Diplomatically Skilled Youth Needed to Globalize Nepal’s Agenda, Says Former Ambassador Dr. Sridhar Khatri
National College, affiliated with Kathmandu University, has launched a new undergraduate program aimed at producing skilled professionals in international relations and diplomacy. Former Ambassador and Professor Dr. Sridhar Khatri emphasized the need for diplomatically skilled young individuals to effectively present Nepal’s agenda on the global stage. Program head Shweta Karki shared that the curriculum includes diplomatic simulations, educational tours, and internships to provide practical knowledge to students. The announcement was made on 28 Jestha in Kathmandu.
Dr. Sridhar Khatri, former ambassador of the United States to Nepal, highlighted the necessity of youth equipped with international perspectives and diplomatic expertise to represent Nepal’s interests effectively worldwide. He expressed these views at the inauguration ceremony of the Bachelor in International Relations and Diplomacy (BIRD) program launched by National College in affiliation with Kathmandu University.
The college introduced this new undergraduate course with the objective of nurturing capable professionals in fields such as international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy, commerce, political economy, and geopolitics. The event saw notable participation from diplomats, foreign affairs analysts, academics, government officials, and students.
During the program, Dr. Khatri observed that as global politics and economics grow increasingly complex, Nepal must develop a skilled workforce that can comprehend international affairs in depth. He described the international relations and diplomacy-focused undergraduate program as a timely initiative for Nepal, expressing confidence that it will prepare future generations to understand worldwide challenges and opportunities.
Principal Madhav Prasad Nyaupane of the college explained that in Nepal, there has been a lack of specialized undergraduate programs for students interested in diplomacy and international relations. The BIRD program aims to fill this gap by equipping students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with skills in policy making, international dialogue, and diplomatic practice.
Program head Shweta Karki provided additional insights into the curriculum, noting the inclusion of diplomatic simulations, regional study visits, internships, and policy analysis exercises. “Our goal is to enable students to connect the knowledge learned inside the classroom with real-world situations,” she said.
The ceremony also featured remarks from former Ambassador Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign affairs analyst Dr. Nishchalnath Pandey, and retired Chief Strategist Dr. Purnabahadur Silwal. They highlighted the increasing necessity for institutionalized diplomatic education amid a changing global environment, expressing the view that this new program will further strengthen the field of international studies in Nepal.
Additionally, former Dean of Kathmandu University’s School of Arts, Professor Dr. Mahesh Baskota, expressed confidence that the BIRD program will elevate research, policy analysis, and international academic collaborations to new heights.
