Regional Conference on Women and Foreign Policy Kicks Off in Kathmandu
Dr. Nishchal N. Pandey, convener of COSATT, opened the conference with a welcome address, emphasizing the critical need for gender representation in South Asian foreign policy.
KATHMANDU, Nepal (Sept. 26, 2024) – The "Regional Conference on Women and Foreign Policy," organized by the Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT) and the Political Dialogue Asia Programme, began Thursday at the Soaltee Hotel in Kathmandu. The three-day event brings together diplomats, academics, and policymakers from across South Asia to discuss the role of women in foreign policy and diplomacy.
Dr. Nishchal N. Pandey, convener of COSATT, opened the conference with a welcome address, emphasizing the critical need for gender representation in South Asian foreign policy. H.E. Véronique Lorenzo, Ambassador of the European Union to Nepal, delivered the keynote speech, focusing on the EU’s commitment to uplifting women in Nepal. She highlighted the EU’s ongoing support in strengthening women’s participation at all three tiers of government in Nepal—federal, provincial, and local levels. Lorenzo stressed that increased representation in governance is vital for sustainable development and lasting peace.
Amb. Dr. Shambhu Ram Simkhada, former Nepalese Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, followed with remarks on Nepal’s historical context in international diplomacy and the crucial role women must play in shaping its foreign policy agenda. He urged policymakers to increase women's participation in diplomacy and recognize their contributions to conflict resolution and peace-building efforts.
The conference’s sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including gender equality in foreign policy, the challenges faced by women in diplomatic roles, and opportunities for South Asian women in peace-building initiatives.
On Friday, Ms. Priyanthi Fernando, Executive Director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, and Ms. Ayreen Khan, a television journalist from Bangladesh, are among the speakers addressing “Current Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Foreign Policy.”
The discussions also touched upon the broader theme of understanding the role of women in South Asian Foreign Policy and Peacekeeping. Ms. Megha Sarmah, Programme Manager at KAS Singapore, chaired the session where Ms. Tashi Dema, Deputy Chief Research Officer at Bhutan’s Centre for GNH Studies, and DSP Rajani Thapa, representing the Armed Police Force of Nepal, spoke about women's increasing role in peacekeeping and their significant impact on regional stability.
The event will also feature discussions on COSATT's future programs and publications, emphasising fostering women's leadership roles in South Asia’s diplomatic landscape.