KATHMANDU: Nepal’s national discourse this past week was shaped by a dynamic convergence of climate diplomacy, political upheavals, institutional crises, and civil movements. These events collectively exposed both the country’s aspirations for global leadership in climate action and the persistent undercurrents of governance challenges, elite impunity, and institutional erosion.
Sagarmatha Sambaad: A symbolic but pressing climate plea
The Sagarmatha Sambaad concluded with a 25-point Call for Action, reiterating Nepal’s ambition to lead the global dialogue on mountain-focused climate vulnerability. While the proposal for a Himalayan Climate Fund and a dedicated climate center reflects the strategic reframing of the Himalayas as a climate front line, questions remain about whether such multilateral declarations will translate into actionable financing and policy reforms.
The declaration’s emphasis on concessional finance, early warning systems, and green economy transitions is timely, particularly as climate threats in Nepal continue to manifest through floods, landslides, and glacial retreat. However, without strong regional buy-in from other Himalayan nations and clear mechanisms for financial mobilization, the Sambaad risks being remembered more for its symbolism than its impact.
The central bank crisis: Politics over prudence?
The appointment of Dr. Biswo Poudel as Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank has sparked legal and political controversy. While Poudel’s academic credentials in development economics are substantial, the writ filed at the Supreme Court questioning his eligibility under the NRB Act and alleging political manipulation of the selection process points to a deeper issue: the politicization of regulatory institutions.
This controversy raises important governance concerns—particularly the growing trend of embedding political loyalty over institutional competence. If the Supreme Court upholds the petition, it could set a significant precedent about checks and balances in high-level appointments. If not, public trust in technocratic neutrality may erode further.
Judiciary upholds Lamichhane’s detention: A test of accountability
The Supreme Court’s rejection of the habeas corpus plea for Rabi Lamichhane, a high-profile populist leader implicated in a massive cooperative fraud case, marks a crucial juncture in Nepal’s fight against financial crime. The decision to keep him in custody until the District Court’s final verdict shows rare judicial resolve, potentially signaling a shift in the treatment of politically connected individuals.
However, this also reveals the fragility of Nepal’s cooperative sector, where lax regulations have enabled vast fraud. Lamichhane’s case could become a litmus test for both the credibility of financial governance and the judiciary’s independence.
Governance in crisis: Human trafficking allegations and civil service unrest
The complaint filed against Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for alleged involvement in a visit visa human trafficking racket is yet another symptom of systemic impunity. If substantiated, the case would expose the rot within Nepal’s immigration system, suggesting state complicity in exploiting labor migrants—a demographic vital to the economy through remittances.
Simultaneously, the uproar by top bureaucrats against a proposed cooling-off period in the Federal Civil Service Bill reflects elite resistance to reforms aimed at curbing post-retirement politicization. Their appeal to the Speaker underscores the institutional entrenchment of patronage networks, where retirement is often a stepping stone to political appointments.
Religious nationalism resurfaces: Lingden and Jolly push monarchist agenda
On the political front, the announcement by RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden of a non-violent civil disobedience campaign to restore the monarchy and Hindu statehood is a clear escalation of right-wing mobilization. His invocation of Gandhian Satyagraha and British colonial parallels positions the movement as one rooted in historical legitimacy, even as it remains marginal in mainstream politics.
Compounding this, BJP leader Vijay Jolly’s claim that 81.2% of Nepalis support a Hindu nation and his engagements with top Nepali leaders indicate a subtle but growing Indian political interest in Nepal’s internal ideological direction. This could deepen polarization and test Nepal’s secular constitutional order.
Moments of pride amid turmoil: WHO recognitions
In a rare moment of international acclaim, Nepal received the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for its strong anti-tobacco initiatives, particularly the 100% health warning mandate. Simultaneously, Nepal’s unanimous election to the WHO Executive Board cements its increasing visibility in global health diplomacy.
These achievements offer a counter-narrative to the week’s domestic turbulence, showcasing that Nepal can exercise soft power and lead on global policy platforms when political will aligns with public health priorities.
Disaster and resilience: Earthquakes, Kanchanpur declaration, and Everest summits
Twin earthquakes in Baitadi and the declaration of seven wards in Kanchanpur as disaster-hit areas highlight ongoing vulnerability to natural hazards, exacerbated by climate inaction and weak disaster infrastructure. Meanwhile, the successful ascent of 135 climbers on Everest in a single day demonstrates both human resilience and the booming commercialization of mountaineering, even amid environmental fragility.
Conclusion: A nation at crossroads
This past week underscored the paradoxes defining Nepal today: strong rhetoric on climate justice but weak institutional capacity, global health accolades juxtaposed with governance scandals, and elite defiance of reform amid growing public dissatisfaction.
As the nation balances its global ambitions with internal crises, the events of this week suggest that Nepal’s future credibility—both at home and abroad—will depend on its ability to enforce rule of law, curb political interference in institutions, and convert declarations into action.
Comment