Nepal advances towards a national roadmap for jobs and social protection to drive just transitions

KATHMANDU (ILO News) - Nepal is advancing a critical national agenda to accelerate job creation and expand social protection for just transitions through a National Consultation and Validation Workshop on the proposed National Roadmap for Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, held from 5-6 February 2026 in Kathmandu.

Organized by the National Planning Commission (NPC) in partnership with UN agencies- ILO, UNICEF, UNDP and UN Women under the framework of Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, the consultation marks a decisive step towards finalizing the roadmap that responds to Nepal's evolving economic, labour market and climate realities.

Opening remarks by Honourable Member National Planning Commission, Dr Sunity Shrestha Hada.

As Nepal faces intersecting challenges including climate change and structural economic shifts to informality, graduation from the LDC, youth unemployment and gaps in social protection, the draft roadmap provides a coherent, evidence-based framework to generate decent jobs while expanding social protection coverage in a way that is inclusive, gender-responsive and sustainable.

Dr. Dilli Raj Khanal, Macroeconomics Expert, presenting the analytical research report and findings.

Nepal has joined the UN Global Accelerator as a pathfinder country in February 2024, positioning itself to lead on integrated policies for quality jobs and expanded social protection. Building on this, a national diagnostic workshop in June 2025, led by the NPC with UN support, laid the foundation for developing a national roadmap on jobs and social protection for just transitions.

In her opening remarks, Honourable Member National Planning Commission, Dr Sunity Shrestha Hada, emphasized the urgent need to create jobs within Nepal to reduce youth migration and address challenges such as gender wage gaps. She highlighted, "There is high employment potential across provincial and local levels, supported by national-level guidance. The national roadmap for jobs and social protection for just transitions, is important in providing clear direction and an actionable path forward."

Participants raised and discussed key issues during the event.

The workshop featured expert presentations on key analytical research underpinning the roadmap, alongside plenary sessions to gather inputs, feedback and validate the recommendations and strategic entry points and actions to finalize the roadmap.

The event brought together senior government officials from different line ministries, social partners, development partners, academia and experts.

The two-day consultation brings together senior government officials from different line ministries, social partners, development partners, academia and experts to review and validate the draft roadmap and the analytical work underpinning it, ensuring alignment with national development priorities and institutional capacities. It aims to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination, foster national ownership and build consensus around practical policy pathways and implementation priorities.

Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal, Former Member of the National Planning Commission, presenting on the strategic review of Nepal's social protection policies.

Developed through an extensive diagnostic and consultative process led by the NPC, with technical support from UN partners and the World Bank, the roadmap reflects Nepal's commitment as a pathfinder country under the UN Secretary-General's Global Accelerator initiative. It is designed to guide policy reforms, financing approaches and partnerships that accelerate economic recovery, support structural transformation and ensure that no one is left behind in the transition.

Closing remarks by the Honourable Vice Chairman, National Planning Commission, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha

Once validated and adopted, the National Roadmap will serve as a strategic instrument to help Nepal translate just transition ambitions into concrete action-delivering decent work, stronger social protection systems and a more resilient, inclusive economy.

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Nistha Rayamajhi

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https://www.ilo.org/nepal