'24th Nepal Day' event organised by German Nepal Friendship Association

'Nepal Day' event organised in GermanyThe 24th Nepal Day event concluded in Cologne, Germany, on Sunday. The two day event, organised by the German Nepal Friendship Association (GNFA) had the main theme “Nepal Change: Change Nepal” this year.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Nepal’s ambassador to Germany, Suresh Prasad Pradhan, said Germany remains an important development partner of Nepal and German cooperation in Nepal’s development remains exemplary. He also lauded German people’s love and affection towards Nepal and expressed hope that these relations would further strengthen in the days to come.

Pradhan also held interaction with Nepali students studying in Germany later.

In a message, German ambassador to Nepal, Frank Meyke, said Nepal and Germany enjoy over more than half a century long close ties between the two countries and their people. This close and friendly relationship is particularly well reflected by the comprehensive and intensive programme of German-Nepal development cooperation with its focus on health, renewable energy and the promotion of trade and private sector development, he said. He also expressed hope that forthcoming elections to the Constituent Assembly in Nepal will lead the country towards peace and progress.

Addressing the conference, chairman of the German Nepal Friendship Association, Ram Pratap Thapa, said the Association was organising the event so as to promote Nepal in Germany and provide a platform to exchange views and explore new areas of cooperation. Thapa, who is also honorary consul of Nepal for Germany, said, “We work as a bridge between Nepal and Germany and are very encouraged by growing interests of Germans in Nepal.”

A number of scholars, professionals and entrepreneurs presented their papers and took part actively in the two-day event. Papers were presented by German and Nepali scholars on themes ranging from violence against women in Nepal, Nepali adolescent girls between tradition and modernity, microfinance in Nepal, Biodiversity and climate change challenges facing Nepal, How water rich Nepal could end load-shedding, role of Buddhism and Nepal’s spiritual heritage. Dr Karl-Heinz-Kramer, a well-known researcher and scholar, spoke on the Nepal’s democratic transformation.

Nepali arts and products were displayed during the conference while artistes performed Nepali song and dance. A Nepali film, ‘Sungava’ was also screened during the programme, which was attended by representatives of the Germany Foreign Ministry, local Councils, various Nepali and German organisations and friends of Nepal.