Kathmandu: The Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), a government think tank, celebrated its Establishment Day–2082 on January 20, marking the first time the institution has formally observed the occasion in its 28-year history. Established in 1998 to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IFA serves as a key platform for foreign policy research and dialogue.
Executive Director of IFA Prakash Kumar Suvedi, a former ambassador and career foreign service officer, noted that despite IFA being 28 years old, this was its first official Establishment Day celebration. Speaking at the event, Suvedi emphasized the importance of Track 1.5 diplomacy, stating that he envisions IFA as a central hub for such dialogue in Nepal. The event also featured discussions on “Wildlife Exchange Diplomacy.”
During the program, two staff members—Rajendra Magar and Mahendra Prasad Joshi—who have served the institute for more than 25 years, were honored by Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma in recognition of their long-standing contributions.
Addressing the gathering, Foreign Minister Sharma said that IFA has the capacity to make meaningful contributions to the state’s foreign policy. “We will soon discuss ways to take it further,” he said.
Former Ambassador Mohan Prasad Lohani, the first Executive Director of IFA, remarked that over the past two decades the institute has functioned in line with the objectives for which it was established.
Pictures: Beeju Maharjan
