Kathmandu: Kathmandu University (KU) and the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly launch a Master’s program in International Affairs, Economy and Diplomacy (MIAED), marking a significant step toward advancing higher education in diplomacy and international affairs in Nepal.
The agreement was formally signed on Wednesday by Dean of KU School of Arts, Uddhab Pyakurel, and AIDIA Founder Sunil KC.
According to both institutions, the collaboration aims to develop a new generation of leaders capable of navigating the rapidly evolving economic and diplomatic landscape of the 21st century. The MIAED program will combine academic rigor with practical experience by leveraging KU’s academic excellence and AIDIA’s global professional network.
Under the agreement, KU will serve as the academic partner, overseeing quality assurance, academic standards, and degree conferral. Meanwhile, AIDIA will focus on delivering a globally relevant, practice-oriented learning experience through its international networks and innovative teaching methodologies.
The program will adopt an experiential learning approach, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical diplomatic training. A hybrid faculty model—bringing together scholars and experienced practitioners—will be supported by modern, technology-enabled learning environments to meet contemporary academic and professional demands.
Speaking on the occasion, Pyakurel said the partnership reflects KU’s commitment to academic innovation and global engagement. KC described the collaboration as a transformative step toward shaping future leadership in diplomacy and international affairs.
He emphasized that the program will focus on economic diplomacy, noting that it should be at the forefront of Nepal’s foreign policy. KC also stated that AIDIA, established 12 years ago as a think tank, will now expand its role as both a policy institute and a graduate school.
The institutions aim to attract students from Nepal and abroad, positioning the country as a regional hub for advanced studies in international affairs. The partnership is also expected to contribute to the broader goal of internationalizing higher education in Nepal and responding to shifting global dynamics, particularly in the context of the emerging Asian century.
