
IIDS Policy Conclave 2024
IIDS Policy Conclave 2024
The Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) launched its annual flagship event, the Policy Conclave, in 2023. The event aims to address Nepal's prevailing economic challenges and critique impractical proposed solutions while presenting viable alternatives to overcome these issues.
Last year’s conclave revolved around the theme “Structural Reform 2.0,” emphasizing the need for second-generation structural reforms in the country following the initial reforms of the early 1990s. Key focus areas of the theme included Economic Reform, Education Reform, Governance Reform, and Digitalization.
Building on the foundation laid by the previous conclave, the IIDS Policy Conclave 2024 was based on the theme “Nepal Vision 2100.” This year’s theme envisions a strategic development roadmap for Nepal's next two decades.
The even primarily revolved around two key discussions. The first was focused on the Allocative Efficiency of Economy, addressing the issue of decades of resource misallocation at various levels. The session delved into how such misallocations have hindered significant economic growth and will highlight the prominent role of allocative efficiency in driving sustainable development and generating employment opportunities.
The second and final segment was focused on the Knowledge Economy. By examining Nepal’s systemic and structural challenges, the discussio emphasized that there is no alternative (TINA) for the country but to tap into the knowledge economy. The discussion also highlighted the country’s limited comparative advantage in traditional sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing while outlining the importance of the service sector, driven by a skilled labor force, as the key to achieving economic transformation.
First Panel Discussion
Allocative Efficiency of Economy – Key to economic growth and employment generation
Moderator:
- Dr. Biswash Gauchan, Executive Director, IIDS
Panelists:
- Dr. Prakash Saran Mahat Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament
- Pushpa Kandel Former Vice-Chair, NPC
- Gunakar Bhatta Executive Director, Economic Research Department, NRB
- Bhawani Rana Former President, Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI)
- Chandan Sapkota Economist, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Second Panel Discussion
Knowledge Economy - Transition from labor export to service export
Moderators:
- Ms. Astha Bhatta and Ms. Dilasha Joshi, IIDS
Panelists:
- Prof. Dr. Sanduk Ruit Managing Director, FRACO & Founder and Executive Director, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO)
- Prof. Dr. Kushum Shakya Former Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Tribhuvan University
- Prof. Dr. Om Prasad Baral Vice-Chair, Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT)
- CA. Prabin Kumar Jha President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN)
- Mr. Bal Krishna Joshi Founder, Xuno and Co-Founder, Thamel.com/Thamelremit
The event was held on December 27, 2024, at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel and broadcasted live via our Facebook page.