At a time when there is growing concern over the migration, government officials and Nepal’s development partners discussed various issues in the High Level Consultation on Migration for Development.

Organized by National Planning Commission and Kathmandu Migration Group, the half day high level consultation concluded adopting a Kathmandu Declaration. Inaugurated by Minster of State of Labor and Employment Tek Bahadur Gurung, Migration for Development, Labor, Agriculture Development and Climate Change Integrating Labor Migration in the sectoral policies discussed all the major issues involve in the migration.

Presenting Expert paper, former vice chair person of National Planning Commission Dr. Shanker  Sharma revealed that remittances is a major factor of Nepal’s current economic progress including the poverty reduction. “Any set back on remittances at present juncture would have negative impacts on the national economy.

Addressing the program, Jamie McGoldrick, UN Resident Representative, said that the migrant’s contribution will be important in the process of Nepal’s graduation. Opening the program, Jose Assalino, ILO Country Director, said that this program is important to know the overall state of migration in Nepal.

 Rensje Teerink, the ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Nepal, said that these kinds of consultation are very important. Member of National Planning Commission Dr. Bharendu Mishra said that the remittances need to bring change the livelihood at the grass root level.

Moderated by Gopi Mainali, joint secretary at the National Planning Commission, secretary of Ministry of Labor and Employment said his ministry is ready to work to improve the situation.

During the discussion program panelists including the joint secretaries  Ram Prasad Lamsal from Ministry of Science and Technology and Environment, Arjun Kanta Mainali, joint secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Buddhi Bahadur Khadka, Ministry Labor and Employment, Gopi Krishna Khanal, ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development and Dr. Rajendra Adhikari, Ministry of Agriculture and Development presented their papers.