KATHMANDU, May 23: Irish Ambassador to Nepal Kevin Kelly has announced more than €500,000 in funding from the Irish Government to support civil society organizations in Nepal, reaffirming Ireland's commitment to inclusive and resilient development.
According to a press release issued by the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, the funds are part of Irish Aid's Civil Society Fund, which supports Ireland's international development cooperation program. The announcement was made during Ambassador Kelly's official visit to Nepal as part of a major European Union (EU) diplomatic mission that includes representatives from 21 EU member states.
The funding for Nepal is part of a broader commitment by Ireland's Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, who announced €7.9 million in grants for ten Irish NGOs to implement development and human rights-focused projects globally. Of these, two organizations—The Social and Health Education Project (SHEP) and the Irish Red Cross—will lead targeted initiatives in Nepal.
Nepal Ireland Day 2018 concludes successfully
Speaking at a press event in Kathmandu, Ambassador Kelly emphasized Ireland's support for a development model that is locally led and socially inclusive. "Ireland's support for civil society in Nepal reflects our commitment to development that is inclusive, resilient, and locally led. It also demonstrates the growing and positive relationship between Ireland and Nepal," he said.
During the wider EU mission, the delegation held high-level discussions with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, civil society leaders, and members of Nepal's business community. Ambassador Kelly noted, "This EU mission sends a strong and united message of support to Nepal. Our collective engagement reflects the EU's commitment to Nepal's development, democracy and prosperity."
Support for Grassroots Empowerment
The Social and Health Education Project (SHEP), based in Cork, was awarded €330,000 in departmental funding for its project “Shakti Phase 2 – Empowering Civil Society in Nepal”. Delivered in partnership with Nepal-based Sahakarmi Samaj, the project will operate across three rural districts, promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, climate resilience, food security, and civil rights through community mobilization and agro-ecological practices.
The Irish Red Cross, in partnership with Nepal Red Cross, will implement a €200,000 two-year initiative titled “Empowering Communities, Building Resilience.” This project aims to improve economic security through diversified livelihoods and climate-smart agriculture, while also enhancing social inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities.
Both projects continue long-standing collaborations between Irish and Nepali organizations, with the goal of building empowered, self-reliant communities.
