Nepal Policy Dialogue Centre Formally Launched to Promote Evidence-Based Policy Research
Dragon Media Correspondent
The Nepal Policy Dialogue Centre (NPDC) has been formally launched with the objective of promoting evidence-based policy research and constructive public policy discourse in Nepal.
The institution was inaugurated during a special ceremony held at the auditorium of Pragya Kunj School in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
As part of the inaugural programme, a panel discussion titled “The Role of Think Tanks in Nepal’s Public Policy Making” was organized. Policy analysts Anurag Acharya, Dr. Mitrabandhu Poudel, Prakriti Bhattarai Basnet and Santosh Sharma Poudel participated as panelists.
The speakers discussed the effectiveness of think tanks in Nepal, collaboration between researchers and policymakers, and the opportunities and challenges associated with evidence-based policymaking.
Policy analyst Anand Aditya and former Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), Rajesh Shrestha, addressed the programme as special guests and offered suggestions on making policy research more practical, institutional and results-oriented.
Experts, young researchers and stakeholders working in the fields of diplomacy, international relations, governance and public policy attended the event.
The Nepal Policy Dialogue Centre said it has initially identified foreign policy and international relations, economic policy, climate policy, domestic policy and governance as its priority areas.
With “research, dialogue, policy literacy and impact” as its principal areas of engagement, the institution aims to narrow the gap between research and the actual policymaking process.
NPDC also seeks to strengthen the use of evidence, research and analytical thinking in policy formulation while encouraging informed and fact-based public debate.
The organization said it would place particular emphasis on engaging young researchers and fostering a constructive, responsible and evidence-driven environment for public policy discussion in Nepal.
