Kathmandu: The Fifth National Social Entrepreneurship Conference commenced in Kathmandu on May 25. The two-day event, organized by the Social Entrepreneurship Fund under the Social Welfare Council in collaboration with Nepal Development Initiative and various partner organizations, was inaugurated by Acting Executive Director of the Social Welfare Council, Sanjay Kumar Mallik, at Bhrikutimandap.
Addressing the inaugural session, Mallik stated that the present era is one of entrepreneurship and emphasized that entrepreneurial initiatives can play a vital role in accelerating Nepal’s economic growth. He noted that social entrepreneurship has the potential to address social challenges while simultaneously contributing to economic development.
Speaking at the event, Arjun Bhattarai, President of the NGO Federation of Nepal and Nepal Development Initiative, highlighted the growing importance of social entrepreneurship in the Nepali context. He informed participants that representatives from all 77 districts of the country are attending the conference and that discussions over the two days will focus on policies, practices, and challenges related to the sector.
Bhattarai stated that the primary objective of social entrepreneurship is to identify social problems and develop sustainable solutions. “While conventional businesses primarily focus on generating profit, social entrepreneurship seeks not only financial returns but also solutions to social issues and the creation of positive social change,” he said. According to him, social entrepreneurship is about identifying social challenges and using entrepreneurial principles, processes, and operations to achieve meaningful social transformation.
As coordinator of the organizing committee, Bhattarai also delivered a presentation on the Social Entrepreneurship Fund, its current status in Nepal, and the experiences of similar funds operating in different countries around the world.
The conference features an exhibition of products created by marginalised social entrepreneurs from all seven provinces. More than 20 stalls are showcasing handicrafts, indigenous Nepali products, and agricultural goods. According to the organizers, the exhibition provides an important platform for promoting local products and connecting social entrepreneurs with wider markets.
The Social Entrepreneurship Fund, introduced by the Government of Nepal in 2020, supports the identification, research, and resolution of social issues through the development, operation, and management of social enterprises.
The two-day conference includes eight thematic sessions. Three sessions were held on the opening day, while five additional sessions are scheduled for the second day. The event has attracted significant participation from youth groups, non-governmental and international organizations, universities, research institutions, and stakeholders from diverse sectors.
