COVID-19 pandemic induced greater gaps in poverty, inequality, injustice and civic space. In this context, three-day-long online Kathmandu Democracy Forum 2020 (KMDF-2020) was held on 4-6 November 2020 to discuss status, challenges and ways out in regards to effective implementation of SDG 16 from the aspects of human rights, civic space, democracy and many other cross-cutting issues in the context of Covid-19. In 2018, the first democracy forum was held in Busan, Korea (Busan Democracy Forum) and in 2019 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar Democracy Forum). Both forums highlighted SDG 16 as an enabler of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and as an integral cross-cutting component with other goals such as Gender Equality (Goal 5) and Climate Change (Goal 13). During the inaugural session, addressing KMDF-2020, Spokesperson of the Government of Nepal and Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Parbat Gurung stressed about the campaign which has been initiated for the sustainability and economic transformation of NGOs through social entrepreneurship by transforming the social sector as a sector of national pride. Minister Gurung in his statement appealed to social organizations and CSOs to work for the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy, peace and also contribute to SDG 16. He also emphasized that Nepal Government is committed to protect press freedom, freedom of assembly and association. Speaking at the program, member and spokesperson of National Planning Commission (NPC) Nepal Min Bahadur Shahi mentioned that collective action of civil society, national and international actors is needed to realize ‘leaving no one behind’ in regards to SDGs. Likewise, Community of Democracies Secretary General Thomas Garrett shared his opinion through a video message. He shared that strengthening and implementing SDG 16 is our common goal and therefore, collaborative action is needed. Asian Democracy Network (ADN), Secretary-General, Ichal Supriadi stressed to work on reclaiming the civic loss and violation of rights surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. NGO Federation of Nepal’s President Jitram Lama argued that Nepali civil society plays a vital role in incorporating SDG 16 as their common agenda and also lobbying peace for strengthening democracy in the country. He further highlighted that localizing SDGs and civic space issues are important agendas for Nepal in the present context. Likewise, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea for Nepal, Park Chong-suk said that access to justice, economic prosperity and freedom is important and therefore, it is necessary for every country to focus on SDG 16. He also acknowledged the NFN for working tirelessly to address the COVID-19 mayhem along with the government of Nepal. Addressing the closing ceremony of the program, Vice-Chairperson of National Planning Commission (NPC) Nepal Dr. Puspa Raj Kadel highlighted that government has envisioned an institutional mechanism for justice and participation which have paved way for inclusive growth and development of the nations. In the program, 13 country presentations were made from 13 countries across South and Central Asia and Southeast and Northeast Asia and other six presentations were based on thematic areas: Dalit rights, disinformation, inequality, migrants, (Regional), migrants (ASEAN), and refugee. The presentations incorporated impact of COVID-19 from the aspect of human rights and democracy, as well as government, civil society and CSOs’ responses to COVID-19, recommendations to government and international organizations, and ways forward. In the program, Chairperson of Asia Development Alliance, Hideki Wakabayashi stressed on supporting civil society and standing together in solidarity in regards of implementing SGDs. Likewise, President of Nepal Red Cross Society and People’s SAARC Coordinator, Netra Timsina expressed that COVID-19 must not be an excuse in undermining violate democratic values. The KMDF issued declaration at the end; and the report can be accessed here . Community of Democracies, Asia Democracy Network, Asia Development Alliance, and NGO Federation of Nepal jointly organized the program.
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