Kathmandu, 20 September 2024: Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nepal, under the leadership of the NGO Federation of Nepal, have voiced a set of demands to be addressed at the upcoming Summit of the Future, with a special focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The demands, outlined in a position paper following extensive consultations and the Civil Society Conference on 3 September 2024, aim to ensure accountability, equity, and inclusion in global and national development efforts.

Download the Civil Society Statement

The letter, addressed to international bodies and national governments, highlights a need for tangible action rather than symbolic commitments, with particular emphasis on marginalized communities, youth involvement, climate action and equitable resource allocation.

Key Demands from Nepal’s Civil Society

Concrete Action on Global Agreements: The CSOs call for a detailed plan with accountability measures for the Pact of the Future, Declaration on Future Generations, and Global Digital Compact, moving beyond mere agreements.

Inclusion of Marginalized Communities: The involvement of marginalized groups in decision-making processes at national and global forums must be prioritized, focusing on equity, justice, and diversity.

Financial Resources and Partnerships: Developed nations must fulfill their financial commitments to support countries like Nepal in achieving the SDGs. An equitable distribution of resources is critical for progress.

Human Rights and Civic Freedom: Civil society demands an expanded civic space and an enabling environment for CSOs to operate freely. Ensuring peace, justice, and the protection of human rights are fundamental to sustainable development.

Youth Empowerment: Investment in youth is seen as an investment in the future. Civil society stresses the need to engage young people in decision-making, ensuring their concerns are addressed.

Climate Action and Environmental Responsibility: The letter calls for developed countries to fulfill climate commitments, provide financing for at-risk communities, and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to sustainable energy systems must be accelerated to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Technology for Good Governance: To foster equitable development and good governance, technology should be accessible and globally transferrable. The private sector must also be accountable for promoting inclusive growth.

International Peace and Diplomacy: Nepal’s civil society calls for diplomatic efforts to address international conflicts, particularly the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine crises, for sustained peace and development.

Governance and Accountability: Local, state, and federal governments must collaborate with political parties to achieve inclusive development goals. The lack of progress in meeting SDG targets requires both national and international attention.

Reform of International Development Agreements: As Nepal transitions from a least-developed country to a developing one in 2026, civil society calls for reforms in international development agreements, with greater accountability for donor countries and development partners.

Addressing Social Inequality: The position paper stresses the need for policies targeting gender and social inequality, with a focus on eliminating menstruation-related stigma.

Data and Implementation Mechanisms: Civil society underscores the importance of data-driven policy-making. The lack of disaggregated data poses challenges to formulating and implementing inclusive development plans.

Children’s Well-Being: Special attention is called to children’s health, education, and protection, particularly those with special needs. Nepal’s CSOs demand stronger measures to combat child marriage, gender discrimination, and online safety threats.

Leaving No One Behind: The paper reaffirms the commitment to ensuring no one is left behind by treating social inclusion, gender equality, and the right to a dignified life as fundamental human rights. Indigenous communities must be empowered through opportunities in leadership, education, and resources.

Nepal’s Call for Global Action

Ram Prasad Subedi, President of the NGO Federation of Nepal, emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to address the growing inequalities and environmental crises. “To meet the SDGs, we need actionable commitments from developed nations, not just rhetoric. Without addressing the needs of marginalized communities, ensuring youth participation, and fulfilling climate pledges, the vision of sustainable development will remain elusive,” said Subedi.

As the global community prepares for the Summit of the Future, Nepal’s civil society insists on accountability and inclusion to steer the SDG agenda towards equitable and sustainable outcomes. The international community is urged to respond to these demands with concrete steps to ensure that the goals of 2030 are met in time, leaving no one behind.

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