The opposition Nepali Congress has criticised the government for co-hosting a conference—the Asia Pacific Summit 2018—being organised by a controversial international non-government organisation.

The South Korea-based Universal Peace Federation’s Nepal chapter is organising a four-day event whose co-organisers are the Government of Nepal and the federal

parliament. Organising a news conference here on Saturday, the NC said it was against the spirit of the constitution for the government to co-host the controversial programme of the organisation promoting a particular religion—Christianity.

Stating that Nepal’s constitution has embraced secularism, NC Spokesperson Bishwa Prakash Sharma said, “The government decision to co-host an event that preaches a certain religion violates the spirit of the constitution.”

According to the organisers, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), the principal organiser of the summit, holds a general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Other major partners and supporters of the summit include the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties. Its invitational committee is led by former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. The summit, according to the organisers, will focus on climate change, conflict resolution, peace and development, as well as strengthening marriage and family, with focus on supporting the UN’s  Sustainable Development Goals.

Asked about the involvement of the federal parliament, Spokesperson Rojnath Pande argued that the function was organised by a group led by former lawmaker Eknath Dhakal. “Since its delegates are coming from different countries of the Asia Pacific, the Foreign Ministry has made necessary arrangements for receiving them,” said Pande.