Event Schedule

The inaugural session, “Reform 2.0: Is This Nepal’s Defining Economic Moment?”, confronts the country's persistent cycle of high migration and low domestic growth during a profound economic transition. While remittance has long sustained the economy, it has exposed deep structural weaknesses, including limited industrial expansion, low productivity, and a continuous outflow of talent. As regional economies accelerate, the session asks whether Nepal can pivot toward a competitive, opportunity-driven economy. Featuring a keynote address by the Finance Minister and a high-level, cross-party political dialogue, the session aims to forge a shared national vision for second-generation structural reforms. The discussion will explore leadership's readiness to build consensus around institutional strength, investment, governance modernization, and job creation. Ultimately, it seeks to transform public aspiration into a coherent reform agenda capable of shaping Nepal’s next decade of growth.

Opening Remark: Vijay Kant Karna [Executive Chair, CESIF]

Keynote Speaker: Hon. Dr. Swarnim Wagle [Finance Minister]

Speakers:

• Hon. Dr. Swornim Wagle [Finance Minister of Nepal

• Dr. Govinda Pokhrel [Nepali Congress Representative]

• Dr. Yubraj Khatiwada [Economist, CPN-UML Representative]

• Anjan Raj Shrestha [President, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce anD IndusTry (FNCCI)]

• Rameshwor Khanal [Former Finance Minister]

Moderator: Arpita Nepal, Co-Founder, Samriddhi- The Prosperity Foundation

This session will examine how anti-corruption, stronger governance, and the rule of law can serve as foundational catalysts for Nepal’s post-2025 economic transformation. Energized by the March 5 elections and the civic momentum of the Gen Z movement, the discussion will focus on translating public demands for accountability into durable institutional reforms. Instead of viewing transparency merely as a governance ideal, the panel will treat it as a practical prerequisite for attracting investment and restoring state credibility. A central challenge will be converting temporary "protest energy" into lasting "policy integrity" by building enforceable systems that reduce bureaucratic friction and lower the cost of doing business. By addressing corruption risks and weak enforcement mechanisms, the session aims to outline actionable reforms that institutionalize transparency, efficiency, and predictability in Nepal’s governance.

Speakers:

• Pukar Malla [HON Member, National Planning Commission]

• Shanker Sharma [Former VC, National Planning Commision]

• Sucheeta Pyakurel [Associate Professor, Tribhuvan University]

• Manish Shrestha [President, CNI Young Entrepreneur Forum]

Moderator: Pushpa Raj Acharya [Former President, SEJON]

This session will examine the structural and policy barriers that discourage multinational corporations from entering or expanding in Nepal. Moving beyond broad investment rhetoric, the discussion will focus on the practical constraints shaping corporate decision-making, such as regulatory uncertainty, policy inconsistency, taxation challenges, and bureaucratic hurdles. The panel will explore how Nepal can position itself as a credible and competitive investment destination, drawing on insights from industry leaders and policymakers. Crucially, it will assess how foreign direct investment can drive private sector growth, technology transfer, job creation, and integration into regional value chains. Ultimately, the objective is to identify realistic reforms and institutional improvements that build investor confidence, reduce economic friction, and create a truly enabling environment for multinational participation in Nepal’s economy.

Speakers:

• Gaurav Tayal [Managing Director, Surya Nepal]

• Chandra Ghimire [Former Secretary, Industry and Commerce]

• Saibal Ghosh [Country Manager, Berger Johnson and Nicholson]

• Dr Bishow Nath Poudel [Governor, Nepal Rastra Bank (TBC)]

Moderator: Ghanshyam Ojha [DG, CNI] 

This session will examine the growing disconnect between the education system and labor market demands, which fuels outward migration, workforce shortages, and low productivity. The discussion will focus on aligning education, skills development, and employment pathways with the needs of a changing economy. To bridge this gap, the panel will explore strategies for fostering stronger collaboration between government, industry, and academic institutions. A central priority will be creating quality domestic jobs capable of retaining the "Gen Z" talent pool and reducing reliance on migration. Additionally, the session will emphasize boosting labor productivity, strengthening technical and vocational skills, and building a robust industrial ecosystem. Ultimately, the objective is to design actionable solutions that transform Nepal's workforce into a driver of sustainable economic growth.

Speakers: 

• Sushant Vaidik [Honorable Member of Parliament (TBC)]

• Resu Aryal [Member, National Planning Commission]

• Sumana Shrestha [Former Education Minister]

• Sameer Khatiwada [Economist, Asian Development Bank]

• Mohan Ojha [Founder, Growth Seller Pvt. Ltd.]

Moderator: Ajaya Bhadra Khanal [Research DIrector, CESIF Nepal]

This session will examine how energy and infrastructure development can serve as the backbone of Nepal’s long-term economic transformation. The discussion will target persistent bottlenecks hindering large-scale projects, including inefficient public expenditure, regulatory red tape, and limited market access. By addressing these structural constraints, the panel will explore ways to improve project execution, attract capital, and accelerate critical infrastructure delivery. A major emphasis will be placed on achieving financial closure for mega-projects, expanding cross-border power trade, and positioning Nepal as a regional energy hub. Additionally, the session will highlight the importance of building a robust physical and logistical network to support a land-linked economy, enabling better connectivity and trade integration. Ultimately, the objective is to unlock financing and translate infrastructure potential into sustained economic competitiveness.

Speakers:

• Ram Kumar Tiwari [Managing Director, Nepal SBI Bank (TBC)]

• Suman Joshi [Member, Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal]

• Rajesh Kumar Chandel [CEO, SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (TBC)]

• Prabal Adhikary [Electricity Trade Expert]

Moderator: Semanta Dahal [Advocate, Abhinawa Law Chamber]

This session will explore how Nepal can transition toward a fully enabled digital economy by strengthening its digital infrastructure for governance and service delivery. It will focus on reimagining IT as an essential utility that underpins efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public administration, rather than a luxury. The discussion will highlight how robust digital systems can reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, improve accountability, and enhance the citizen experience. Additionally, the session will examine Nepal’s potential to position itself as a competitive hub for global digital service exports. It will explore the policy, infrastructure, and human capital required to scale the IT sector, attract investment, and integrate into global digital value chains. Ultimately, the objective is to link governance reform with economic opportunity to build a resilient, export-oriented digital economy.

Speakers:

• Michael Foley [CEO, Ncell ]

• Arvind Sah [Hon Member of Parliament (TBC)]

• Ananda Raj Khanal [Telecommunication Expert]

• Saligram Parajuli [IT Expert ]

• Dr Amrita Sharma [Digital Landscape Expert, Asian Development Bank]

Moderator: Bishwas Regmi [Former General Secretary, Society of Economic Journalist of Nepal]

Keynote speech: Amb. Vijay Gokhale, Former Foreign Secretary of India

Setting the macroeconomic and geopolitical stage, this opening session unpacks the broad structural changes driven by Beijing's global initiatives. As shifting power dynamics, strategic competition, and alternative governance frameworks reshape regional politics, South Asia has emerged as a key arena in the evolving global order. This panel explores China’s efforts to reshape global governance through its global initiatives and how South Asian countries are navigating these new frameworks.

Panelists:

• Amb. Vijay Gokhale (India), Former Foreign Secretary of India

• Ms. Henrietta Levin (USA), Senior Fellow, Freeman Chair in China Studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies

• Amb. Madhuram Acharya (Nepal), Former Foreign Secretary of Nepal

• Ms. Lailufar Yasmin (Bangladesh), Professor, University of Dhaka

• Ms. Yaloni Fernando (Sri Lanka), Co-founder and Executive Director, Arutha

Moderator: Mr. Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, Research Director, CESIF

Transitioning from grand strategy to ground-level realities, this discussion scrutinizes the financial architecture and sustainability of mega-infrastructure projects across the region. This panel examines how South Asian nations navigate the geo-economics of major infrastructure projects like the BRI. Moving beyond simplistic debt-trap narratives, the discussion emphasizes project lifecycle governance, highlighting procurement transparency, ESG safeguards, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Panelists:

• Mr. Rameshwor Khanal (Nepal), Former Finance Minister and Finance Secretary of Nepal

• Amb. Pankaj Saran (India), Former Deputy National Security Advisor of India

• Dr. Pradeep Taneja (Australia), Deputy Associate Dean (International – India), Faculty of Arts and Senior Lecturer in Asian politics, political economy, and international relations, University of Melbourne

• Mr. Talal Rafi (Sri Lanka), Expert Member, World Economic Forum (WEF)

• Mr. Hasan Mehedi (Bangladesh), Chief Executive, Founder, Coastal Livelihood and Environment Action Network (CLEAN)

Moderator: Ms. Yaloni Fernando, Co-founder and Executive Director, Arutha

Shifting the focus to the virtual domain, this panel confronts the emerging threats to tech sovereignty, data security, and the integrity of regional information ecosystems. This panel explores China’s Digital Silk Road and the expansion of its cost-effective digital infrastructure across developing nations. It examines the resulting challenges to tech sovereignty and data privacy, alongside strategies to build institutional capacity against cross-border influence operations and information disorder.

Panelists:

• Amb. Pankaj Saran (India), Former Deputy National Security Advisor of India

• Dr. Mei-Chuan Wei (Taiwan), Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Development Studies, National Chengchi University

• Mr. Min Zin (Myanmar), Executive Director, Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP)

• Senior Advocate Baburam Aryal (Nepal), Founder, Delta Law Firm

Moderator: [TBC], Cyber Security Expert

Focusing on diplomatic statecraft, this segment evaluates how developing nations can exercise agency and assert sovereignty when negotiating with unequal powers. This panel aims to explore how South Asian nations leverage Chinese investments in infrastructure and trade while safeguarding their strategic autonomy? The discussion delves on exercising agency through balanced diplomacy and regional cooperation to maintain sovereignty and resilience amid unequal power dynamics.

Panelists:

• Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi (Nepal), Former National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary of Nepal

• Mr. Tom Malinowski (USA), Former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy and Human Rights

• Dr. Jaewoo Choo (South Korea), Professor, Department of Chinese Studies, Kyung Hee University

• Dr. Paul Staniland (USA), Professor, University of Chicago

Moderator: Ms. Lalifur Yasmin, Professor, University of Dhaka

Mr. Tom Malinowski (USA), Former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy and Human Rights

Examining the intersection of culture and strategic influence, this panel exposes how historical ties and religious diplomacy are increasingly utilized in great-power competition. This panel examines the geopolitics of heritage and China's use of Buddhism as a soft power tool. Experts discuss strategies for navigating cultural diplomacy while protecting sacred spaces from great-power politics.

Panelists:

• Dr. Jabin Jacob (India), Director, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar University

• Dr. Paul Staniland (USA), Professor, University of Chicago

• Dr. Mei-Chuan Wei (Taiwan), Associate Professor, Graduate Institute of Development Studies, National Chengchi University

• Mr. Ramesh Dhungel (Nepal), Professor of Buddhist Studies, Himalayan Cultures and Languages

• Mr. Akhilesh Upadhayay (Nepal), Senior Fellow, IIDS

  Moderator: Mr. Amish Mulmi, Author and Commentator

Delving into domestic political structures, this session analyzes how regional democracies can fortify their state capacity against coercive, top-down governance models. This panel explores how South Asian democracies build state capacity and navigate competing governance paradigms amid internal challenges and US-China strategic competition. Experts examine the challenges middle powers face in leveraging external development models while protecting their constitutional frameworks and strategic autonomy.

Panelists:

• Ms. Henrietta Levin (USA), Senior Fellow, Freeman Chair in China Studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies

• Mr. Hari Sharma, Director (Nepal), Purak Asia (TBC) [USA]

• Dr. Pradeep Taneja (Australia), Deputy Associate Dean (International – India), Faculty of Arts and Senior Lecturer in Asian politics, political economy, and international relations, University of Melbourne

• Mr. C.D. Bhatta (Nepal), Political Analyst

Moderator: Ms. Apekshya Shah, Head, Central Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Tribhuvan University

Grounding the geopolitical discourse in physical geography, this discussion assesses the delicate balance between border security, local livelihoods, and expanding cross-border footprints. This panel explores the shifting geopolitics of the Himalayan frontier as China expands its strategic and economic footprint in South Asia. Experts analyze how regional nations navigate new border infrastructure, balancing sovereignty and security with economic cooperation to maintain stability.

Panelists:

• Mr. Min Zin (Myanmar), Executive Director, Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP)

• Dr. Constantino Xavier (India), Senior Fellow, Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP)

• Dr. Binayak Sundas (India), Director (and Assistant Professor), Centre for Himalayan Studies at the University of North Bengal.

• Maj. Gen. Shantosh Ballav Poudyal (Retd) (Nepal), Geopolitics and Security Analyst

• Mr. Amish Mulmi (Nepal), Author and Commentator

Moderator: Amb. Vijay Kant Karna, Executive Chairperson, CESIF

Concluding the conference with a forward-looking perspective, this final session synthesizes actionable strategies for forging a unified and resilient South Asia. How can South Asian nations forge a cohesive regional identity amidst shifting global dynamics. Experts discuss practical pathways for collective engagement, empowering the region to claim strategic agency rather than remaining an arena for great-power competition.

Panelists:

• Amb. Vijay Gokhale (India), Former Foreign Secretary of India

• Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi (Nepal), Former National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary of Nepal

• Ms. Lailufar Yasmin (Bangladesh), Professor, University of Dhaka

• Ms. Yolani Fernando (Sri Lanka), Co-founder and Executive Director, Arutha

• Dr. Jaewoo Choo (South Korea), Professor, Department of Chinese Studies, Kyung Hee University

Moderator: Dr. Jabin Jacob, Director, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar University