Resident Coordinator of United Nations for Nepal Lila Pieters Yahia,
ADB Country Director Mr. Arnaud Cauchois
Ms. Kyoko Yokosuka, RR UNDP Nepal
Representatives from different ministries 
Colleagues from development partners
Friends from Media, private sector and civil society
Ladies and gentlemen
Good afternoon and warm welcome on behalf of the Ministry of Finance.

First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to distinguished Lila Pieters Yahia on her arrival in our country. I wish her every success throughout her tenure in Nepal. Thanks for your thoughtful remarks, probably the first remarks of such kind after you assumed your Office only this week.  I am confident that, under your leadership, our partnership will reach a new height in delivering impactful results for the people of Nepal.
Contexts and background

This afternoon, we formally launched the Strategy that focuses on pro-employment economic growth. It is the outcome of more than one and half years’ rigorous exercise— from deciding the theme, crafting the document, carrying out thematic as well as bilateral consultations, organizing validation, to finalizing the document. On behalf of the ministry, I would like to thank you all for your continuous engagement and providing your precious time and valuable inputs in the document.

As we heard from previous presentation and remarks, INFF is a country-led approach to mobilize and manage all sources of finance—public and private, domestic and international—so that they align with nationally owned development objectives. As I mentioned earlier, Nepal’s INFF Financing Strategy keeps jobs and livelihood at the heart and hence financing should be judged by opportunities to be created especially for young people, women, MSMEs and communities vulnerable to climate and economic shocks.

National ownership 

Distinguished Participants, as you are aware, the Government of Nepal remains firmly committed to the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) for many reasons. First, the INFF was endorsed by the Third Financing for Development Conference and reaffirmed during the Fourth Conference, where Nepal played an active role in advocating for such instruments.

Second, the Ministry of Finance has taken the lead on behalf of the Government in formulating this financing strategy, with the active participation of all relevant ministries and government entities. In addition, extensive consultations were carried out with the private sector, development partners, and civil society organizations to gather their insights and feedback. As these contributions have been thoroughly incorporated, the document reflects broad national consensus and carries genuine national ownership.

Way forward

In this regard, I would like to reaffirm that Ministry of Finance will lead and coordinate for the effective implementation of this strategy. I encourage all stakeholders to carefully review the Action Plan, identify the activities assigned to your respective institutions, and align your annual programmes and budgets with the priorities outlined in the Strategy with needful customization if required. Therefore, this is a good reference point for your future reform initiatives.  I also urge you to collaborate closely with one another to create synergy in addressing two pressing challenges of our time—employment generation and efficient resource mobilization.

My special request to our development partners to align your resources and support in accordance with this Strategy. Your collaboration will be critical in creating jobs and restoring hope among our youths during one of the most challenging periods of the nation. This alignment is essential, as the impacts of COVID 19 and the subsequent economic slowdown have set back Nepal’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and managing a smooth transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. 

Moving forward, we will soon develop comprehensive monitoring and review tools, as well as establish an effective governance mechanism to track periodic progress and accelerate the implementation of the strategy. I trust that all stakeholders will continue to extend their support further in operationalizing those remaining components of the INFF as well.

With this, today’s event concludes. Please join tea being served outside of this Hall

Thank you!