ECAN EduClave 4.0 Brings Leaders Together for Dialogue on Nepal’s Economy, Policy and Education Sector

EDUCAST: The Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN) successfully organized ECAN EduClave 4.0, bringing together policymakers, economists, business leaders, education professionals and sector representatives for a series of thought-provoking discussions on Nepal’s economic future, policymaking, international exposure and the future of educational consultancy.

The event featured four panel discussions covering issues ranging from Nepal’s ambitious economic aspirations and private-sector participation to policy formulation, social impact and the future direction of the educational consultancy sector. ECAN’s current leadership lists Seshraj Bhattarai as Immediate Past President and Laxman Poudel (Andrew) as President.

Delivering the welcome address, ECAN Immediate Past President Seshraj Bhattarai highlighted the importance of creating a platform where education, economy, policy and social development could be discussed together. He emphasized the need for greater collaboration among the government, private sector, educational institutions and education professionals to address emerging challenges and create opportunities for Nepal’s younger generation.

Bhattarai also stressed that international education should not be viewed only as an opportunity for students to study abroad, but also as a means of bringing global knowledge, skills, innovation and experience back to Nepal. His opening remarks helped set the broader context for a day focused on dialogue, ideas and collaboration. ECAN has described EduClave 4.0 as a platform bringing together diverse voices and meaningful conversations on Nepal’s economic, policy and education issues.

Private Sector and Nepal’s USD 100 Billion Aspiration

The first panel discussion focused on the question, “Nepal’s USD 100 Billion Aspiration: Why Is the Private Sector Still Not at the Centre of the Economic Strategy?”

The session examined Nepal’s economic ambitions, investment opportunities, infrastructure development and the role of the private sector in accelerating sustainable economic growth.

The panel featured Former Finance Minister Surendra Pandey, FNCCI President Anjan Shrestha, economist and Tribhuvan University Dean Prof. Dr. Kusum Shakya, and Investment and Economic Development Strategist Bipin Kandel. The discussion was moderated by Anil Keshary Shah.

Policy Making: Process, Trends and Outcomes

The second panel explored “Nepal’s Policy Making: Process, Trends and Outcomes”, examining how policies are formulated, implemented and translated into results.

The discussion featured Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Parashwor Dhungana, former Secretary Udaya Raj Sapkota, ECAN President Laxman Poudel (Andrew), and Member of Parliament Renuka Kauchha. The session was moderated by Lakshya Sapkota.

The panel emphasized the importance of effective, accountable and result-oriented policymaking, while reflecting on the gap that can sometimes exist between policy formulation and implementation.

Bringing the World Home

The third panel shifted the focus to international exposure and its potential to create meaningful change in Nepal.

Under the theme “Bringing the World Home: Transforming International Experience into Social Impact!”, the discussion explored how international education and experience can be converted into entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and social impact.

Media personality Suraj Singh Thakuri moderated the session, with Saileja Adhikari, entrepreneur Prakash Pandey, and Teach For Nepal CEO Swastika Shrestha serving as panelists.

The conversation highlighted the importance of learning from global experiences while applying that knowledge to local challenges and opportunities.

“After the Regulation: What Next?”

The fourth and final panel directly addressed the future of Nepal’s educational consultancy sector through the theme:

“After the Regulation: What Next? आन्दोलनदेखि समाधानसम्म: शैक्षिक परामर्श क्षेत्र अब कता?”

The discussion brought together experienced leaders from the sector, including FECE–Nepal President Rajendra Baral, ECAN Past Presidential Council Coordinator Deepak Gurung, ECAN Advisory Council Chairman Arun Lamichhane, and ECAN 3rd Vice President Geeta Sharma Siwakoti. The session was moderated by Narayan Kadariya.

The panel examined the challenges faced by educational consultants and emphasized the need to move from confrontation towards constructive dialogue, collective responsibility, professionalism and sustainable solutions.

Closing Remarks

Delivering the closing address, ECAN President Laxman Poudel (Andrew) thanked all the speakers, moderators, participants and organizers for contributing to the success of EduClave 4.0.

Poudel emphasized that the discussions had demonstrated the importance of bringing diverse stakeholders together to address issues affecting Nepal’s education and economic landscape. He highlighted the need for a more professional, transparent, responsible and student-focused educational consultancy sector.

He further stressed that the future of the sector should be shaped through dialogue, unity, collaboration and collective action, rather than division, and expressed ECAN’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to translate ideas and discussions into practical initiatives.

The four panel discussions made ECAN EduClave 4.0 a significant platform for dialogue on Nepal’s economy, public policy, international education and the future of educational consultancy—connecting ideas with action and creating space for meaningful conversations about Nepal’s future.