Government of Nepal and UNDP reflect on progress, set direction for 2026

May 12, 2026

Photograph of a large conference room with participants around a long table and slides on a screen.

In a moment that combined reflection with forward planning, the Government of Nepal, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and partners gathered at the Ministry of Finance for the Annual Review Meeting of the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023–2027. Senior government officials, development partners, international financial institutions, UN agencies, and other stakeholders took part in the review, underscoring the breadth of partnership that shapes development efforts in the country.

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Photo: Panel of attendees at a long conference table; screen behind shows a speaker.

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The CPD 2023–2027 serves as the shared roadmap for UNDP’s support to Nepal, centered on three interlinked priorities: sustainable and inclusive economic transformation; governance, federalism, participation and inclusion; and environmental sustainability, climate and disaster resilience. The discussion was not only about progress made in 2025, but about how collaboration can better align with Nepal’s evolving development priorities in the years ahead.

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Photograph of professionals in a conference room around a table with water bottles and documents.

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Opening the meeting, UNDP Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka noted that UNDP’s work has evolved over six decades, but its core commitment—to strengthen institutions and supporting the people of Nepal—remains unchanged. “UNDP’s County programme Document (CPD), developed jointly with the Government of Nepal and national institutions, provides a shared framework for accountability and results, ensuring that programmes are grounded in national priorities while continuously adapting to emerging needs.” The Annual Review Meeting, she added, “offers an opportunity to pause, listen to partners, and assess collective progress in a broader development context.”

Similarly, Dhani Ram Sharma, Joint Secretary and Head of the International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division at the Ministry of Finance, Nepal, highlighted that as Nepal enters a new phase of political stability with a strong reform mandate, the Government is focused on strengthening good governance, accelerating economic reforms, improving public service delivery, and creating a more enabling environment for investment and private sector growth. He added, “UNDP has been a trusted and important development partner in this journey. We deeply value its continued support in governance reform, strengthening local governments, climate resilience, social protection and sustainable development. Going forward, we look to an even stronger collaboration, particularly in digital governance, institutional reform and innovative financing approaches that can help translate national priorities into tangible results for the people of Nepal.”

Professionals in a boardroom around a long table; a presentation screen shows a forest image. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

Participants in the meeting offered constructive feedback on enhancing results, improving accessibility, deepening digital transformation, and ensuring stronger alignment with government priorities. The conversation reflected a shared understanding that impact depends not only on individual projects, but on coherence, coordination, and long-term vision.

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Professionals in suits sit at a conference table with papers and water bottles; faces blurred.

Photograph of professionals in suits seated around a conference table with water bottles.

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Alongside the annual review, UNDP Nepal launched its Annual Report 2025, marking a milestone year as the organization celebrates six decades in the country. The report captures how UNDP’s partnership with the Government of Nepal, civil society, communities, and the private sector continued to evolve in response to changing national and global contexts. It highlights evidence-based programming, adaptive approaches, and strong partnerships that enabled meaningful contributions to national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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As Nepal continues its journey toward LDC graduation and broader development aspirations, UNDP is committed to support the government in strengthening collaboration with development partners, diplomatic missions, and international financial institutions to deliver more integrated, effective, and impactful results for the people of Nepal.