Kantipur Conclave 2026: A Global Forum for Nepal’s Future
Kathmandu is set to host the prestigious Kantipur Conclave 2026, a significant two-day event commencing on Monday. This flagship initiative by the Kantipur Media Group aims to convene a diverse array of national and international luminaries, fostering critical discussions on Nepal’s pressing challenges and collaboratively exploring pathways to sustainable solutions. The conclave will also provide a crucial international perspective on contemporary events shaping the nation.
The event promises a rich tapestry of ideas, bringing together a distinguished lineup of 52 speakers from 12 different countries. Participants will include prominent intellectuals, influential policymakers, representatives of the burgeoning Gen Z demographic, and key figures from civil society. This cross-sectoral representation is designed to ensure a holistic and dynamic exploration of the issues at hand.
A Luminary Keynote and Diverse Perspectives
Following the official opening ceremony, the conclave will be graced by the presence of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, who will deliver the keynote address. Ebadi’s renowned global advocacy for human rights, democracy, and civil liberties makes her a highly anticipated and significant presence at the event.
The inaugural session, provocatively titled “From Protests to Possibilities,” will feature speakers from Tunisia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. These distinguished individuals will share their firsthand experiences and insights into the complexities of transitional politics following significant popular uprisings in their respective nations. This session aims to draw valuable lessons from global experiences that can inform Nepal’s own journey.
Delving into Nepal’s Political Landscape
The conclave will not shy away from candidly examining Nepal’s unique political narrative. A session titled “Gen Z Revolt: The Story of a Shoe” will spotlight Prakash Bohara. He is expected to recount the deeply personal and politically charged narrative connected to his blood-stained shoe, a symbol that has become intrinsically linked with recent popular movements originating from New Baneshwor. Following this, political analyst CK Lal will present “Revisiting Nepal’s Revolution,” offering a comprehensive and historical perspective on the country’s various movements, their achievements, and their inherent limitations, tracing this evolution from 1951 to the present day.
Humor and sharp observation are also on the agenda. The panel “What’s Funny about Politics? In Nepal, Almost Everything” will bring together a group of comedians, including Adarsha Mishra, Sita Neupane, Sundar Khanal, and Prabhat Lama. They will engage in a spirited discussion about the intricate and often satirical relationship between politics and comedy in the Nepalese context. Furthering the exploration of political thought, the session “The End of Ideology?” will feature a nuanced dialogue between political analyst Hari Sharma and politician Ghanshyam Bhusal. Their conversation is expected to delve into the current state of political structures, the qualities of effective leadership, and the prospects for meaningful reform.
Economic Recovery and Digital Discourse
The first day of the conclave will conclude with a crucial session focused on economic revitalization, titled “Rebuilding Economy, Restoring Confidence.” This panel will feature a formidable lineup of economic leaders, including Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Bishwo Nath Poudel, FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal, CG Corp Global Managing Director Nirvana Chaudhary, Ncell CEO Michael Foley, and Daraz Nepal Managing Director Aanchal Kunwar. Their collective expertise will be vital in addressing the economic challenges facing Nepal and charting a course towards renewed confidence.
Day two of the Kantipur Conclave will commence with an examination of the evolving digital sphere and its impact on public discourse. The session “Public Dialogue in the Age of Algorithms” will explore the intersection of digital platforms and the way public opinion is shaped and expressed. The panel will include AI scientist Dovan Rai, Barakhari editor-in-chief Prateek Pradhan, Pathao Nepal Managing Director Asimman Singh Basnyat, and political figure Nisha Adhikari, bringing a range of technological and societal perspectives to the forefront.
Emerging Voices and Geopolitical Realities
A unique “People’s Panel” will provide a platform for voices often operating outside traditional political channels. This session will feature medical entrepreneur and activist Durga Prasai, political commentator Rishi Dhamala, Khushbu Oli, and journalist Santosh Deuja. Their discussions will focus on how non-traditional voices are increasingly influencing mainstream debates and contributing to the national conversation.
Understanding Nepal’s delicate position in the global arena will be a key focus of the session “Nepal in Multipolar Crosshairs.” This important discussion will bring together experts from China, India, and the United States to analyze Nepal’s geopolitical landscape. Scheduled to participate are Gao Liang from Sichuan University’s Nepal Centre, Indian researcher Sneha Kumcha, Pacific Forum regional director Robert York, and CNAS executive director Mrigendra Karki, offering a multifaceted view of international relations as they pertain to Nepal.
Youth Leadership and Federalism Under Scrutiny
The conclave will also highlight the aspirations and contributions of the younger generation. In “New Voices of Republic,” Gen Z activists Raksya Bam, Majid Ansari, Pradeep Gyawali, and youth candidate Ajay Kushwaha will engage in a debate moderated by Kantipur journalist Daya Dudaraj. Their discussion will center on youth leadership, the concept of legitimacy, and the critical role of young people in nation-building.
Immediately following this, a significant session will convene all seven provincial chief ministers. They will participate in a debate on the fundamental question of “Federalism: Structure or Delivery Mechanism?” This will offer a critical assessment of Nepal’s federal structure and its effectiveness in delivering services and governance to its citizens.
The concluding session of the Kantipur Conclave 2026, “Policy, Leaders and Leadership,” will bring together prominent youth leaders from the major political streams in Nepal. Pradeep Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, UML Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, and former minister Sumana Shrestha are slated to discuss critical issues of leadership transition and the prevailing political culture, offering insights into the future direction of Nepalese politics.
