KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 8
The US Embassy in Nepal today hosted a Summit for Democracy supporting event on the eve of the summit, which will bring together leaders from the government, civil society, and the private sector to set forth an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal on December 9 and10.
US Ambassador to Nepal, Randy Berry, USAID Mission Director Sepideh Keyvanshad, Nepali leaders, activists, civil society members, and youth advocates discussed opportunities and challenges for social, political, and economic inclusion in Nepal and other democratic countries.
Addressing the event, Ambassador Berry highlighted the achievements Nepal made in recent years.
"In many ways Nepal serves as a model for the region and the world.
Within the last 15 years, Nepal has progressed through a violent Maoist conflict, subsequent peace process, the return of democratic governance, and the ratification of a constitution that defined Nepal as a secular, democratic, and federal government."
Participants also discussed the historical and recent events within the United States that have tested – and reaffirmed – the strength of its democracy.
US President Joe Biden will commemorate Human Rights Day by convening the first Summit for Democracy, which will focus on shared values of democratic nations: fighting corruption, countering authoritarianism, and promoting human rights.
The summit will be part of a series of programmes supporting the resilience of democracy and overcoming challenges throughout the year 2022.
A version of this article appears in the print on December 09, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
