We are pleased to share that Dr Bimala Rai Paudyal, 2008 PhD alumna of the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), has recently been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Government of Nepal. She is the third woman to hold this position.
Dr Paudyal is a seasoned development expert with nearly 20 years of experience. She previously worked as an agriculturist, engaging with development policy at the grassroots and national levels. She has served in Nepal's National Planning Commission and as a social development expert in the Nepalese President’s Office. Along with Dr Paudyal’s appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, she is one of three experts serving as a Member of the National Assembly of the Federal Parliament of Nepal.
Dr Paudyal shares with us how fundamental ISS has been to her journey: ‘ISS taught me how important it is to analyze and evaluate development matters politically, critically and holistically. I was a technical person — a gender expert — when I joined ISS. However, ISS gave me a new perspective that transformed me into a political analyst.’
She doesn't hesitate to thank pivotal people along the way. 'Salute to Professor Ben White and Professor David Dunham for opening my eyes and helping me broaden my viewpoint and skills.’
We send our best wishes to Dr Paudyal on this new venture.
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Visit the official website of Dr Bimala Rai Paudyal
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