Kathmandu: Mr. Sriram Haridass, the newly appointed United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative for Nepal, formally presented his Letter of Credentials to the Government of Nepal on Monday.
The Letter of Credentials was received by the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Shishir Khanal, during a meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu.
During the meeting, Minister Khanal and Mr. Haridass reaffirmed the longstanding and strong partnership between the Government of Nepal and UNFPA in promoting population and development priorities, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and evidence-based policymaking.
The discussions also focused on Nepal’s evolving demographic landscape and the importance of strengthening demographic data systems and analysis to support inclusive and sustainable development planning.
“Nepal values its long-standing partnership with UNFPA in advancing population and development priorities and strengthening health systems,” said Minister Khanal. “As Nepal responds to changing demographic trends, strategic cooperation with partners such as UNFPA is essential to ensure that demographic change and population dynamics are effectively integrated into our development planning.”
Mr. Haridass reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s national development priorities as well as the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). He emphasized the organization’s continued collaboration with the Government of Nepal and development partners to strengthen national systems and enhance demographic resilience.
“Nepal is at an important demographic juncture, with significant opportunities to harness demographic change for sustainable development,” said Mr. Haridass. “I look forward to further strengthening UNFPA’s partnership with the Government of Nepal to improve demographic intelligence, advance the rights and choices of women, girls, and young people, and ensure that population dynamics contribute to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.”
UNFPA has been partnering with the Government of Nepal since 1971, supporting national efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights, promote gender equality, empower young people, strengthen population data systems, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Mr. Haridass assumed office as UNFPA Representative for Nepal in July 2026 after serving for one year as UNFPA Representative ad interim. A Sri Lankan national, he brings more than 23 years of experience in strategic leadership, programme management, policy engagement, and humanitarian response across Asia and Africa.
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