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Dr Sunoor Verma is a Global Development Strategist and Leadership Communication Expert. In this interview to News Agency Nepal taken after Dr Verma’s participation in the Kigali Global Dialogue, he explores developmental experiences of Rwanda and their applicability to countries such as Nepal. Excerpts:

You were recently invited to speak at the Kigali Global Dialogue. Please explain your personal experience and impressions of participating in this unique event in Rwanda.

The Kigali Global Dialogue is a truly unique platform for debate that is convened by two highly credible organizations, the Observer Research Foundation, India and the Rwanda Governance Board, and it brings together a diverse range of voices from developing countries. This dialogue is known for ensuring a significant presence of women speakers, which is not always the case at international events.

Another thing that makes the Kigali Global Dialogue special is that it’s held in Rwanda, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. It’s an inspiring place to be, giving us a glimpse of what’s possible for developing countries.

The topics discussed at the Kigali Global Dialogue are also very bold. They don’t shy away from complex issues; participants can express their views without worrying about pleasing donors or funding sources. This makes for a candid exchange of ideas essential for developing countries.

The Kigali Global Dialogue is an invaluable platform for developing countries to come together, discuss critical issues, and learn from each other’s experiences. I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in this year’s event, and I look forward to returning.

Can you share some insights that you gained from your participation in the dialogue?

One of the most significant insights I gained from the dialogue was the continued relevance of dialogue between developing countries. Too often, the conversation about development is dominated by developed countries, who may not always understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing developing countries. 

The Kigali Global Dialogue was a refreshing change of pace, as it was a platform for developing countries to come together and share their experiences. This was incredibly valuable; we could learn from each other and build relationships. Another insight I gained was the importance of regional alliances and issue-based alliances. In today’s world, it is no longer enough to simply focus on national development. We need to work with our neighbors and countries facing similar challenges. This is the only way to achieve sustainable development. 

The Kigali Global Dialogue was a wake-up call for many. It is a sobering reminder that developing countries have the power to shape their destiny. We must continue coming together, sharing our experiences, and building alliances. Together, we can create a better future for all as long as there are credible hosts, such as the Observer Research Foundation and the Rwanda Governance Board, whose intentions are trusted.

What do you believe are the key factors that enabled Rwanda’s transition and how can other countries with a similar situation, similar socio-economic problems can learn from Rwanda’s experience?

Rwanda’s transition from a country torn by violence and ethnicity to embracing unity is remarkable. It is a story of how a country can overcome a complicated past and build a brighter future. Many factors have contributed to Rwanda's success, but the most important ones are leadership, Reconciliation and gender equality.

Leadership is essential for any country that wants to achieve its goals. President Paul Kagame has understood the importance of Reconciliation in Rwanda and has taken steps to promote it. He has also committed to gender equality, and women now play a leading role in all aspects of Rwandan society.

Reconciliation is another essential ingredient for peace and unity. Rwanda has taken several steps to promote Reconciliation, including creating a system of local courts and local bodies to help people reconcile with each other. The country has also integrated the issue of Reconciliation into its school curriculums.

Gender equality is also essential for peace and unity. When women are empowered, they are more likely to be involved in decision-making and promote peace. Rwanda has made significant progress in gender equality; women now comprise more than half of the parliament.

Reconciliation is a difficult process, but it is critical in countries that have suffered genocide or other mass tragedies. It is the only way to fully move past the past and create a better future for everyone. Reconciliation does not imply ignoring the past. It is about remembering the past in order to create a better future. It is about acknowledging the grief and suffering inflicted and working together to find a way forward. It is a matter of forgiveness, not forgetting. It is about justice, but not about vengeance. It is a process of healing, not forgetting.

Rwanda has focused a lot on agricultural development to progress since the genocide. Nepal is also an agro-based country, so what methods used by the people of Rwanda can be applicable for Nepal to develop agriculturally?

Rwanda is a remarkable example of a country that has transformed itself from a low-income, post-conflict country to a high-performing economy in just two decades. One of the key drivers of this transformation has been Rwanda's focus on agricultural development.

Rwanda has invested heavily in agriculture, both in terms of infrastructure and technology. The country has built a network of irrigation canals and dams and introduced new technologies such as drip irrigation and solar-powered pumps. This has helped to increase agricultural productivity and reduce vulnerability to drought. Rwanda has also invested in agricultural research and development. The country has established several agricultural research centers and partnered with international organizations such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to develop new varieties of crops resistant to pests and diseases.

In addition to infrastructure and technology, Rwanda has also focused on good governance and gender equity in agriculture. The government has put in place many policies to promote women’s participation in agriculture and has also made efforts to reduce corruption in the agricultural sector.

As a result of these investments, Rwanda has achieved significant progress in agricultural development. The country's agricultural output has doubled in the past two decades, and poverty has been reduced by half.

Nepal can learn a great deal from Rwanda's experience in agricultural development. Nepal is also agro-based, facing many of the same challenges as Rwanda. However, Nepal has the potential to achieve similar results if it invests in infrastructure, technology, good governance, and gender equity in agriculture. I am confident that Nepal can follow in Rwanda's footsteps and transform into a high-performing economy. It is only a matter of commitment and determination.

What aspects of Rwanda’s governance leadership and policies can benefit countries like Nepal facing similar political changes?

I have been impressed by Rwanda's progress in recent years, and I believe that the country has much to offer other developing countries facing similar political changes.

One of the most striking things about Rwanda is its political vision. The government has a clear and long-term plan for the country and has been able to implement this plan effectively. This is in contrast to many other developing countries, which often have frequent changes of government and lack a clear vision for the future.

Another critical aspect of Rwanda’s governance is its political stewardship. The government has channeled international support and technical assistance in a way that has benefited the country as a whole. This contrasts with many other developing countries, where international aid is often fragmented and does not reach the people who need it most.

Finally, Rwanda has made significant progress in gender equality. This contrasts with many other developing countries, where women, including Nepal, are still underrepresented in decision-making roles.

I believe these three aspects of Rwanda’s governance can benefit other developing countries facing similar political changes. If these countries can create a clear vision for the future, channel international support effectively, and promote gender equality, they can achieve significant progress in their development.

I am particularly passionate about the issue of gender equality. I believe that when women are empowered, they can make a real difference in the development of their countries. Rwanda is an excellent example of a country that has benefited from gender equality. I hope other developing countries will follow Rwanda’s example and allow women to lead their societies.

As you said before, Rwanda has garnered a lot of tourist attention. What can Neal learn from Rwanda for tourism development?

Nepal is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, but it has not been as successful as Rwanda in attracting tourists. If we analyze how Rwanda has achieved this feat of attracting high-value, high, spending tourists, we will find that the answers lie in good governance, branding, and infrastructure. Rwanda has a reputation for being a well-governed country with low levels of corruption. This is important for tourism, as tourists want to feel safe and secure when they travel. Lesson number one- Corruption deters high-spending tourists from visiting a country. 

Likewise, Rwanda has done an outstanding job branding itself as a tourist destination. The country is known for its gorillas, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. Rwanda has invested heavily in infrastructure, such as roads, airports, and hotels. This makes it easy for tourists to get around the country and enjoy their visit. 

In addition to these three areas, Nepal can also improve its tourism sector by addressing  gender equality, focusing on tourism education and promoting sustainable tourism. I believe that Nepal has the potential to become a significant tourist destination. However, it needs to address its challenges to realize its full potential.

Most of us would like to join a gym but with a gazillion things to do, we just don’t seem to have the time. So we make do with home workouts. After all, YouTube has made exercising accessible and easy. There are even quick 10-minute workouts that you can do when you are in a rush. But joining a gym has its perks. You are more likely to be consistent with your workouts and reach your fitness goals when someone is guiding you. 

Prashant Maharjan, who runs Evergreen Fitness in Lalitpur, is a qualified personal trainer with eight years of experience in helping people achieve their fitness goals. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Maharjan who believes going to the gym is always a good idea if you want to become healthy and fit. 

What are the benefits of working out at a gym compared to exercising at home?

Home workouts and gym workouts serve different purposes. Home workouts typically focus on flexibility, whereas working out at a gym involves weight training, cardio, and muscle toning. It’s multi-faceted. It’s also always a good idea to work out with a professional guiding you so that you don’t make mistakes that can result in injuries. 

Gyms are equipped with trainers who can help you figure out what works for you as well as keep you motivated. Having a trainer by your side will ensure that your approach, form, and technique are correct. Additionally, trainers will also be able to give you information about your lifestyle and diet so that you can make better choices outside the gym as well. 

Why is form and technique important while exercising?

Every piece of equipment has a specific purpose and if it’s not used properly, it can lead to injuries. A good understanding of form can help avoid strains and injuries. You have to make sure your posture is right as that prevents unwanted twisting of muscles. Also, proper usage of exercise equipment can result in enhanced physical strength and help people reach their fitness goals. Good form and technique are crucial for a pain-free exercise session. 

How do you make sure your exercise session is safe? 

It’s vital to warm up before starting an intense workout. Make sure you don’t push yourself too much, only do as much as your body allows. I would also recommend drinking enough water 30 minutes before working out and then taking little sips in between to avoid dehydration and fatigue. At the gym, don’t try to copy other people. Figure out what works for you. Asking the trainer for help is always a good idea. 

What’s the right way to increase muscle mass and lose weight?

Eighty percent of muscle gain depends on your diet. Only 20 percent of it is exercise-related. You want to focus on a nutrient-dense diet with enough lean protein. Chickpea can be a great substitute for protein powder in your diet, given that it’s more cost-effective. Bananas are regarded as the fruit of paradise because they help in muscle growth and weight gain. You might want to use weights and resistance equipment in addition to doing exercises like squats and weightlifting. To lose weight, you must cut down your calorie and carb intake. Exercises that increase cardiovascular activity, such as running, cycling, aerobics, and high-intensity interval training can help burn calories while preserving muscle mass.

What are some common fitness myths?

The most common fitness myth is diet-related. People believe they have to eat less to lose weight. It’s not about how much you eat but what you eat. Your diet should be rich in the right kind of nutrients depending on your fitness goals. Then, people tend to believe that taking a break from exercising can lead to weight gain but that’s not true at all. It’s important to have rest days to allow your body to recover. 

Talking about rest days, how can you achieve the right balance between training and recovery? 

Recovery typically takes 48 hours, which is why four to five days of working out is enough for everybody. When you workout, you create microscopic tears in your muscles and rest days are important for your muscles to heal and grow back stronger. During rest days, your body gets the chance to remove the excess lactate from the muscles and that can help relieve muscle pain and soreness. Rest days are also important because overexercising can tire your mind along with your body. I’d also advise people to get at least eight hours of sleep to achieve mind-body harmony. 

How important is goal-setting in fitness and how can you be realistic about it?

Goal-setting is important as it helps you understand what you want to achieve. Take pictures and videos before and after your workout sessions, say every week or so, to monitor your progress. To monitor muscle mass and fat reduction, use a measuring tape. These days, it’s possible to measure calories burnt and pulse rate using wearable devices. One thing you shouldn’t do is weigh or measure yourself every day. Have fixed days for it. Be consistent with your routine and don’t be too hard on yourself if and when you miss a few sessions.

The collaboration between Fonepay and India’s NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) heralds an exciting era in cross-border digital payments, promising to empower millions of citizens in both Nepal and India with secure and convenient payment solutions. Through a certified mobile application developed by Fonepay and backed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), consumers and businesses will be able to effortlessly make instant payments using QR codes at various retail outlets. Evana Manandhar of ApEx spoke with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fonepay, Diwas Sapkota, about this partnership. Excerpts. 

Could you give a brief description of the latest cross-border payment partnership between Fonepay and NPCI? Why did Fonepay decide to seek this collaboration?

The collaboration between NPCI and Fonepay for cross-border payments between India and Nepal, leveraging mobile banking and QR code technology, has the potential to revolutionize the way people transact when traveling between these two countries. This partnership promises a host of advantages for both customers and merchants, making cross-border payments more accessible, convenient, and secure.

Fonepay’s decision to seek collaboration with NPCI stemmed from a combination of strategic, market-driven, and customer-centric considerations. By entering into this partnership, Fonepay is strategically looking to expand its footprint and diversify its service offerings. This expansion into cross-border payments enables Fonepay to tap into the substantial flow of transactions between the two neighboring countries, driven by factors like tourism, trade, and remittances.

Moreover, in a competitive fintech landscape, staying relevant and ahead of the curve is crucial. Collaborating with NPCI, a renowned financial infrastructure provider, can give Fonepay a competitive edge by offering unique and innovative cross-border payment solutions. This move could position Fonepay as a frontrunner in the mobile banking and payment sector by meeting the evolving demands and expectations of its customer base.

What are the main benefits of cross-border payment facility for customers in Nepal and India?

The introduction of a cross-border payment facility between India and Nepal holds paramount significance in alignment with the national priorities of both countries. For nations prioritizing economic growth and stronger bilateral ties, this initiative represents a strategic move. By facilitating easier, faster, and cost-effective cross-border transactions, it paves the way for increased trade, investments, and business collaborations, ultimately bolstering economic development on both sides of the border. 

Additionally, the shift towards digital payments not only enhances financial security, but also simplifies transactions compared to traditional methods involving physical cash or international debit/credit cards. Customers can sidestep the risks associated with cash handling and the high foreign transaction fees often levied by banks for card usage abroad. This transition to digital payments not only streamlines the transaction process but also contributes to a more secure and convenient financial landscape for individuals and businesses in India and Nepal, further emphasizing the transformative potential of this cross-border payment innovation.

Can you provide any specific information regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)’s goals that apply to this cross-border payment project?

The successful launch of QR payments represents a significant milestone in the collaborative cross-border payment project between Fonepay and NPCI, benefiting customers traveling between India and Nepal. This achievement reflects a commitment to modernizing and simplifying cross-border transactions by providing a user-friendly QR code payment system

Building upon this success, the forthcoming goals of implementing P2P (Peer-to-Peer) payments and incorporating Rupee card payments demonstrate a holistic approach to enhancing the cross-border payment ecosystem. P2P payments will empower individuals to transfer funds easily across borders, addressing personal financial needs such as remittances. The inclusion of Rupee card payments, leveraging India's domestic card payment network, will offer an additional payment avenue, expanding the choices available to users.

When can customers anticipate this cross-border payment service to be fully operational and accessible? Could you give an estimate or target time frame?

The launch of a cross-border payment service is a multi-step process that demands careful coordination and collaboration with banking partners. Initially, the service provider, in this case, Fonepay, must establish partnerships with various banks, both within its home country and the target country (India, in this instance). These banks are essential for facilitating the cross-border flow of funds. While this process unfolds, the service can be rolled out with a limited number of partner banks, enabling customers to engage in one-way transactions, such as sending money from one country to another, within a relatively short span of 15-20 days. During this phase, rigorous testing and optimization efforts are common to ensure smooth functionality, regulatory compliance, and an optimal user experience.

However, the official launch of the service often takes more time, typically within a range of 6-12 months. This is because achieving full connectivity with a broader network of banks is a crucial step. It involves expanding partnerships to enable two-way transactions, allowing customers in both countries to send and receive funds seamlessly. Additionally, compliance with various regulatory requirements, both in the home and target countries, is a meticulous process that can contribute significantly to the extended timeline. Obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and ensuring full compliance is essential for a smooth and legally sound cross-border payment service. Once all technical, regulatory, and partnership aspects are in place, the official launch can commence, encompassing marketing campaigns, customer education, and broad availability of the service to the public.

Can you describe the equipment or setup that will make it possible for these cross-border exchanges between Nepal and India? What sets it apart from card payment options?How can issues about compliance with KYC/CFT (Combating Financing of Terrorism) and AML (Anti Money Laundering) regulations and concerns be addressed to ensure that cross-border transactions with India are secure and adhere to global regulatory standards?

This setup encompasses critical components, such as a robust payment gateway infrastructure, collaboration with partner banks on both sides of the border, user-friendly mobile apps or websites for customer transactions, a currency conversion mechanism, and a compliance framework adhering to local and global regulations, including KYC/CFT and AML requirements.

What sets this approach apart from conventional card payment options is its emphasis on direct bank transfers, handling local currencies (Nepalese Rupee and Indian Rupee) without conversion fees, and deep integration with the local banking infrastructure for regional cross-border transactions.

To ensure compliance with KYC/CFT and AML regulations and address security concerns, strict measures are in place. These measures include thorough customer verification processes involving valid identification documents, transaction monitoring systems to detect suspicious activities, integration of AML and CFT measures, compliance with regulatory authorities, customer and employee education on compliance and security, and a commitment to regular audits and updates to stay in line with evolving threats and regulatory changes. In summary, the setup for cross-border exchanges through services like Fonepay is designed to provide a secure, efficient, and legally compliant ecosystem for cross-border transactions, bolstered by stringent compliance measures and advanced technology.

What steps are being taken to address cyber security and digital fraud concerns, so that customers feel secure performing cross-border transactions?

Ensuring the security of cross-border transactions is of paramount importance, and steps to address cybersecurity and digital fraud concerns closely align with those taken for domestic transactions. The core principles of cybersecurity, such as user awareness, multi-factor authentication, encryption, and compliance with recognized security standards, user education and awareness campaigns are pivotal, emphasizing the importance of not sharing sensitive information, being cautious of phishing scams, and adopting secure practices. Implementing multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection. Robust encryption protocols are vital to safeguarding data during international transmission.

Moreover, obtaining relevant certifications signals a commitment to security, offering customers reassurance. Real-time transaction monitoring, powered by advanced fraud detection algorithms and artificial intelligence, can identify anomalies promptly. Collaboration with both domestic and international law enforcement agencies helps combat cybercrime effectively.

Customer support is indispensable, providing customers with a resource to report concerns and incidents. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments maintain a proactive stance against potential threats. Lastly, international collaboration and information sharing within the global financial community play a crucial role in staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. Together, these measures create a comprehensive security framework that instill confidence in customers conducting cross-border transactions.

How does Fonepay hope to support Nepal’s digital economy and global financial inclusion in the context of such multinational partnerships? 

Fonepay aims to play a pivotal role in advancing Nepal’s digital economy and promoting global financial inclusion through strategic multinational partnerships. By leveraging its expertise in digital payments and financial technology, Fonepay can help bridge the financial inclusion gap in Nepal. This includes extending access to financial services to previously underserved populations, enabling efficient cross-border remittances, and facilitating the adoption of digital payments among businesses and consumers. 

Fonepay’s commitment to financial literacy initiatives, interoperability with various financial institutions, and outreach to rural communities further strengthens its potential to drive financial inclusion. Collaborations with global financial institutions can unlock a broader range of financial products and services for Nepali users, contributing to economic growth and empowering individuals and businesses to participate more fully in the digital economy. Ultimately, Fonepay’s role in promoting financial inclusion aligns with Nepal’s broader economic development goals and fosters greater connectivity with the global financial ecosystem.

Shambhu Acharya is Nepal’s candidate for regional director of the WHO-South-East Asia Region. He has more than three decades of national and international experience in policy and strategy development and analysis, policy dialogue, technical advice and program management support to various countries and WHO country offices. Sabitri Dhakal of ApEx talked with him about his nomination and plans for the region if elected.

Why do you feel like the right candidate for this job?

I have the honor to be nominated to be the candidate for regional director of the World Health Organization East Asia Region and this is something very important and I can do a lot in the region as a leader of the region. This is a position that is going to be elected by 11 member countries of the South East Asia Region and this is a Member State driven process. I feel that I have the right profile based on my long experience, my public health background and the wide range of public health work I have done throughout my professional career. I believe that it makes me the best fit for the regional director and I am looking forward to being elected and then working with the 11 Member States in terms of improving the health services and ensuring health and well-being of people of the member states.

This region is home to one fourth of the world although the countries are small in number. 

It has a number of opportunities and challenges. There are health challenges because it still has problems with some communicable diseases, tropical diseases, poverty related diseases and now because of the economic growth and advancement in countries in the region it is also facing non communicable diseases challenges. The region also has opportunities because they have talented youths and are leading the cutting-edge technology innovation and digitization process that can be used for improving health services especially those who are left behind. The region has great capacity in terms of producing, manufacturing generic medicines, diagnostics and kits and supplies and often the region is called global factory of producing general medicines since it has shared for instance vaccines, generic HIV TB medicines with other countries for those who really can’t afford. 

If elected, what is your vision?

This region has great opportunities, and it has achieved substantial gains in health. Of course, Covid-19 pandemic has dampened a bit but now the speed is again scaling up in terms of improving health services. For me, I want to see this region as a healthy region. I would like to work together with member states to ensure that everyone has access to health services, the quality health services that they need regardless of where they live, who they are, what kinds of income they have and who they are in terms of their identity. I have outlined five strategies to implement if I am elected as Regional Director. 

One is about promoting health in the overall development and through the whole of government and society approaches involving communities, involving individuals to make sure that they understand the importance of health and every citizen can take care of their own health to ensure health and well-being of the population in the region.

The second is about the resilient health system. Some of the countries are far ahead and some of the countries need to move forward. I would like to accompany member states’ efforts towards a resilient health system which is based on primary health care that includes preparedness, primary prevention, and treatment of NCDs and is right based, gender sensitive and fosters equity. Because primary health care should be the foundation of universal health coverage to achieve Health for All.

The third is about protecting people from different kinds of emergencies whether it is humanitarian emergencies like conflicts, environmental like earthquakes, or floods or kind of climate change or public health emergencies meaning any outbreaks such as recent dengue outbreaks, epidemics or pandemic like the recent Covid-19 pandemic. My goal will be to work with member states to protect people from emergencies and respond when needed.

The fourth one is about looking into the innovation and digitization of health. In the 21st century we need to be able to make best use of the new technology and innovations to improve the health services especially to those who are left behind by bringing the health closer to the people through telemedicine, mobile health, digital health and using a number of low-cost innovations for improving health services. The other aspect I can bring is the data lake using advanced technology which can provide integrated reliable data for policy and decision making.

The fifth one is about climate change and health. Climate change has adverse consequences for health. You can see recent flooding in Nepal and India, the melting of glaciers, and rising sea levels. Because of the high temperature, a number of viruses are emerging in the world. This is an important issue now. The climate crisis is contributing to the health crisis. I want to say that our Member States are also affected by this. Member States in the region have made it a priority and I would like to work with together with them to address this important priority.

What are your experiences?

After graduation, I looked for and found a job in Family Planning Association Nepal which gave me an understanding of basic public health. I had the opportunities to visit many remote parts of Nepal, interact with communities and understand their health issues and problems and that’s my basic foundation of public health and that gave me a lot of learning in terms of what do we really need to look at if we want to develop health plans or health policies or health programs and that those policies, programs should be based on the needs of the population. In my view that is the core of the public health setting. That’s my starter. I was then fascinated by the public health and then this people to people connection that I had when I visited number of communities I wanted to go and study public health and went to the US, did my PhD and then had the opportunity to work with the World Bank in the health, nutrition and population division and was able to formulate the projects and proposals for the World Bank and then I moved to the WHO. I have got several positions in WHO in wide range of public health over the period of 30 years and at the country level, regional level and also at headquarters level and the breadth of experience I have I worked as a leader, manager, technical advisor, specialist, public health officer. 

So, if I look back, my whole experience from where I started from family planning till the day today, I am here working as the Director of Country Strategy and Support under the office of the Director General Dr Tedros where I also had the opportunity to really engage in Covid-19 pandemic response and led the publication of about 70 country case studies: WHO’s response to Covid-19 pandemic. I feel like I am the best for Regional Director as I have substance experience in every aspect whether it is management, technical, leadership, diplomacy, strategic thinking and political astuteness. All these vast experiences that I have with all kinds of sets I think is something that is required for the post of regional director as well. That’s why I feel I am the right candidate to be able to lead the WHO Regional Office for the South East Asia Region.

Tell us about your background.

I come from the ground. I am an ordinary Nepali. I am an ordinary citizen. When I grew up, I grew up in a village called Bhutuka in Palpa district in western Nepal. There I went to high school. I used to walk 45 minutes one way to go to school and we went there in slippers. Sometimes there was rain. I was scared of getting my slippers torn so I used to put my slippers on my shoulders and walk to school barefoot. Those days there were no health care centers there. So, I understand the challenges that people face, particularly those who don’t have that facility and those who are left behind and those who don’t have access to the health services. What goes on with them? That’s what motivates me to lead the regional office. I am a very humble person, but I am assertive in terms of programs, and I have worked for 30 years, and I have about 25 years I think supervisory work. In the last 25 years my management style, my leadership style has always been appreciated as a humble and assertive leader/manager somebody who really brings team together, somebody who really empowers team, works together and somebody who doesn’t believe in hierarchy and somebody who really appreciates or encourages or fosters free thinking to bring innovative ideas. I am someone of a farmer and from a middle-class family.

Even now I am like everyone else. I don’t see any difference. To be able to lead we must always be connected to the ground with people. So, whatever I do, whenever I am in a position I always like to get connected with people because that’s the only way we understand what the needs are and how we can respond to the needs. Even if I am in Geneva right now, I want to connect with people. As Director of Country strategy and Support overseeing 152 WHO country offices on behalf of the director general. I get connected regularly with country team whether I have any agenda or not. Even if I don’t have agenda, I try to contact them and just to understand how things are, are there any issues, any problems how the country office is dealing with the Member States and what are the issues and challenges of Member states and how can WHO better respond to any challenges. That’s the kind of person I am. I am a kind of people’s person.

How will Nepal benefit from the position?

At this stage, I don’t think I can say anything Nepal can benefit but the region will benefit as a who because I can bring my knowledge, my expertise, my competencies based on my national, regional, global experience into the region, and I think I am probably the one of few who has this kind of broad three level experience. The second is about what I want once I am the regional director. I want to bring three levels of WHO together as one organization to make sure that the headquarters’ capacity, region’s capacity and country’s capacity together can synergistically better respond to the needs of the Member States.

Third is about my association of different global partners, donors. I would see that the resources in the health sector require more documentation or enhancement, something that I can help to the region. Mostly these regions have done fairly well in health, but I think the domestic investment can still be improved for health. So, I would work with member states in the region to encourage them to increase domestic investment at the same time where there are gaps, I will bring the international community, different bilateral, multilateral agencies as well as funds of foundation to fill in the gaps.

I believe I can better draw the strategy and plans of the regional office for the next five years together with the Member States by learning or listening to the Member States’ needs. I will be able to bring much robust strategies that can be effectively supporting the Member States in the region and I being a Nepali will keep Nepal in my heart and to see what I can add value being a regional direction during my tenure.