- Japan provided a ¥410 million grant to fund the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship for Nepali government officials.
- The initiative supports master’s and doctoral degrees at Japanese universities to enhance Nepal’s public administration and policy expertise.
- Marking 70 years of diplomatic relations, the program aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and develop leadership for Nepal's national development.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Japan has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Nepal's development by providing a grant of ¥410 million (approximately NPR 390 million) to support higher education opportunities for young Nepali government officials at leading Japanese universities.
The grant, announced on Monday, will fund the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), a programme designed to equip promising civil servants with advanced academic knowledge and leadership skills before they return to serve in Nepal's public administration.
The exchange of notes was signed by Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, MAEDA Toru, and Ghanshyam Upadhyaya, Secretary at Nepal's Ministry of Finance. The signing ceremony was attended by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle and Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Under the scholarship programme, selected government officials will pursue two-year master's degrees and three-year doctoral programmes at some of Japan's leading universities. The initiative aims to strengthen Nepal's public institutions by preparing officials with the expertise needed to formulate better policies, manage development projects, and improve public service delivery.
For many young civil servants, the scholarship represents more than an opportunity to study abroad. It offers international exposure, specialised training, and the chance to learn from one of the world's most advanced administrative systems before bringing that knowledge and experience back to Nepal.
Since the programme was launched, more than 200 Nepali government officials have pursued higher education in Japan under the JDS. Many of its alumni now serve in key positions across the government, contributing to policymaking, governance, and national development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Maeda said the JDS programme in Nepal has been highly successful in strengthening the capacity of government officials while deepening cooperation between Japan and Nepal. He expressed confidence that the programme would continue to support capable and motivated public servants in implementing government policies and development projects effectively.
The ambassador added that the latest grant would enable more talented Nepali officials to acquire advanced knowledge and practical skills, enhancing their capacity to contribute to Nepal's long-term development.
The announcement comes as Nepal and Japan celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, marking seven decades of cooperation in areas including infrastructure, education, healthcare, disaster management, and human resource development.
The Embassy of Japan expressed confidence that the JDS programme would continue to develop capable public servants while further strengthening the friendship, cooperation, and partnership between the people of Japan and Nepal.
As Nepal seeks to modernise its public administration and improve public service delivery, programmes such as the JDS are expected to play an increasingly important role in developing the skilled leadership needed to advance the country's development priorities.
