KATHMANDU, July 16: Newly appointed United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative to Nepal, Sriram Haridass, on Tuesday presented his letter of credentials to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal.
During a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal and Haridass reaffirmed the partnership between the Government of Nepal and UNFPA in areas including population and development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and evidence-based policymaking.
The two also discussed Nepal's changing demographic landscape and the need to strengthen demographic data and analysis to support inclusive and sustainable development.
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Minister Khanal said Nepal values its long-standing partnership with UNFPA in advancing population and development priorities and strengthening the country's health system. He said cooperation with development partners remains important as Nepal responds to changing demographic trends.
Haridass reiterated UNFPA's commitment to supporting Nepal's development priorities and working closely with the government and development partners to strengthen national systems and demographic resilience.
"Nepal is at an important demographic moment, with significant opportunities to harness demographic change for sustainable development," Haridass said, adding that UNFPA would continue supporting efforts to strengthen demographic intelligence and advance the rights of women, girls and young people.
UNFPA has been working with the Government of Nepal since 1971, supporting initiatives related to sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, youth empowerment, and population data systems.
Haridass, a Sri Lankan national, assumed office as UNFPA Representative for Nepal in July 2026 after serving as the agency's Representative ad interim for the past year. He has more than 23 years of experience in programme management, policy engagement, humanitarian response and strategic leadership across Asia and Africa.
