KATHMANDU: Nepal and the United Nations have formally launched the process of preparing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2028-2032, setting the stage for a new five-year partnership aligned with Nepal’s national development priorities and its transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The decision was endorsed during the annual meeting of the UNSDCF Joint Steering Committee, co-chaired by National Planning Commission Vice Chair Dr Gunakar Bhatta and UN Resident Coordinator for Nepal Lila Pieters Yahia. The committee also reviewed progress under the current framework and set priorities for its remaining 18 months before the new framework is scheduled to be signed in July 2027.
Prepared jointly by the Government of Nepal and the UN Country Team, the new cooperation framework will be aligned with Nepal’s Sixteenth Plan and support the country’s post-LDC graduation development agenda.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Bhatta praised the UN’s continued support in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preparing for LDC graduation, financing sustainable development, tackling climate change and strengthening institutions.
He highlighted Nepal’s demographic dividend, rapid digital transformation, clean energy potential and the global Nepali diaspora as key drivers of long-term economic growth.
Dr Bhatta said the next cooperation framework should be ambitious, evidence-based and closely aligned with national priorities while addressing Nepal’s evolving development needs and aspirations.
Progress under current framework
The committee reviewed achievements made through the existing cooperation framework, including improved climate and disaster resilience through the Climate Change Financing Framework, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), the Living Sagarmatha Mountain Resilience Strategy and anticipatory disaster response initiatives.
Officials also highlighted progress in linking school meal programmes with local agricultural production, expanding skills development, financial access and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and youth, promoting private sector participation and employment, and advancing efforts to end child marriage and gender-based violence.
The meeting also noted progress in implementing the National CEDAW Roadmap, legal identity reforms and electoral support initiatives aimed at building a more inclusive society.
Joint efforts by the UN and the Government of Nepal have also strengthened the country’s health system through the elimination of rubella, sustained control of kala-azar and immunisation programmes that have reached millions of children and adolescent girls.
Focus on women, youth and climate resilience
With fewer than five years remaining to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and Nepal’s LDC graduation approaching, discussions focused on accelerating development by increasing women’s participation in the economy, investing in youth skills and decent jobs, strengthening entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprises, and advancing climate-resilient and digitally driven growth.
Amid declining global official development assistance, the United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to helping Nepal maximise the impact of available resources, improve capital expenditure, accelerate project implementation and mobilise innovative financing.
UN Resident Coordinator Lila Pieters Yahia said accelerating progress towards the SDGs remains one of the most effective ways to boost economic growth, strengthen resilience and ensure a smooth transition from LDC status.
She said achieving these goals would require greater investment in women and young people, skills development, decent employment, entrepreneurship and climate-resilient and digital growth, while ensuring development remains rooted in human rights, gender equality and inclusion.
“Through strong national leadership and effective partnerships, Nepal can build a more resilient, prosperous and inclusive future,” Yahia said.
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