Kathmandu, Feb. 8: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)) has increased its democratic partnership with the government and people of Nepal.

USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who is on a two-day visit to Nepal, has today announced that USAID will assist with up to five million 85 million US dollars (more than seven and a half billion rupees) to advance Nepal's democratic progress among the Nepalese government, civil society, and private sector leaders.

The amount will depend on the availability of resources. According to the United States Embassy here, $42 million of the announced amount is a part of the $659 million development objective agreement announced in 2022.

With the general elections held in Nepal this year, Nepal has an opportunity to strengthen federalism, advance the inclusion of women and marginalized communities, empower the youth, and show that democracy can bring results for the benefit of its citizens. The embassy said that the United States will continue to cooperate in this work.

USAID's investment will help Nepal strengthen its democratic achievements by strengthening public financial management, independent civil society and media, democratic processes and institutions, legal governance, and private sector development and bring greater prosperity and upliftment for Nepalis. USAID also said that it will continue to support Nepal in fighting against human trafficking.

Strengthening Inclusive Democracy

The investment announced today includes up to 20 million dollars to strengthen inclusive democracy and prosperity in Nepal by supporting provincial and local governments to provide public services from an economic perspective in a more transparent and accountable manner.

Civil society and media support

The investment includes up to $18.5 million to support independent civil society organizations led by and for women, youth, and marginalized communities to advance community needs, basic freedoms, and accountability. USAID will work with these civil society organizations as they develop the skills, credibility, and methods needed to effectively engage with the government and the public.

USAID will also partner with the media to support efforts to improve public access to credible information and more diverse commentary that will increase social trust in the media.

Strengthening the rule of law and combating human trafficking

To strengthen the rule of law, provide more support for free and fair elections and fight against human trafficking, USAID will work closely with local Nepali organizations and government organizations and support them. These new investments build on USAID's more than 60 years of partnership with the government and people of Nepal, the private sector, and others to support Nepal's goals and aspirations.

USAID's approach to partnership is based on the belief that Nepalis know very well how to strengthen their democracy and that only through respect and cooperation can we help Nepal become prosperous.

USAID has mentioned that it is ready to work in partnership with the relevant Nepalese government agencies to adjust the cooperation with the government priorities, including those included in the Common Minimum Program recently released by Nepal.