Where is Nepal’s Future Heading? Dr. SP Kalaunee on Social Transformation

At a time when Nepal is navigating political uncertainty, generational unrest, and deep structural challenges in health, education, and governance, our News Editor Sarah Sapsanamma Rai spoke with Dr. SP Kalaunee, chairperson of the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN) and a lifelong educator and development practitioner.

With decades of experience spanning classrooms, rural healthcare systems, civil society leadership, and policy advocacy, he reflected on what Nepal has achieved and what still needs fixing. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

How do you assess Nepal’s health sector today?

Nepal has made real progress. Maternal and infant mortality have declined, and life expectancy has increased. But the system still affects vulnerable populations disproportionately. The challenge is not the structure. It is making the system functional through proper resourcing, management, regulation, and quality monitoring.

Have political changes translated into lasting impact?

Change only lasts when it is institutionalized. Political and social reforms fail when they are not embedded into structures and daily practice. Weak institutions, resistance to change, and frequent leadership transitions slow progress and fuel public frustration.

How do you interpret recent Gen-Z movement?

Each generation carries different aspirations. Younger generations think differently, engage differently, and assign importance to issues older generations may overlook. When leadership fails to understand or engage those aspirations, frustration builds. Young people must be treated as partners, not just beneficiaries.

What should happen next as Nepal heads toward elections?

Elections should lead to renewed accountability. The aspirations of young people for transparency and corruption-free governance must be taken seriously. If citizens do not feel ownership over the change process, the cycle of frustration will continue.

How can Nepal realistically tackle corruption?

Corruption is not only a government problem. It is a societal one. Strong laws matter, but culture matters just as much. Integrity must start at home, in institutions, and in communities. Discipline and everyday behavior are as important as enforcement.

Where is Nepal lagging in education?

The growing divide between public and private education risks creating generational inequality. If quality education depends on family wealth, inequality becomes inherited. The only sustainable solution is to improve public education through better infrastructure, teacher support, monitoring, and accountability.

How should Nepal rethink remittance?

Remittance should be more than a survival mechanism. It should create pride and a sense of contribution to national development. Workers should see how their earnings help build infrastructure and opportunities back home.

What is needed to create quality jobs in Nepal?

Job creation must align with Nepal’s real potential, including agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and skills-based industries. Training systems must match these opportunities. There is also enormous untapped potential within the Nepali diaspora.

How can civil society remain effective?

A healthy civil society requires both freedom and accountability. Organizations must be free to associate, advocate, and innovate, while remaining transparent and impact-driven. When treated as partners, civil society can help co-create solutions with the state.

What does it take to scale digital health innovation?

Innovation is a change process. People adopt new systems when they experience clear benefits. Technology should not replace care, but improve it. With leadership, infrastructure, and commitment, scaling is achievable.