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The fight for LGBTIQA+ rights has taken root globally. A number of countries have witnessed major public movements for marriage equality and legal recognition of the queer community. While same-sex marriage and homosexuality still remain illegal in many nations, there is increasing pressure on governments to acknowledge the issues faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals. 

Nepal has set itself apart in providing legal recognition to the community, thanks to progressive court rulings that have upheld the rights of queer individuals. While this has earned the country international recognition, the community still has a long way ahead of itself. As these challenges persist, new perspectives are emerging on how LGBTIQA+ rights are viewed. Queer rights are generally associated with human rights, but with increasing data on the economic impacts of LGBTIQA+ inclusion, there is a growing case for businesses to embrace inclusivity and reap the benefits it offers. 

Monetary gains

Corporations around the world have supported the cause for LGBTIQA+ rights (excluding countries where homosexuality is illegal). In the West, small businesses and multinational companies have embraced the rainbow and have emerged as important advocates for the community. The fight for justice and equality has driven corporations to join this movement and build pressure on their respective governments. But beyond the ideals of social justice, there are tangible economic benefits that businesses stand to gain from inclusive policies in the workplace. 

Research shows that LGBTIQA+ inclusive policies lead to enhanced productivity, higher innovation, and better financial performance of businesses. More inclusive firms report up to 35 percent higher profits compared to their non-inclusive counterparts. Inclusive workplaces also attract the top talents in the market given the increasing preference of workers for safer and diverse workplaces. 

Zooming out to a macro level, LGBTIQA+ inclusion delivers benefits across the economic landscape. Inclusive policies not only boost economic growth and productivity levels but also positively impact human development indicators. The resulting benefits on human capital outcomes drive profitability for firms, as they can take advantage of better labor market conditions and attract diverse talents. 

Performance gains

Besides monetary gains, firms also benefit in broader organizational metrics like employee engagement, motivation, and retention. When employees feel valued and respected, they are better able to deliver on their work. Feeling confident about one’s identity naturally increases the productivity and motivation levels of workers, allowing them to connect better with fellow colleagues. 

It is no surprise that an inclusive workplace attracts the best talent and witnesses lower turnover rates. Everyone prefers a workplace where they can bring their full selves to work and don’t have to worry about their looks, preferences, and backgrounds. Fostering an inclusive workplace also has the advantage of the reduced legal burden of dealing with complaints of discrimination and harassment. 

Research from McKinsey shows that companies embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are 21 percent more likely to outperform on profitability and face fewer legal issues related to discrimination. Hence, beyond the monetary gains that LGBTIQA+ inclusion offers, businesses stand to benefit from the wider impacts inclusive policies have on their organizational functioning.  

Opportunities for businesses

The global corporate world has actively embraced queer inclusivity but Nepali businesses are yet to show the same level of enthusiasm. Nepal has a relatively strong legal recognition of the queer community, which puts domestic businesses in an advantageous position to leverage the talents of queer workers and bring fresh perspectives to their organization. They have the opportunity of hiring queer folks and bringing vibrancy to their firms, while also significantly increasing their problem-solving and innovative capacity. All of these potential benefits are supported by solid research. LGBTIQA+ inclusion, and by extension, all forms of inclusion, will be the competitive advantage that organizations can bank on for their future success. 

Though Nepal’s corporate ecosystem is still in its infancy, the existing large businesses need to lead the way in prioritizing DEI and leveraging the benefits it offers. The banking industry can play an especially important role in this area given its impressive performance with female labor employment in the sector. Extending this achievement to other gender identities and sexual orientations can give the industry a further boost in its performance and profitability, not to mention the international recognition that will come with it. 

With the legal rights of the queer community increasingly being recognized in Nepal, large domestic firms can take the lead in writing the next chapter of LGBTIQA+ equality. Beyond serving their own interests, LGBTIQA+ inclusion can change the lives of thousands of Nepalis, while also significantly contributing to the country’s economic and social development. Inclusion in the workplace is a win-win situation—for firms, for employees, and for the country—and it’s time the stakeholders gave the issue its due attention.

To bridge the gap between academia and industry, Kathmandu University (KU) has established the Academia-Industry Cooperation (AICKU) under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa. Recognizing the immense potential of a synergistic partnership between academia and industry, Dr. Thapa envisioned AICKU to address shared challenges and meet the evolving needs of both sectors. KU firmly believes that fostering collaboration with industry is key to driving innovation and solving real-world problems. The university’s motto, “From Campus to Community,” reflects its commitment to tackling unemployment, reducing student outflow, and promoting knowledge and skill transfer. Currently, AICKU identifies potential industry partners and develops strategies for collaboration through partnerships.

AICKU operates with the vision to "bridge the gap between academia and industry, enhancing research and development, and contributing to economic growth and social impact." Its mission is "to create collaborations that promote skill development, knowledge transfer, and employment opportunities." AICKU follows the GRID model, which stands for Grants, Research, Industry, and Dissemination. By securing grants from government and private sectors, AICKU facilitates KU’s research projects, focusing on solving real-world problems through strategic partnerships. The results of these projects are shared through seminars, conferences, and workshops, opening new avenues for funding, innovation, and knowledge transfer to benefit all stakeholders.

AICKU’s initiatives go beyond research and knowledge transfer, focusing on creating direct pathways for student and graduate engagement with industry. This includes providing jobs, internships, collaborative workshops, research and development (R&D), promoting startups, and fostering international collaborations.

Jobs and internships

AICKU partners with private companies to offer paid internships and job placements, providing students with practical experience while meeting industry needs. KU’s Employment Promotion Program has already placed 30 recent graduates, with a target of offering opportunities to 80 graduates annually. A KU Employment Promotion Committee ensures adherence to employment guidelines, ensuring that top students receive job opportunities even in a challenging job market. This initiative not only benefits students but also enhances the overall societal progress by connecting academic knowledge with industry expertise.

Collaborative workshops

AICKU has been proactive in organizing collaborative workshops and events to bring together key stakeholders. The first Academia-Industry Meet 2023, held on December 29, brought leaders from academia, industry, and government together to discuss industrial development and economic progress in Nepal. Other successful events include the Academia-Industry Workshop in collaboration with Energize Nepal, held across all provinces to align R&D efforts with industry priorities. Additionally, the Brain Drain vs. Gain Symposium united experts to address the challenges of brain drain and youth retention, while Yuwa: A Talk Show inspired youth engagement through transformative discussions. A recent seminar titled Nepal-Japan Collaboration for Environmental Sustainability, Earthquake Resilience, and Youth Empowerment further showcased AICKU’s efforts to confront pressing challenges in collaboration with Japan's Tiger Mov, Inc.

Research and development

KU’s ultimate goal is to conduct groundbreaking research that leads to practical solutions, internships that shape future careers, and projects that bridge the gap between theory and application. AICKU serves as a common platform for KU’s schools, departments, and industries to collaborate on research and academic activities. Current initiatives include the Mental Health Research Centre, Hematology and Oncology Research Centre, and Multi-Disciplinary Diabetic Research Centre, all of which are contributing to advancements in health technology and medical research. These efforts highlight the potential for academia and industry collaboration to foster national development.

Startups and entrepreneurship promotion

KU’s Business Incubation Centre (KUBIC) has already supported over 20 companies producing innovative, community-focused products. KUBIC has also trained more than 179 individuals and supported 22 researchers. This initiative is part of KU’s broader strategy to promote startups and entrepreneurship, further strengthening academia-industry ties.

International collaboration

In addition to national partnerships, AICKU has established international collaborations. Notable partnerships include those with ASHA NPO Japan to develop a digital medical records app for Nepal’s healthcare system, and with Colorbath NPO Japan to work on energy sector projects. AICKU also facilitated a partnership between KU and Thrangu Vajrayana Buddhist Center in Hong Kong, resulting in the construction of the Thrangu Rinpoche Academia Industry Block at KU, a testament to both institutions’ commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for academia and industry.

Kathmandu University’s efforts to foster academia-industry collaboration represent a significant milestone in Nepal’s educational and industrial landscape. Through robust partnerships, student opportunities, and research aligned with industry needs, KU is paving the way for a brighter future. As these collaborations continue to flourish, they promise to not only enhance individual success but also drive societal and economic progress, contributing to nation-building and sustainable development. AICKU stands as a beacon of KU’s commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, with the vision of creating a self-sufficient nation where education and industry work hand in hand to achieve lasting impact.

The ruling CPN-UML, which has decided to contest the next election independently, has unveiled a roadmap aimed at solidifying its position as a dominant political force. Following the 2022 national elections, where the party emerged as the second-largest political force, it launched the “Mission 2084” campaign, focused on strengthening the party for the next national elections that will take place in 2027. Even after returning to power in July, the party has maintained its focus on internal organization and strategic planning.

Senior UML leaders identify two primary challenges ahead: the potential alliance between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN (Maoist Center) and the rise of new political parties and independent leaders. Additionally, they note that youth, once a core constituency, are increasingly shifting their support to emerging political forces. In response, the UML leadership has directed all party committees to develop policies and programs aligned with Mission 2084, with a particular emphasis on reactivating all party structures to attract younger voters. As part of this initiative, the party has decided to organize a youth summit to introduce its policies and programs to the next generation.

The UML is also pursuing a strategy to attract cadres and leaders from the CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Maoist Center, while deprioritizing unification with smaller communist parties. The party’s emphasis is on strengthening its ranks by drawing in members from rival groups rather than forming alliances. To mobilize youth effectively, UML will utilize its party structures and organize more initiatives like the youth summit to re-engage the younger demographic. Like other parties, the UML faces internal disputes in several districts, and to address this, it has formed a special panel to resolve conflicts and minimize divisions within the party. During the 2022 elections, internal disputes contributed to losses in several constituencies—a situation the party is determined to avoid in the upcoming elections.

Since becoming party chairperson in 2014, KP Sharma Oli has largely succeeded in preventing the rise of powerful factions within the UML. His key rival, Madhav Kumar Nepal, left the party in 2021 to form a separate group, and Bhim Rawal, who was once a vocal critic of the party’s leadership and contested for the post of party chairperson, has now been stripped of major responsibilities within the UML. Despite these internal challenges, the UML remains committed to improving government and parliamentary performance. Two months into the Oli-led government, however, criticism has already surfaced regarding its effectiveness. To counter this, the party has decided to leverage social media more actively, recognizing that younger parties are capitalizing on its growing influence, while the UML still relies heavily on traditional publicity methods.

Under an agreement with the Nepali Congress (NC), Prime Minister Oli is set to hand over leadership to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba. Once the transition occurs, UML leaders plan to fully concentrate on the 2027 elections. According to them, the NC and UML have agreed not to form an electoral alliance with the Maoist Center, although concerns remain that the NC could align with the Maoists ahead of the polls. UML leaders are confident, however, that if the three major parties—NC, UML, and the Maoist Center—compete separately, UML is poised to emerge as the largest party, owing to its robust organizational structure.

Speaking at a recent public event, Oli expressed optimism that the UML could secure a majority in the 2027 elections, noting that the Maoist Center has been steadily losing voter support and may struggle to maintain its status as a national party. The key competition, he said, is between the NC and UML, with all three communist factions—UML, CPN (Unified Socialist), and the Maoist Center—sharing a similar voter base.

Moreover, the rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in the 2022 elections has posed a significant threat to both the UML and NC. Many voters from both parties supported RSP candidates as a protest against their respective leaderships. This trend is a growing concern for the established parties, as they seek to curb the rise of new political forces like the RSP and independent figures such as Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, who have captured the youth vote. The emergence of new political parties signals a gradual decline in support for traditional parties, even though they remain the largest in terms of overall representation. Now, all political parties are working to revamp their organizations, with the 2027 elections in sight.

Urbanization in Nepal has accelerated in recent years. The number of municipalities increased dramatically from 58 in fiscal year 2013/14 to 293 by 2017/18. Consequently, the population residing in municipalities surged from 17 percent to 66 percent. This sharp rise in urban areas is largely a result of reclassifying rural areas as urban, based mainly on population criteria. However, a significant concern remains the rapid migration from rural regions to Kathmandu Valley, turning it into an overcrowded city.

Urbanization is driven by both economic and non-economic factors. In rural areas, subsistence agriculture often fails to meet basic needs, pushing people to cities in search of better jobs and higher wages. The decline of rural industries, which once provided employment for many, has also led to increased rural unemployment and poverty, prompting migration to urban centers. Additionally, social factors such as caste-based discrimination, exploitation, and social inequality motivate rural residents to seek better opportunities in urban areas. Natural disasters like floods, landslides, and droughts, which destroy property and livelihoods, further compel people to relocate. Beyond escaping rural hardships, people move to cities for access to better education, healthcare, and modern amenities.

Benefits of urbanization

While urbanization has contributed to overcrowding in Kathmandu Valley, some economists, such as Arthur Lewis and T.W. Schultz, argue that it has positive effects on agricultural development. Growing urban incomes boost demand for agricultural products like milk and vegetables, which in turn stimulates agricultural production and rural incomes. Urbanization also increases the availability of capital, which can be used for farm expansion and modernization. Rural migrants working in cities often send remittances back home, further supporting rural economies and promoting capital formation.

Urbanization also brings opportunities for education and exposure to new ideas, expanding the horizons of rural people and making them more open to change. Returning migrants, having experienced urban life, can introduce innovations such as new crops and farming techniques in their home villages.

However, the nature of rural challenges has shifted. With much of the younger population migrating to cities, rural areas are increasingly populated by the elderly and disabled. As a result, once-valuable agricultural land is left barren, and rural marketplaces are often deserted except for occasional festivals like Dashain.

Costs of urbanization

On the other hand, some economists argue that urbanization can have negative consequences for both urban and rural economies. As urban populations grow, competition for limited jobs intensifies, contributing to urban poverty and unemployment. Social problems such as crime, prostitution, pollution, and inadequate housing also increase in overcrowded cities like Kathmandu. The rise in theft, robbery, and other crimes in the valley underscores these concerns.

Urbanization also strains public services such as housing, safe drinking water, sewerage systems, electricity, and transportation. Kathmandu’s growing water and sewage issues are clear examples. Due to budget constraints, the government struggles to keep up with the demand for improved public services. Additionally, urbanization can reduce agricultural output as rural labor declines, a significant issue for a country like Nepal that increasingly relies on imported food grains.

Strategies to slow urbanization

Unlike earlier views that saw urbanization as beneficial, many now consider it a contributing factor to urban underemployment and a symptom of underdevelopment. To curb excessive urbanization, it is essential to strike a balance between rural and urban economic opportunities by reducing the focus on urban areas.

Rural development initiatives that boost incomes and create jobs can help reduce migration to cities. As rural areas become more attractive, people are less likely to leave. Therefore, comprehensive rural development programs aimed at increasing production and improving quality of life offer a sustainable solution to excessive rural-urban migration.

Since agriculture remains the backbone of Nepal’s economy, modernizing agriculture is an effective strategy to generate employment and raise rural incomes. To retain young people in rural areas, farming must be made an attractive and viable career option. Agricultural modernization—encompassing diversification and commercialization—can increase incomes and act as an incentive for young people to stay in their villages.

Another key strategy is to promote rapid industrialization, focusing on both large- and small-scale industries. In a labor-abundant country like Nepal, developing agro-based industries and rural enterprises should be a priority. These industries not only strengthen the agricultural sector but also create jobs. However, it is crucial to adapt traditional skills and products to meet changing market demands. If young people have access to better income opportunities and higher social status in rural areas, they will be less inclined to migrate to cities.