Kathmandu, May 30 2018
A National Consultation on the “Roles and Responsibilities of Private Sector in Public Services for Achieving SDGs in Nepal” was jointly organized by LDC Watch, South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE), and Resource Centre for Primary Health Care (RECPHEC). The Consultation aimed at fostering a meaningful discussion on the possible cooperation between the government, private sector, and civil society for affordable, accessible, timely, and quality public service delivery in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Chief Guest Hon’ble Vice-Chairperson of National Planning Commission Prof. Dr. Puspa Raj Kadel stated that the private sector has a major role in filling the annual 17 billion USD investment requirements for meeting the SDGs in Nepal. He also highlighted that at a time when economic liberalization is under scrutiny globally for disregarding the aspect of equity during development, the private sector should not have an all-in-all profit motive, but should also bear social responsibilities.
As a keynote speaker, Gauri Pradhan, Global Coordinator of LDC Watch, emphasized three roles of the private sector in meeting the SDGs in Nepal: business role, financing role, and implementation role. He urged the private sector to provide quality public services adhering to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact based on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
The Opening Session was chaired by Mr. Shanta Lall Mulmi, Executive Director of RECPHEC. It was followed by a Panel Discussion comprising of representatives from private sectors and CSOs working in public service areas, mainly health, education, and transportation. The Consultation unanimously adopted an eight-point Declaration in the end. The Consultation had an active participation of 66 attendees from the government, business associations, consumer forums, and civil society organizations.
