Background
Nepal has faced the ordeal of social fragmentation, inequality, and historical injustice. Indeed, the transition of the country from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic was an important milestone in its journey for a more inclusive and cohesive society. However, the legacy of conflict and deep-rooted ethnic and gender disparities, along with political instability, has created serious hurdles toward true social harmony.
A fair, inclusive, and cohesive society is one in which all citizens, irrespective of their ethnicity, gender, religion, or social status, enjoy equal opportunities to participate in political, economic, and social life.
Such a society is based on the principles of social justice, fairness, and respect for diversity, which create space for the voices of marginalized groups and build their capacity to demand their rights. For this, collective efforts of many stakeholders is necessary and among them, public institutions are important, to create a harmonious society.
Public institutions in Nepal, particularly after the 2015 Constitution, have undergone reforms aimed at
shaping policies and practices that promote social justice, inclusion, and social cohesion. These institutions can often provide remedies for systemic inequalities, and representation, and thus build trust among varied groups of people. Public institutions can provide solid support in ensuring social cohesion through policy implementation that fosters inclusivity and justice. They are supposed to formulate legal frameworks that ensure the rights of all citizens, particularly those in marginalized groups.
Additionally, public institutions allow for participation through civic engagement and provide space for the voices of the community in decision-making processes. Equally, they ensure the provision of social services, like education, health, and social welfare, with a guarantee that such services will be nondiscriminatory for all citizens. Regular monitoring of public service delivery to identify gaps; In addition, public institutions can develop inclusive policies that address the needs of all community members. Not only this, engagement of civil society organizations in monitoring for transparency.
Considering this, Centre for Social Change (CSC) aims to host a national program, namely Sadbhaav
Summit, to critically assess and discuss the roles of public institutions in advancing social justice, inclusion and social cohesion. The program also aims to celebrate creativity through the #Peace Through My Eyes campaign and art exhibition.
Key objectives of the summit
- The primary objective of the program is to explore and promote the role of inclusive public
institutions in fostering social cohesion, justice, and peace in Nepal.
Components of the Program
1. Keynote speech | The keynote speaker will establish the central theme of the summit. Shedding light on the role of public institutions in fostering social cohesion, this session will kick off the program agenda. |
2. Panel Discussions | The program will have two panel discussions. The first panel will explore how inclusive public institution can aid to promote social cohesion in Nepal. Likewise, the second panel will help to understand he linkages between social justice and social cohesion in Nepal. Panelists will include representatives from the different public institutions like academic and research institutions, judiciary, public constitutional bodies of Nepal, ethnic organizations of Nepal, etc. |
3. Open floor discussions | Following the panel speeches, the program will open the floor to the participants for Q and A. The discussion will also examine the perception of public towards role of a public institutions in fostering social cohesion. This session will prioritize inclusivity and encourage diverse viewpoints. |
4. Art Exhibition | CSC) recognizes art as a powerful medium for trust-building and peacebuilding. Through its art-based dialogues, CSC has developed significant expertise in utilizing art to foster social cohesion and engage communities in exploring complex ideas. A notable initiative is the national art competition campaign titled “Peace Through My Eyes”. The last session of the summit will culminate in the announcement of winners, followed by an exhibition showcasing outstanding artwork submitted during the competition. |
Expected outcomes
- Increased awareness of the role of public institutions in promoting inclusion and social cohesion.
- Enhanced understanding of the relationship between social justice and social cohesion.
- Celebrated creativity through the #PeaceThroughMyEyes campaign and art exhibition.
- Strengthened networks and connections for future collaboration on unique peace initiatives.