Uncertain times are causing uncertain lives, leaving people feeling more distressed. To discuss this topic and for the global launch of Human Development Report 2021/22, Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World followed by a conversational program was organized by UNDP Nepal on 12th September at Kathmandu Marriott chaired by Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Madam Pampha Bhusal.
Ms. Yubika Bhandari, Secretary of NATTA also was invited as a Speaker at the event to discuss how to shape a hopeful future in uncertain times.
While Nepal improved its ranking from 144th to 143rd position, the Human Development Index (HDI) value has marginally declined. The last two years have had a devastating impact on billions of people around the world when crises like COVID-19 and interacted with sweeping social and economic shifts, dangerous planetary changes, and massive increases in polarization.
The analysis shows Nepal continues to incur a substantive loss in human development due to persisting inequalities. Records show during 2019 and 2020, Nepal’s performance was comparatively low in the areas, including maternal mortality, shares of parliamentary seats held by women, and women’s participation in the labour force.
The report was presented together by Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Chief Economic Advisor, UNDP Asia and the Pacific. Other speakers at the launch were Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Former Finance Minister of Nepal, Ms. Pippa Bird, Development Director at the British Embassy in Nepal, Ms. Yubika Bhandari, Secretary of NATTA, Mr. Sushil Bhatta, CEO, Investment Board Nepal, Ms. Moushumi Shrestha, Entrepreneur, and Mr. Prakash Rimal, Editor-in-Chief, NepalMinute.com.