How do you evaluate the developmental achievements of UNDP in Nepal?
As a development partner in Nepal since 1963, UNDP has worked for poverty reduction. Its focus has particularly been on strengthening the capacity of the government and the beneficiaries at the district and community level. We have been adjusting our programs as per the demand of the country.
For instance, UNDP’s focus for the last five years has been on conflict and post-conflict crisis operation, most importantly peace process and constitution drafting.
Lately, we have added disaster risk reduction as one of the core areas in our portfolio. Nepal has made much progress but if a major disaster occurs, the developmental gains could be lost in no time. Our focus in the days to come will be in developing policies for more effective inclusive development, empowering women and the marginalized groups.
How do you assess Nepal’s performance in human development and millennium development goals (MDGs)?
Global Human Development Report (HDR) 2010 has acknowledged Nepal as one of the top ten movers since 1970. Its primary school enrollment rate has risen to 93.7 percent, life expectancy by 19 years and poverty has been reduced from 40 percent to 25 percent through this period.
The Nepal Living Standard Survey even shows poverty has been reduced below 15 percent. On a daily basis people might not feel the change, but a lot has been achieved compared to 40 years ago.
Nepal has done exceedingly well in improving maternity mortality and education. Nepal is expected to achieve MDG targets, except for the employment and climate change. The government should now put focus on achieving these goals. Equally important is to address the growing disparity among rural and urban population.
How do you describe the role of donors in the context of Nepal? There are allegations that donors are creating divisions in the society in the name of ethnic empowerment. What do you have to say on this?
As donor’s assistance makes 23 percent of the national budget, they have a pivotal role to play in achieving the country’s developmental goals. They have played this role constructively over the last 30 years. Donors are here not to bypass the state and government but to enhance their capacity.
We strongly believe that donor organizations should be in the backstage and the government should be in the forefront.
What are the major challenges facing development in countries like Nepal that are undergoing a political transition?
Political instability is always a challenge for undertaking developmental activities. But compared to other countries, I am optimistic about Nepal. Though daily progress is slow, consensus is building up to move peace process ahead.
There are of course some challenges in local government which plays important role to spearhead developmental activities. Nepal should focus upon developing long term visions and have locally elected bodies in place. Tackling with potential disasters such as climate change is another major challenge.
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