The focal point of the event was the comprehensive presentation by Sujit Luintel, who offered a unique perspective on internships, providing valuable insights from the standpoint of a company’s HR department. Ritesh Ghimire, another key speaker, delved into the technical skills essential for prospective interns. Alok Malla addressed the audience on the crucial topic of labor rights, emphasizing their significance in the evolving landscape of internships. Pujan Timalsina, President of Mac IT Hub had a closing remarks in the event.

The collaborative efforts of UNICTS Nepal, Mac IT Hub, and Internship in Nepal – IIN, along with the support of the Tech Bloggers Forum Nepal, made this event a noteworthy success. The speakers’ expertise and the range of topics covered contributed to empowering ICT students with practical knowledge and a clearer understanding of the opportunities awaiting them in the professional realm.

His demands included addressing career development and pension issues faced by the organization’s employees and the implementation of agreements with trade unions and workers.
All four trade unions within Nepal Telecom, including NTEAN, NTCWU, NTEU, and NEONNT, expressed solidarity with his movement.

UNI Nepal Liaison Council and its 21 affiliate unions extended its solidarity with the hunger strike of Mr. Lamichhane.
After 27 hours, a consensus was reached between the four unions, management, and the board. Lamichhane ended his strike by drinking juice from the Secretary of the ministry of communication and the chairman of the Board Mr. Krishna Bahadur Raut by confirming resolution to the issues raised during the protest.

The agreement between the Nepal telecom board and the unions to end the hunger strike highlights the significance of trade unions not only within Nepal Telecom but also at other sectors as well. It also emphasizes on the organization’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious working environment in the company.

In his opening address, UNI NLC President Shankar Lamichhane highlighted the need for a united labor movement to achieve significant change. “We need to work together to ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and social security for all workers in Nepal,” he said.
Chief Guest, Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari, commended the UNI NLC for its contributions to the labor sector. He pledged the government’s support for initiatives that promote worker welfare.

Special guests Gerard Dwyer, UNI Global President; Akihiko Matsuura, UNI APRO President; and Rajendra Acharya, UNIAPRO Regional Secretary, also addressed the conference, expressing their commitment to supporting the UNI NLC and its members.

The conference adopted 24 motions and resolutions, as well as a new strategic plan, aimed at strengthening the organization and its activities. The conference also elected a new 15-member management committee and a presidium committee comprising presidents from all 21 affiliate unions.
The conference concluded with a call for all stakeholders to work together to achieve transformation in the labor sector. The participants expressed their commitment to working towards creating a more just and equitable society for all workers in Nepal

Executive Committee : UNI Nepal’s P&M Committee

President: Purna Bahadur Thapa
Vice President: Sita Rijal
Secretary: Abhash Adhikari
Joint Secretary: Suman Gautam
Treasurer: Sabita Ghimire
Members: Tanka Raj Pandey, Pramod Ghimire, Ankita Bagediya

UNI Nepal, representing over 150,000 workers across the nation, has consistently been at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights. The organization’s overarching goal is encapsulated in the slogan “Building Worker’s Power Globally,” emphasizing unity and empowerment within the global workforce.

First UNI Nepal P&M Conference:

The inaugural conference served as a platform for leaders, activists, and members of UNI Nepal to come together and formally announce the establishment of the P&M Committee. The conference showcased a commitment to addressing the specific needs of professional and managerial workers, recognizing the diversity within the workforce.

Key Highlights:

Inclusivity and Solidarity: The P&M Committee’s formation underscores UNI Nepal’s commitment to inclusivity and solidarity among workers. The conference highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by professional and managerial workers.

Collaborative Decision-Making: The newly appointed office bearers, led by President Purna Bahadur Thapa, expressed their dedication to collaborative decision-making within the committee. Emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives, the leaders aim to create a platform where the voices of professional and managerial workers are heard and valued.

Strategic Initiatives: The conference outlined strategic initiatives that the P&M Committee will undertake, including advocacy for fair labor practices, professional development opportunities, networking, collaboration, and policy advocacy.

Future Plans: UNI Nepal’s P&M Committee unveiled ambitious plans for the future, with a focus on actively engaging in legislative processes, contributing to policy development, and fostering a sense of community among professional and managerial workers.

Conclusion:

The first conference of the UNI Nepal P&M Committee was a momentous occasion, symbolizing a collective effort to champion the rights of professional and managerial workers in Nepal. As the committee takes its place within UNI Nepal, the organization reaffirms its commitment to building a more equitable and just world for workers, fostering global solidarity, and empowering every segment of the workforce.

The panel discussion brought together a diverse group of experts, activists, and professionals, all dedicated to addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) within the context of the care sector. This sector, encompassing healthcare, social work, and other caregiving professions, plays a crucial role in society but is unfortunately not immune to the challenges of GBV.

The discussions delved into the multifaceted aspects of creating a safer working environment, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of respect, equality, and zero tolerance for violence. Panelists shared insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals working in the care sector, including unequal power dynamics, harassment, and discrimination.

One of the key highlights of the event was the exploration of proactive measures and policies that could be implemented to mitigate GBV risks in the workplace. Participants emphasized the need for comprehensive training programs, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of clear reporting mechanisms to ensure the safety and well-being of all workers in the care sector.

Furthermore, the panelists highlighted the role of unions and global organizations in advocating for stronger legal frameworks and policies that specifically address GBV in the workplace. The importance of collaboration between unions, employers, and governmental bodies was underscored as a vital step towards creating lasting change.

The event served as a platform for sharing best practices and success stories from around the world, demonstrating that progress is possible when stakeholders come together to prioritize the safety of those working in the care sector. Participants left the discussion with a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality and combating GBV in all its forms.

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence continued, the panel discussion organized by UNIPHIN and UNI Global Union Nepal Liaison Council stood as a testament to the collective effort needed to create a safer, more equitable world of work for everyone involved in the vital care sector. The impact of such initiatives extends beyond the event itself, contributing to a broader global movement aimed at eradicating gender-based violence and fostering workplaces where everyone can thrive without fear.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness against gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality. The campaign began at Padmakanya Bidhyashram Secondary School, an all-girls school established in 1948, which can be claimed among the oldest in the region (if not the world) that is dedicated to promoting female education.

During the session, the focus was on defining gender-based violence, identifying its various forms, and understanding the impact of gender-based violence, abuse via social media, and cyberbullying. The following day, the campaign moved to Viswa Niketan Secondary School, a co-ed school. The discussion included the role of boys in minimizing gender disparity and violence. Students were also taught how to seek help in case they experience or witness abuse, discrimination, and violence.

While the campaign was well-received, students from Padmakanya expressed a desire for more discussion about third-gender people, as the initial focus was primarily on male and female violence and discrimination, considering their age. This feedback served as a valuable lesson for the committee for future endeavors.

Girls from class 7 to 10 in Padmakanya actively participated in the campaign, while students from class 9-10 took part in the Viswa Niketan School session. Alok Malla, UNI Nepal coordinator, along with UNI Nepal Women Committee President Bhagwati Khadka, Secretary Rojila Basnet, Organizer and former UNI Nepal Youth Vice President Pratima Bhatta, and UNI Nepal Youth Committee Member Abhash Adhikari served as resource persons for the campaign.

The UNI NLC Women Committee remains committed to continuing its awareness campaign at other schools in Kathmandu. The committee believes that education is key to preventing gender-based violence and that by raising awareness among young people, they can contribute to creating a more just and equitable society.

One of the major outcomes of this conference was the election of new leadership who will steer the organization’s direction for the 2023-2027 period. In an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm and hope, a 20-member youth committee was elected, with Mr. Birjit Rokaya chosen as the President of the Youth Committee. Simultaneously, a 21-member Women Committee was elected, with Mrs. Bhagwati Kumari Thapa leading the way. Their election signifies progress in the pursuit of gender equality and increased youth involvement in Nepal’s labor landscape.

Photos of Conference

The conference kicked off with Brother Rajendra Acharya, UNI APRO Regional Secretary, extending his warm congratulations to the newly elected Youth & Women Committees. In his opening remarks, he underscored the crucial role of UNI Youth in championing the rights of young workers not only in Nepal but also across the Asia Pacific Region. The issues they aim to tackle are diverse and impactful, including improving job opportunities, establishing workers’ rights and justice in the gig and precarious work sectors, addressing pressing concerns related to climate change, promoting equal opportunities, and dealing with mental health challenges. He stressed the importance of active and meaningful engagement of young people within their respective affiliate trade unions, which not only enhances the role of youth within the union but also enables the trade union to make valuable investments in organizing young people and women in the trade union movement. He expressed optimism that the affiliate unions would continue to prioritize the interests of youth and women in their actions and activities within Nepal.

During the conference, Sister Marta Ochoa, UNI Youth Director, Sister Anjali Badekar, UNI APRO Equal Opportunity Director, and Brother Jayasri Priyala, Director of Finance and the Professional and Managerial group UNI APRO, extended their warm greetings and support to the attendees.

The conference featured a series of thematic panel discussions. Sister Sita Lama from GeFONT shed light on issues related to “Advocating for Gender Equality in Trade Unions,” while Brother Leknath Pokharel, former Youth President of UNI Nepal, discussed “Youth Engagement for the Future of Trade Unions.” These discussions were a vital part of the event, offering insights into the pressing issues at hand and potential solutions.

Brother Shankar Lamichhane, the President of UNI-NLC, played a key role in guiding the conference. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing youth and women committees for their valuable contributions, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 crisis, in organizing and strengthening the trade union movement in Nepal. Sister Kamal Neupane gracefully handed over her role to Sister Bhagwati Kumari Khadka, and Brother Pratap, the outgoing Vice President, passed on the youth presidency to Brother Birjit Rokaya. This transition signifies a seamless continuation of the vital work undertaken by the organization.

The conference saw an impressive turnout, with over 120 delegates representing youth and women, all united in their commitment to a brighter future for the youth and women in Nepal’s labor force.

Introduction: The Social Dialogue event, under the theme “Fostering ICTS Sector for Sustainable Employment and Economic Growth in Nepal: Rising Together,” was inaugurated by Mr. Alok Malla, who expressed his aspiration for the event to catalyze the development of the ICT sector and contribute to the long-term progress of Nepal. The event commenced with Mr. Malla presiding over the proceedings.

Opening Address by Khusal Regmi: Mr. Khusal Regmi, the General Secretary of UNICTS, extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests and participants at the Social Dialogue event. He underscored the invaluable contributions of skilled IT freelancers to Nepal’s economy, highlighting that the nation had exported IT services worth 69 billion Nepali rupees. However, Mr. Regmi also highlighted a pressing challenge within the sector: the absence of social security for many freelancers, leading to a high turnover rate. These challenges were slated for discussion during the social dialogue, emphasizing the event’s overarching objective of fostering sustainable growth in Nepal.

Rajendra Acharya’s Address: Mr. Rajendra Acharya, the Regional Secretary of UNI APRO, delivered an impassioned address during the event. He acknowledged the global crisis and its adverse impact on the world economy, stressing the importance of dialogue to resolve these pressing issues. Mr. Acharya emphasized the collaborative nature of social dialogue, which brought together employers, government representatives, and trade unions. He emphasized the necessity of sector-specific dialogues and commended the efforts of Nepali trade unions in this regard. Mr. Acharya emphasized that pain existed across every sector, from business to government, and advocated for inclusivity to achieve sustainable development. He also highlighted the importance of dialogue with stakeholders to foster better development and emphasized the need for job creation in Nepal.

Rekha Sharma’s Insights: Ms. Rekha Sharma, the Minister of Information and Communications Technology Services (ICTS), addressed the attendees. She underscored the ever-evolving nature of the IT sector, emphasizing the crucial role it played in Nepal’s economic development. Ms. Sharma elucidated the government’s priorities, with a focus on IT production and employment, as well as the imperative for social justice. She articulated the significance of the conclusions drawn from the social dialogue, indicating that the government would consider and implement the suggestions put forth to enhance the ICTS sector further. Ms. Sharma also noted the government’s support for entrepreneurship and online initiatives and disclosed plans to augment employment opportunities, inviting suggestions from the participants.

Keynote Speaker – Manish Pokhrel: Dr. Manish Pokhrel, the Dean of the School of Engineering at Kathmandu University, delivered an enlightening keynote address, offering valuable insights into the development of the ICT sector.

Dialogue Session: The Dialogue Session, chaired by Mr. Krishna Bahadur Raut, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MoICT), revolved around the theme “Rising Together for the Development of the ICT Sector in Nepal.” This session featured presentations by Dr. Manish Pokharel and Dr. Biswash Gauchan, which provided an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the ICT sector.

Social Dialogue Session: The Social Dialogue Session was the heart of the event, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities within Nepal’s ICT sector. Here, participants engaged in robust discussions on several critical dimensions:

Government Representatives:

• Mr. Prem Sharan Shrestha, DG Department of IT (Government Representative): Mr. Shrestha elaborated on the government’s ICT policies, emphasizing regulatory measures and strategies to support the sector’s growth.
• Mr. Achyudananda Mishra, NTA (Government Representative): Mr. Mishra detailed the role of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in regulating and advancing telecommunications infrastructure and services within the ICT sector.

Employer Representatives:

• Mr. Ranjeet Kumar Poddar, President, CAN Federation (Employer Representative): Mr. Poddar discussed the challenges and prospects encountered by businesses operating within the ICT sector, underlining the private sector’s role in driving sectoral growth.
• Mr. Sudhir Parajuli, President ISPAN (Employer Representative): Mr. Parajuli provided insights into the pivotal role played by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in expanding internet accessibility and services, along with the associated challenges.
• Mr. Richan Shrestha, President, NAS IT (Employer Representative): Mr. Shrestha shared the experiences and perspectives of IT service providers, particularly in the domains of software development and IT services.
• Mr. Hitesh Karki, Chairman, Deerwalk Group Ltd (Employer Representative): Mr. Karki, as an entrepreneur, conveyed the experiences and challenges faced by ICT startups and businesses.

Experts:

• Dr. Biswash Gauchan, Executive Director, IIDS (Expert): Dr. Gauchan offered insights into the broader economic and societal ramifications of ICT sector development, presenting research findings and policy recommendations.
• Mr. Vivek Shamser Rana, Information Technology Enablement Professional (Expert): Mr. Rana delved into technological trends and innovations within the ICT sector, elucidating their potential impact on Nepal’s economy and employment landscape.
• Mr. Manohar Kumar Bhattarai, Chairperson, ICT4Development (Expert): Mr. Bhattarai emphasized the role of ICT in driving social and economic development, emphasizing the necessity of equitable technology access.
• Dr. Manish Pokharel, Dean, School of Engineering, Kathmandu University (Expert): Dr. Pokharel, as an academic expert, contributed insights into the educational facets of the ICT sector, including workforce development, research, and collaborative opportunities.

Representatives from Trade Unions:

• Mr. Ganesh KC, President, NTUC (Representative from Trade Union): Mr. KC represented the Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) and discussed the interests and concerns of ICT sector workers, with a focus on job security, labor rights, and social protections.
• Mr. Binod Shrestha, President, JTUCC/GFONT (Representative from Trade Union): Mr. Shrestha, representing the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC) and Global Federation of Nepali Trade Unions (GFONT), highlighted collective bargaining efforts and workers’ demands in the ICT sector.
• Shalik Ram Kaphle, ANTUF (Representative from Trade Union): Mr. Kaphle, representing the All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), discussed the role of trade unions in advocating for ICT sector employees’ welfare and rights.
• Mr. Shankar Lamichhane, President, UNICTS: Mr. Lamichhane, as the President of UNICTS, presented specific perspectives and concerns of ICT sector professionals and sought to address these issues through social dialogue.
• Mr. Tilak Jung Khadka, Organizing Coordinator – UNI APRO: Mr. Khadka, in his capacity as the Organizing Coordinator of UNI APRO, contributed to discussions on organizing and mobilizing ICT sector workers for collective action and advocacy.

Key Objectives of the Social Dialogue Session:

1. Identification of key challenges within the ICT sector in Nepal, encompassing aspects such as employment, social security, regulatory frameworks, and skills development.
2. Exploration of opportunities for sustainable growth and economic development within the ICT sector.
3. Promotion of collaboration and cooperation among government, employers, experts, and trade unions to identify common ground and devise actionable solutions.
4. Consideration of policy recommendations and initiatives to address the identified challenges and promote the development of the ICT sector.
5. Advancement of inclusivity and equity within the ICT sector, ensuring that the benefits of growth are accessible to a wide spectrum of society.

Highlights of the Social Dialogue Session: During the Social Dialogue Session, several critical issues were discussed:

• Employment and Social Security: Participants acknowledged the need for job creation within the ICT sector while addressing the challenges faced by freelance workers who lack social security, leading to high turnover rates. Strategies to provide social safety nets for freelancers were explored.
• Government Support: The government’s role in facilitating ICT sector growth through policies, incentives, and regulatory frameworks was a key point of discussion. Participants deliberated on the importance of continued government support for the sector.
• Education and Skill Development: Emphasis was placed on the role of education and skill development in preparing a workforce that aligns with the demands of the evolving ICT sector. Strategies for enhancing educational programs and bridging skill gaps were explored.
• Inclusivity and Equity: Stakeholders underscored the importance of inclusivity in sectoral growth, advocating for the active participation of marginalized groups, including women and people with disabilities, in the ICT workforce.
• Private Sector Engagement: The private sector’s commitment to investment, innovation, and job creation was acknowledged, with discussions centering on ways to foster a conducive environment for private sector participation.
• International Collaboration: The potential for international collaborations and partnerships to boost Nepal’s ICT sector was explored, particularly in terms of knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and export opportunities.

Conclusion: The Social Dialogue event, “Fostering ICTS Sector for Sustainable Employment and Economic Growth in Nepal: Rising Together,” provided a vibrant forum for extensive discussions among key stakeholders. It facilitated robust dialogues, the exchange of expertise, and the emergence of actionable policy recommendations. These outcomes collectively hold the potential to redefine Nepal’s dynamic and sustainable ICT sector, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole. The Social Dialogue Session, as a central pillar of the event, successfully united diverse perspectives in pursuit of a common vision for the sector’s growth and prosperity

Venue: Hotel Yellow Pagoda, Jamal, Nepal

The inaugural Social Dialogue event on “Safe and Dignified Health Sector: Working Together” marked a historic milestone in Nepal’s healthcare sector. This pioneering initiative brought together workers, employers, and government officials for an engaging and constructive discussion on pressing issues within the healthcare industry. The event aimed to foster collaboration, share insights, and identify actionable solutions.

Panel Discussions

The event featured three insight in a panel discussions, each addressing a crucial aspect of the healthcare sector:

1. Challenges in the Health Sector: Panelists discussed current challenges, including safety concerns, workforce issues, and policy considerations. Attendees gained valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges facing the sector.
2. Collaborative Solutions: This panel explored potential solutions and opportunities for collaboration among stakeholders. The discussion highlighted the importance of collective action and partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges.
3. Government’s Role and Commitment: Government representatives shared policies, support initiatives, and commitments to ensuring a safe and dignified healthcare sector. Participants appreciated the government’s dedication to improving healthcare conditions.

Key Discussions

Opening Remarks by Mr. Prithivi Thapaliya

The President of UNIPHIN, Mr. Prithivi Thapaliya, commenced the event by sharing the concept and purpose behind conducting this Social Dialogue. He emphasized that the healthcare sector has traditionally operated by pointing fingers, and through this Social Dialogue, UNIPHIN aimed to change that narrative. He stated, “Till now, the sector works on blaming together, and through this Social Dialogue, we want to work together to rise together in the healthcare sector of the country.”

Mr. Thapaliya raised several critical issues faced by healthcare workers followed by the issues of Nursing professionals by Mina Poudel and set the stage for focused discussions during the event. They stressed the importance of addressing these concerns collaboratively to bring positive change to the sector.

The panel discussions during the event focused on several key issues but the highlighted issues by Mr. Thapliyal and Ms. Paudel for the discussion were: 

1. No Work Without Contract: Ensuring that every healthcare worker has a formal contract in place is essential to protect their rights and provide job security. The discussion explored mechanisms to guarantee that no individual works without a valid employment contract.
2. Workers’ Regulations with Worker Representatives: Regulations governing healthcare workers should be developed in collaboration with representatives from the workforce. This inclusive approach helps create policies that are fair, equitable, and considerate of healthcare workers’ needs and concerns.
3. Zero Tolerance for Violence and Harassment: The healthcare sector should adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of violence or harassment at work. Creating a safe and respectful work environment is essential for both the well-being of healthcare workers and the quality of patient care.
4. Fulfilling Vacancies for School Health Nurses: Addressing the shortage of school health nurses is crucial for promoting the health and well-being of students. This discussion explored strategies to fulfill vacant positions and enhance school health services.
5. Health Worker-to-Patient Ratio: Ensuring that the healthcare system adheres to recommended worker-to-patient ratios, as per WHO guidelines, is vital for maintaining the quality of care and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals.

Panelists and Participants

The panelists in the program included:

• Chairman of the Program: UNIPHIN’s President, Dr. Prithivi Thapaliya 
• Chief Guest – Additional Secretary for Ministry of Health & Population of Nepal Dr Dipendra Raman Singh
• Guest of Honor: UNI Apro Regional Secretary, Rajendra Kumar Acharya
• Guest of Honor: UNI Nepal President , Shankar Lamichhane 
• Guest of Honor: Medical and Dental College Association President Dr. Gyanendra Karki 
• Guest of Honor: Association of Private Health Institution Nepal (APHIN) Advisor and Investor in Health sector Mr. Lok Bdr Tandan
• Guest of Honor: Nursing Professional Mina Paudel

The government representative expressed deep appreciation for the informative and eye-opening discussions during the event. He acknowledged that the event had shed light on critical gaps in the healthcare sector. He assured the participants that he had taken note of all key messages and issues discussed and committed to:

• He pledged to ensure the establishment of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) committees in all healthcare institutions, with rigorous monitoring.
• Briefing his ministry and other stakeholders on the insights gained.
• Inclusion of some of the discussed issues in the 16th Five-Year Plan to initiate concrete actions.

The President of the Medical and Dental College Association shared valuable insights from the academic and training perspective. He emphasized:

• To prevent staff turnover and the outmigration of healthcare professionals, it is imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate in enhancing salaries and benefits.
• The need for comprehensive training and empowerment of healthcare workers.
• The government’s responsibility to protect healthcare workers.
• His openness to collaborate with healthcare workers to understand their challenges and jointly find solutions.

The Advisor of APHIN shared his extensive experience in hospital management and addressed a critical issue—the adequacy of salaries for healthcare workers. He highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare institutions in balancing costs and revenues. Lok Bdr. Tandan also suggested:

• The adoption of health system insurance policies, similar to other countries, to benefit workers, patients, and investors.
• The importance of retaining youth in the country and exploring possibilities for their engagement.

UNI Apro Regional Secretary

The UNI Apro Regional Secretary shared the significance of regional perspectives on healthcare challenges. He underscored the importance of such social dialogues as a means for collective progress and collaboration among all stakeholders. He also emphasized on zero tolerance on violence and harassment at the world of work and advocated for ILO C 190 which is yet to ratify in Nepal.

The program was skillfully conducted by UNIPHIN’s Vice President, Mr. Dinesh Pokhrel. It commenced with a warm and welcoming speech delivered by Treasurer Pratima Bhatta, setting an engaging tone for the day’s proceedings. The panel discussion, a pivotal part of the event, was expertly moderated by UNI Nepal President, Mr. Shankar Lamichhane, guiding insightful discussions and interactions among the panelists and participants. As the program drew to a close, the audience was treated to thoughtful closing remarks by UNIPHIN’s Women Committee President, Ms. Rojila Karki, encapsulating the spirit of collaboration and commitment that defined the event.