Khumaltar, Lalitpur, 5 December 2025. Germany and Nepal marked fifty years of technical cooperation today with a commemorative event at the GIZ premises in Khumaltar. The gathering brought together government representatives, development partners, and long-time collaborators to reflect on a partnership that has shaped national development across five decades.
Held under the theme “Woven Through Time, Shaping Tomorrow Together,” the event traced the journey from the early 1970s—when cooperation began with heritage restoration in Bhaktapur—to the wide range of initiatives that followed. These included infrastructure and urban development, industrial and entrepreneurial support, agriculture and forest management, peacebuilding, and post-earthquake reconstruction. Today, the cooperation extends into energy, health, and sustainable economic development, making it one of Nepal’s most enduring international partnerships.
Over time, German Development Cooperation has grown to include GIZ, KfW Development Bank, and PTB, each contributing specialised expertise. Together, they follow a shared approach rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and long-term commitment.
Speaking as chief guest, The Honorable Minister of Finance and Federal Affairs and General Administration, Mr. Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, underscored the importance of the partnership. “It is a great privilege for me, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, to join in celebrating 50 years of GIZ’s dedicated service to our country,” he said. “This milestone is evidence of what long-term cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared vision can achieve.”
He highlighted GIZ’s role as “a committed partner in Nepal’s pursuit of sustainable growth, social inclusion, and the well-being of our people,” and called for deeper collaboration in renewable energy, public health, decentralization, sustainable infrastructure, inclusive economic growth, and improved revenue systems. He closed with a message of appreciation: “Let this golden jubilee be a renewed beginning, a call to collaboration, shared purpose, and continued progress toward a greener, healthier, and more equitable Nepal.”
German Ambassador His Excellency Udo Volz reflected on how the partnership began with the restoration of Bhaktapur’s heritage. “A commitment that meant: your heritage matters, and we will help you preserve it,” he said. He noted the evolution of the relationship: “What started with restoring temples now provides digital solutions. What began with preserving the past now includes preparing for the future.”
Ms. Paulina Campos Monteros, Country Representative of GIZ Nepal, emphasized GIZ’s role as a facilitator. “We see ourselves as long-term partners, bringing technical expertise and practical solutions developed hand-in-hand with government, civil society, the private sector, and communities,” she said. “Our role is to connect actors, support innovation, and help turn ideas into systems that last.”
A panel discussion followed, highlighting reflections on the past five decades and a shared vision for future cooperation. Speakers stressed the importance of local ownership, inclusive partnerships, and long-term commitment to achieve sustainable results across communities.
The event reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s long-term development and the shared goal of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
