Sixth Global conference concludes with 14-point declaration, NRNA to devise new strategy for new decade

The sixth general assembly and global conference of Non-Resident Nepalis concluded on Tuesday with a 14-point declaration that envisages a new strategy for the next decade. The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), the organization of the Nepali diaspora also marked its tenth anniversary this year. [brek] The declaration has stated that it has planned to devise a new strategy for organizational reform as well as keeping social organization away from any political influence. Over 800 delegates, government officials and representatives of private sector took part in the two-day international convention followed by two days of global conference. The convention also has chosen a new leadership for two years led by Shesh Ghale, an Australia-based Nepali entrepreneur. Unlike in the past, the election was held to choose the president. Political influence was also reflected during the election like in the election two years ago. Speaking at the concluding session, founder president Upendra Mahato urged the NRNs to rise above political meddling, saying the organization aims to meet social objectives. During the assembly, the NRNs reiterated their demand of continuing their citizenship in Nepal. Chief Patron of the NRNA Dev Man Hirachan said that the scale of the expansion of the organization was beyond his imagination at the time of instituting the organization a decade ago. The NRNA has its network in 65 countries. Newly elected NRNA President Ghale said that he will work efficiently during his tenure and fulfill his commitments. Likewise, outgoing president Jiba Lamichhane said that the registration of the organization on Monday was a biggest achievement of his tenure. Convention on Saturday had amended the NRNA statute, paving way for registration of the organization. Addressing the concluding session, Chairman of the Interim Election Council Khila Raj Regmi urged the NRNs to bring in their investments in governments´ priority sectors and encourage Foreign Direct Investment. Likewise, Minister for Foreign Affairs Madhav Prasad Ghimire suggested they can help in FDI and urged the NRNs to also bring in small economic opportunities, like visiting their homeland to celebrate holiday in Nepal, sending their sons and daughters for short-term volunteering and conveying the message to the foreigners to visit the country. Major points of the declaration - Appeal to political parties for peaceful Constituent Assembly election and timely statute - Registration of the organization - Pledge to establish a ´Relief Fund´ for distributing compensation to the victims of conflict - Construction of Dordi Khola Hydropower Project - Pledge to bring in the remittance in the productive sectors through collective investment - Request to the government to sign Double Taxation Avoiding Agreement with more countries to bring in Foreign Direct Investment