Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari will leave for China on Thursday to attend the Global Governance Forum 2026, her first foreign visit since her recent nomination as a senior leader of the CPN-UML.

According to sources close to Bhandari, she is travelling at the invitation of the Chinese government to attend the forum in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei province.

Scheduled for October 23-25, the forum is expected to feature an address by Bhandari as a distinguished guest.

Kailash Bhandari, a relative of the former president, will accompany her, said Rajkumar Rai, an aide to Bhandari.

According to the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, which is organising the event, the forum will bring together political, diplomatic, academic, business, media and youth leaders from around the world. Participants from about 100 countries, including those in the Global South, Europe and the United States, have confirmed their attendance.

The discussions will focus on international cooperation amid a changing world order and reforms to the global governance system. Topics will include the governance of artificial intelligence, cyberspace and outer space, the safe use of AI, and ways to ensure that countries share the benefits of scientific and technological advances.

The forum will also cover dialogue among civilisations, cultural diversity, human rights, humanitarian assistance and the role of civil society.

Participants are scheduled to visit Xiong’an New Area, a major Chinese development project being built as a future city.

Bhandari has maintained ties with Chinese leaders during and since her presidency.