Strengthening Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development of Nepal

Abstract

Nepal is one of the least developed countries (LDCs) with the goal of graduating from LDC status to developing country by 2026 which was originally planned to achieve by 2022. It has also set the target for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2016–2030) and middle-income country (MIC) status by 2030. National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, 2019 of Nepal envisions the use of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for sustainable development and prosperity of the nation. While STI Diplomacy or Science Diplomacy in general, is the process of developing relationship among the nations with the use of STI through collaborative research, development, innovation, academic partnership, and STI exchanges, it has a dynamic role for achieving STI utilization for the overall development for a developing country like Nepal. It is an important tool for achieving SDGs by 2030 by resolving challenges and promoting international collaboration. Science diplomacy needs to be an integral part of Nepal’s foreign policy so that scientists and technologists can contribute to scientific evidence-based solutions to problems and promote the needed scientific collaboration and activities through their involvement. Therefore, Nepal must prioritise the ability to employ STI diplomacy for sustainable development by strengthening science diplomacy as an essential component of foreign policy.