The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty and eventually safeguard the environment, are being pursued by several countries throughout the world. In addition to the SDGs, each country has its own development priorities and goals.
Other sectors are equally as important in supporting inclusive growth, human development, and just societies as the government, which is always at the center of development activities. The same is being done by INGOs, among others, in Nepal.
In Nepal, INGOs and their local partners, NGOs, are significantly present in the humanitarian and development sectors. Over the past several decades, it has been clear that NGOs and CSOs may gain knowledge about humanitarian and development techniques and tactics from INGOs since they exchange knowledge, connections, and experiences on a worldwide scale.
INGOs are active and present in many nations, where they promote both local issues and global concerns. INGOs have a significant presence and may make significant contributions because to their extensive network of volunteers, funders, activists, specialists, development professionals, and civil society groups in numerous countries.
INGOs have significantly increased in both presence and number in Nepal during the past 60 years. Numerous humanitarian INGOs set up shop in Nepal following the tragic earthquakes of 2015 and helped to the relief, response, and recovery operations. Both the government’s requests and the needs of those on the ground during the current epidemic have received equal attention from them.
The SDGs, other international and national objectives and plans, national strategic plans, and priorities established by the government of Nepal serve as a framework for INGOs’ activity, which is closely coordinated and collaborative with government and local partners. Additionally, the Paris Declaration and Accra Agenda for Action serve as guidelines for their work. They frequently work together and lobby for shared causes in the global context, such as the battle against hunger and climate change. They also participate in long-term development and humanitarian assistance.
INGOs have improved government programs by contributing to knowledge transfer, technical support, capacity development, piloting novel initiatives, and reaching out to “hard-to-reach” areas while concentrating on the gaps that still need to be filled. They are crucial not just in times of peace and normal development efforts but also in times of calamity, pandemics, or medical emergencies. They are trustworthy allies of the people and the government as a result of being the people’s organizations. Various misconceptions exist in Nepal regarding INGOs. However, the reality is that they are subject to government and donor regulation and are answerable to the beneficiaries of their services.
There are over 200 INGOs operating in Nepal. The Social Welfare Council (SWC) of the Government of Nepal has oversight and control over them. An INGO is accredited and given authorization to operate in Nepal in accordance with the mission and goals outlined in its statute in the country of origin and Nepalese law. An INGO periodically receives approval via a general agreement with the Social Welfare Council. Typically, the agreement length is five years long.
Following the general agreement, an INGO analyzes the requirements or gaps in the organizationally focused theme areas and gets projects ready for project agreement. With the use of these two tools, an INGO may function legally and form partnerships with regional NGOs and the GoN to carry out initiatives in the theme and field sectors. The goal is to promote local ownership, sustainability, and capacity building. INGOs contribute not only money and resources but also technical know-how.
INGOs have been instrumental in assisting local organizations carry out development activities in Nepal’s far-flung and remote regions, where regular development initiatives are lacking, the government is scarce, and it is “hard to reach” due to conflicts and other issues. They have consistently worked to assist and supplement the government’s initiatives for Nepal’s sustainable development in this way.