Nepal Foreign Ministry Launches Monthly MoFA Knowledge Forum to Strengthen Research-Based Foreign Policy

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the MoFA Knowledge Forum, a new monthly platform aimed at bringing researchers, academics, think tanks and subject experts directly into discussions on the country’s foreign policy and long-term diplomatic direction.

The forum was launched at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday under the leadership of Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. According to the ministry, the initiative is designed to strengthen interaction between policymakers and researchers and encourage the use of evidence-based research in foreign policy discussions.

The ministry plans to organise the forum once every month, creating a regular platform where experts can present research and exchange views directly with the foreign minister, senior officials and officers involved in policy planning.

Three Experts Present Research At First Forum

Three experts presented papers during the inaugural session, covering different areas related to Nepal’s diplomacy and international engagement.

Shaguni Singh Shakya presented a paper on promoting diplomacy through gift exchanges, while Aawas Piya presented research related to development assistance. Dr Santosh Sharma Poudel presented a paper focusing on Nepal’s diplomacy.

Following the presentations, Foreign Minister Khanal, senior ministry officials and other officers discussed the findings and shared their views on the issues raised by the researchers.

The forum is expected to allow ministry officials to go beyond simply reading published reports by giving them an opportunity to communicate directly with researchers, question their findings and better understand the recommendations presented in their studies.

Research To Support Better Policy Decisions

Foreign Minister Khanal highlighted the importance of research and knowledge in shaping government policy.

He said research contributes to greater knowledge and that such knowledge can help authorities formulate better policies. He also stressed the need for Nepal to think about where it wants to position itself diplomatically over the next five to ten years and what steps will be required to reach those goals.

Regular discussions with researchers and subject experts, according to the ministry, could help officials better understand emerging international developments while considering Nepal’s long-term foreign policy priorities.

The initiative also seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and government decision-making by creating direct communication between those producing research and those responsible for formulating and implementing policy.

Evidence-Based Research To Become Regular Part Of Discussions

Another major objective of the MoFA Knowledge Forum is to make evidence-based research a regular part of the ministry’s policy discussions and planning process.

Foreign policy decisions can involve a wide range of issues, including relations with neighbouring countries, development cooperation, economic diplomacy, multilateral engagement and Nepal’s response to changing regional and global developments.

By consulting researchers and experts on a regular basis, the ministry hopes to obtain additional analysis that can support officials while reviewing existing policies or preparing future diplomatic strategies.

The ministry also plans to maintain organised records of the discussions held through the forum.

Research findings, expert recommendations and exchanges between officials and researchers are expected to be documented so they can be referred to later when the ministry works on policies concerning different countries, international partners and diplomatic issues.

Forum To Be Held Every Month

Joint Secretary Kaushal Kishor Rai, head of the ministry’s Policy, Planning and Research Division, said the MoFA Knowledge Forum will be organised every month.

The regular sessions are expected to bring different researchers and specialists into the ministry depending on the issues being discussed.

Through the initiative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to build a stronger connection between research and diplomacy while encouraging long-term thinking about Nepal’s international position.

The forum could also provide universities, academics and policy institutions with a more direct channel to contribute research and expert perspectives to national foreign policy discussions.

With the ministry looking at Nepal’s diplomatic direction for the next five to ten years, the MoFA Knowledge Forum is expected to serve as a continuing platform for research-based discussion, expert engagement and future policy planning.