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Nepal in a Changing World
Date: 28 June 2026
Venue: Himalaya Hotel, Lalitpur
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Organized by: Innovate Research Foundation (IRF)
Chief Guest: Shishir Khanal
Chair: Dr. Gopal Khanal
The Himalayan Dialogue is the flagship policy forum of the Innovate Research Foundation — bringing together policymakers, diplomats, scholars, political leaders, security experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, youth leaders, and media professionals to exchange ideas on Nepal's evolving role in the international system.
Against the backdrop of a new and stable government, enriched by youthful energy and a strong parliamentary mandate, Himalayan Dialogue 2026 aims to provide a meaningful platform to support informed policy innovation, strategic policy shifts, and their effective implementation in an evolving global environment.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 dialogue, Himalayan Dialogue 2026 deepens policy discussions by focusing on national narratives, foreign policy consensus, development diplomacy, and youth innovation in a rapidly changing global environment.
Date: 28 June 2026 | Venue: Himalaya Hotel, Lalitpur | Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Welcome Remarks: Mohan Gajurel, CEO, IRF
Chair: Dr. Gopal Khanal, Chairman, IRF
Chief Guest Address: Shishir Khanal, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Opening Remarks / Inauguration of Himalayan Dialogue – 2026
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Anil Giri
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Sama Thapa
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Koshraj Koirala
Closing Interaction / Remarks
Networking & High Tea
In the contemporary international system, national influence is increasingly shaped not only by economic or military strength but also by identity, culture, values, and strategic communication. Nepal's civilizational heritage, Himalayan identity, democratic evolution, and cultural diversity provide a strong foundation for shaping a coherent national narrative. This session explores how Nepal can strengthen its international image and national confidence through soft power, cultural diplomacy, and strategic communication.
Moderator: Anil Giri
In an increasingly interconnected global economy, development diplomacy has emerged as a central pillar of Nepal's foreign policy. Sustained economic growth and structural transformation depend not only on domestic reforms but also on effective engagement with international partners in trade, investment, infrastructure development, and connectivity. This session explores how Nepal can strengthen its development diplomacy to mobilize foreign investment, expand trade opportunities, and accelerate infrastructure development.
Moderator: Sama Thapa
The global order is undergoing a profound transformation shaped by rapid technological change, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and emerging strategic technologies. For Nepal, situated between major powers and deeply integrated into regional and global systems, the rise of AI and digital geopolitics presents both opportunities and challenges. This session explores how Nepal can position itself in a technology-driven global order while safeguarding its strategic interests and enhancing its diplomatic capacity in the digital age.
Moderator: Koshraj Koirala
Past Event – Completed
Date: 7th April, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Venue: Everest Hotel, Kathmandu
The inaugural Himalayan Dialogue was inaugurated by Rt. Hon. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and attended by over 200 national and international participants — including diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, academics, and experts.
The dialogue successfully established itself as an emerging intellectual platform in Nepal for strategic and international relations discourse, highlighting the importance of balanced diplomacy, peaceful regional cooperation, economic connectivity, and Nepal's constructive engagement in global affairs.
The Himalayan region stands at the crossroads of major geopolitical transformations. Through this platform, IRF fosters dialogue and collaboration to shape Nepal's strategic role in regional and global affairs.