Norway's cooperation with Nepal started as a people to people relationship, with active participation of non-governmental agencies and academia. It expanded into private joint venture cooperation in the field of hydropower.
Government-to-government development cooperation was established with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 1996. In accordance with Nepal’s own priorities, Norway has chosen to concentrate its assistance on basic and primary education, good governance, human rights and energy sector development (with focus on hydropower and electrification). A new MoU, that defines the overall framework and priorities for cooperation between the two countries, was also signed for the period 2009-2011.
Out of the total Official Development Assistance to Nepal, approximately 75% is channeled through the Embassy in Kathmandu. The remaining 25% is channeled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norad in Oslo and covers humanitarian support, peace and reconstruction, support through Norwegian NGOs, research and FK Norway.
Norway aims at assisting Nepal in reaching its objectives of sustaining peace, reducing poverty, and building an inclusive New Nepal based on democratic principles, human rights, and social and economic equity. The cooperation is based on shared dedication to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The main objectives pursuant to the current Government of Nepal development framework are: i) bringing the peace process to a logical conclusion, ii) drafting a new federal democratic republican constitution within two years as stipulated in the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA), and iii) reducing poverty by bringing about socio-economic transformation through sustainable economic growth and social equity.
Nepal’s commitment to peace and human rights, poverty reduction, sustainable resource management, democracy, social and economic equity, independence of the judiciary and good governance including the fight against corruption, is vital for achieving the above objectives, and is regarded as the foundation for the cooperation between our countries.
The identified key areas of cooperation are:
• Peace Building, Democracy and Inclusive Governance
The cooperation will contribute to building peace and democracy, both at local and national level, and also to the enhancement of constitutional processes, rule of law and human rights, with due emphasis on gender equality and youth and the inclusion of marginalised groups including indigenous peoples and sexual minorities.
• Education
The cooperation will contribute to efficient and effective implementation of the Nepal's School Sector Reform program, with special emphasis on gender, inclusion of disadvantaged groups and quality of service delivery.
• Energy
The cooperation within the energy sector will focus on the development of hydro power and rural electrification to contribute to economic growth. Emphasis will be placed on sustainable environmental management of resources.
Cross-cutting issues for all projects:
• Peace and human rights: All projects supported should be sensitive to the peace and democratization process. This includes focus on issues like benefiting deprived areas, social inclusion of marginalized groups, increasing the peace dividend for ordinary people and contributing to democratization.
• Environment: Environmental aspects should be considered in all projects supported.
• Gender and equality: Gender aspects should be a focus in all projects. Specific activities to increase women’s participation will be supported in selected projects. Women’s participation in the peace process will be given special attention.
• Anti-corruption: A sound system for corruption control is a priority. Special activities will be considered in selected projects.
For more information regarding the development cooperation between Norway and Nepal, please contact the Embassy, or the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).