That is the promise of this partnership. And that is the future we are building together."