On February 7, Administrator Power arrived in Kathmandu to underscore the United States' enduring commitment to the government and people of Nepal, and reaffirm U.S. support for Nepal's democracy and long-term inclusive prosperity.
The Administrator began her day by meeting with Nepali civil society leaders to learn about their perspectives and priorities. They discussed the environment for civil society organizations and pressing issues including human trafficking, rule of law, and the need to make the promise of equality real for Nepalis regardless of gender, ethnicity, caste, or geography. They also discussed the steps Nepal's newly-elected government can take to support and uplift civil society, and the importance of opening the political process to greater participation by young people, women, and marginalized communities.
The Administrator then traveled to Adarsha Secondary School in Kathmandu to highlight USAID's support for the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, following Nepal's devastating 2015 earthquakes. At the school, Administrator Power joined the girls' basketball team for a game and met with students to discuss their educational experiences and hopes for the future.
Next, the Administrator met with farmers and representatives of agribusinesses, and toured a local seed company that produces and markets new heat and drought resistance seed varieties that allow farmers to improve yields and increase their incomes. She discussed the important role the private sector is playing in expanding economic opportunity in Nepal, including through increased investment in agriculture to transform the sector. The group discussed USAID's work to improve agricultural practices through its Feed the Future programs in Nepal, and how USAID is supporting farmers and agribusiness to manage the economic and food security impacts resulting from Russia's war in Ukraine.
Administrator Power then met with Foreign Minister Bimala Rai Paudyal. The two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding development partnership between the U.S. and Nepal and discussed how to further strengthen that partnership. They discussed the importance of centering our development work around local voices and local partners, and of mobilizing private investment to advance Nepal's development goals. The Administrator commended Nepal's continued push to realize the vision of its democratic constitution, and Foreign Minister Paudyal shared her appreciation for USAID's work to advance social inclusion and support a vibrant civil society in Nepal. Administrator Power and Foreign Minister Paudyal agreed on the urgency of addressing the growing impacts of climate change in Nepal.
Following this high-level meeting, the Administrator participated in an event at the Patan Museum to celebrate the U.S.-Nepal democratic partnership. Administrator Power announced up to $58.5 million in USAID assistance to partner with the government and people of Nepal to advance democratic progress and economic opportunity, which includes increased support for Nepali institutions and organizations to better ensure that progress is sustainable and locally led.
