Thames International College and the Social Work Club of Thames proudly presented Nepal Social Work Symposium 2020, inspired by the World Social Work Day theme: Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships. Held from November 8 to 11, the symposium adopted a unique virtual format in response to the global pandemic.
As the flagship event, Nepal Social Work Symposium brings together distinguished individuals to engage in meaningful discussions aligned with the annual theme of the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development. This year, the event aimed to facilitate informed discussions on the significance of human relationships—within Nepal and beyond—through diverse, interdisciplinary perspectives.
Featuring an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers, educators, authors, and thought leaders, Nepal Social Work Symposium offered a rich blend of plenary sessions, interactive panels, and poetry recitations, each designed to engage participants in meaningful dialogue. Every session delved into critical and timely themes such as democracy, social equity, the state of the education system, and Nepal's positioning in global foreign relations.
About the speakers:
Basanta Basnet
Editor of Shilapatra, Mr. Basnet has previously worked with major national dailies including Kantipur, Nagarik, and Annapurna Post. He is the author of "Bahattarko Bismaya", a political non-fiction on Madhesh identity politics and Nepal's democratic transition.
Reeta Pariyar
A dedicated social activist, Ms. Pariyar advocates for the rights of marginalized communities, especially Dalits. In 2019, she co-led a 54-day Padyatra across Nepal to raise awareness about caste-based inequalities.
Dr. Dovan Rai
A researcher, writer, and education technologist, Dr. Rai has worked with OLE Nepal and co-founded Sujhaab Chautaari and COVID Support Nepal. She is currently a Scientist and Education Coordinator at NAAMII and a Research Fellow at the Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (GIIS).
Dr. Shambhu Ram Simkhada
A seasoned diplomat and academic, Dr. Simkhada served as Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and Ambassador to Switzerland. An expert in international relations, his notable work "Nepal India China Relations in the 21st Century" was praised by Ariana Huffington as "Daring, Delightful, and Transformative."
Thames International College firmly believes that regular discussions at the local level are essential to contributing meaningfully to regional and global conversations on the importance of human relationships. The Nepal Social Work Symposium serves as a platform for thoughtful dialogue and potential collaboration among like-minded individuals and organizations.
