The civil society organisations of Nepal have called on the UN Summit of the Future to deliver actionable plans with clear accountability, fair resource distribution, and stronger international commitments on peace, inclusion, climate justice, digital transformation, and youth empowerment. The summit is scheduled for September 22-23, ahead of the UN General Assembly.

At the Civil Society Conference held in Kathmandu on Tuesday, the organisations actively contributing to society mainly as non-governmental agencies, demanded clear and deliverable plans to address the burning issues of the time, a press release issued by the UN Information Centre said.

The conference, organised by UN Nepal, the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN), and the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN), brought together national and international groups, including those representing women, youth, and marginalised communities for discussions on how Nepal can contribute to the Summit and utilise the Pact of the Future to support national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Addressing the conference on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba emphasised the role of civil society in advancing Nepal’s peace process and implementing transitional justice laws. She called for enhanced policy reforms, transparent governance, and unified global efforts to address challenges and support LDC transitions.

Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative to Nepal, expressed his belief that the conference would prove to be a place to start the critical multistakeholder coalitions of member states, civil society and the UN to achieve inclusive sustainable development and lasting peace.

Taking part in the conference, Ram Prasad Subedi, chair of the NGO Federation of Nepal, highlighted the need to retain young talent and involve international NGOs in peace and justice discussions, advocating for investment in development rather than militarism. Likewise, SP Kalaunee, chair of the Association of International NGOs in Nepal expressed optimism that while LDC graduation would bring changes, sustained efforts would be necessary to address ongoing challenges.

The conference featured discussions on peace, inclusion, and digital transformation, and will influence Nepal’s position at the upcoming Summit of the Future, the statement said.