President’s Note

It is with immense pride and purpose that I present to you the inaugural edition of The Diplomat Nepal – Nepal’s first dedicated diplomatic magazine by Ambassadors’ Club. This publication is more than a compilation of ideas – it is a vision brought to life through years of diplomatic service, global exposure, and an enduring belief in the power of dialogue, collaboration, and the untapped potential of Nepal’s soft power.

During my tenure as Nepal’s Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Spain, I had the privilege to witness firsthand how effectively nations project their identities, priorities, and values through diplomatic engagement. Having observed the impact of cultural diplomacy, strategic communication, and well-crafted narratives on a nation’s global standing, it became evident that Nepal must amplify its voice through its own platform. The Diplomat Nepal is born from that realization.

In today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, soft power is not just a peripheral tool but also a central pillar of international relations. Nepal, with its legacy of peace, cultural heritage, spiritual richness, and environmental significance, possesses profound soft power. However, the true potential of this power lies in how we articulate it, and how consistently we promote it. This magazine aspires to be a refined, non-partisan, and unbiased platform that amplifies Nepal’s voice globally with clarity and depth.

Nepal’s foreign policy, while rooted in the principles of peace, non-alignment, and sovereign equality, must become more country-specific and proactive. The emerging global order demands strategic engagement, not just statements. Our diplomatic efforts must be tailored to reflect Nepal’s unique identity while forging partnerships that support national development, regional stability, and global cooperation.

This magazine will further serve as a bridge between policy and practice, and between tradition and transformation. It will cater not only to ambassadors and foreign service professionals, but also for aspiring diplomats, students of international relations, policymakers, business leaders, development thinkers, and all those who believe in Nepal’s role in shaping a better world.

We will analyze bilateral and multilateral trends, and explore Nepal’s contributions and intercultural understanding. With contributions from thinkers, ambassadors, scholars, and global actors, The Diplomat Nepal will be an engaging and inclusive platform, one that celebrates diversity in thought while maintaining the integrity of diplomacy.

As we launch this humble yet significant initiative, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all contributors, readers, and supporters who share this journey with us.

This magazine is not just a publication — it is a movement to place Nepal at the heart of global dialogue. May The Diplomat Nepal inspire meaningful conversations, shape thoughtful leaders, and carry the spirit and wisdom of Nepal to every corner of the world.

Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal

President

Ambassadors’ Club & International Relations and Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD)

Former Ambassador of Nepal to Oman & Spain