The government of Nepal and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) convened the annual meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027 in Kathmandu on Thursday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Shiva Raj Adhikari, vice-chair of the National Planning Commission, and Hanaa Singer Hamdy, UN resident coordinator for Nepal.

“As Nepal moves closer to its historic graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the discussions highlighted the role of the UNSDCF in supporting the Government’s Smooth Transition Strategy and in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” a press statement issued by the UN Information Centre in Kathmandu said.

The meeting reflected on the progress achieved in 2024, according to the UN.

“These results demonstrate the breadth of joint efforts across health, livelihoods, climate resilience and governance, showing how the cooperation framework is delivering concrete benefits for people across Nepal,” it said. “During this period, a nationwide measles-rubella campaign immunised 6.3 million children, enabling Nepal to eliminate rubella, while expanding access to health care, education, safe water and protection services.”

The UN system concluded that together, the government and the UN also advanced inclusive growth, created more livelihood opportunities, strengthened social protection, and supported recovery and resilience in communities affected by disasters. “Ambitious climate commitments, ecosystem restoration, and expanded civic participation further reinforced Nepal’s path toward irreversible LDC graduation and accelerated SDG progress,” it said.

Hanaa Singer Hamdy, the UN resident coordinator in Nepal said that as Nepal prepares for its historic graduation from LDC status, the cooperation framework serves as the roadmap to make that graduation irreversible, resilient, and inclusive. “Together with government leadership, development partners, and communities, we are advancing systemic change, creating jobs, strengthening social protection, tackling climate risks, and harnessing digital transformation.”

The Co-chair of the Joint Steering Committee and NPC Vice-chair Adhikari appreciated the UNCT for their partnership and emphasised the importance of national ownership in advancing global commitment, strengthening data and enhancing institutional capacity through technical assistance.