Hon'ble Dr. Wagle, distinguished representatives of the Government of Nepal, Excellencies, friends, and colleagues,

Thank you, Hon'ble Minister, for your thoughtful reflections on our shared history. And thank you to our Resident Coordinator, Lila, for your encouragement and support.

What we have just seen in the video, and what you will find in the photobook launched today, is the story of a partnership that has lasted for 60 years. As we launch this book, we are celebrating more than just development achievements. We are celebrating people.

As our Regional Director said in her message, the real story is not just about policies, projects, or milestones. It has always been about people across Nepal whose innovation, determination, and resilience have driven change.

The photobook tells the story of people and institutions coming together to make progress possible. They remind us that progress happens when people come together around a common purpose. For the past 60 years, UNDP has had the privilege of partnering with Nepal through many of the most important moments in its development journey. Our role has evolved alongside Nepal's aspirations—from strengthening institutions and governance, to supporting disaster recovery, advancing inclusion, and now helping accelerate digital and green transformation.

But throughout these 60 years, two things have remained constant.

First, our belief that national ownership is the only path to lasting transformation. Nepal's development achievements are Nepal's achievements. Our role has never been to lead Nepal's development journey, but to support national priorities, strengthen national institutions, and help create opportunities for people to shape their own future.

Second, our commitment to partnership—with the Government of Nepal, communities across the country, civil society, the private sector, academia, the UN family, and development partners. Progress has always been a shared effort. 

As we celebrate this anniversary, I would also like to recognize the generations of UNDP colleagues who have walked before us and contributed to many of the important results. I would also like to acknowledge our current team. Not everyone could be here today because we are nearly 300 colleagues working across the country. Even as we gather this afternoon, many are continuing their work with communities and partners. This celebration belongs to them as well.

Nepal has made remarkable progress. At the same time, important challenges and opportunities lie ahead—from climate change and inclusive economic growth to digital transformation and opportunities for young people.
And the context in which we work is changing. At a time when development financing is under growing pressure globally, strong partnerships and a clear value proposition matter more than ever.

UNDP will continue to support Nepal by helping unlock public and private investments at scale, strengthening institutions and capacities, and addressing delivery bottlenecks so that development reaches those who need it most. Our task now is to look forward: to scale what works, deepen inclusion, accelerate climate action, and support Nepal's next phase of development. We will do so in the same way that has guided us for the past 60 years: by supporting national priorities, listening and learning, and working in partnership.

In Nepal, people gather at a Chautari to pause, reflect on the journey, and prepare for the road ahead. In many ways, this 60th anniversary is such a moment. 

Today, we celebrate what we have achieved together. Tomorrow, we continue the journey—together.

On behalf of UNDP, my deepest thanks to everyone who has contributed to this journey: our government counterparts, communities, partners, donors, and generations of UNDP colleagues. 

The spirit of this partnership remains strong, and the next chapter is ours to write together.

Namaste and Dhanyabad.