From 8th to 18th April 2025, the Oxford Diplomatic Society was privileged to send an inaugural delegation to Nepal—a visit that brought together students and alumni from Oxford and Cambridge representing the UK, China, India, Japan, the US, and Nepal. With academic and professional backgrounds spanning diplomacy, economics, sustainability, public health, and governance, the group reflected the Society’s ethos of cross-cultural dialogue and fostering the next generation of global leaders.
Over ten days, we engaged with an extraordinary range of stakeholders—from senior government officials and diplomats to grassroots actors working on the front lines of development. What struck me most was not only the openness of those we met, but the energy and generosity with which they shared their insights. Reflecting on the week, Oxford alumna Roohi Hamlani captured it well: the visit was “extraordinary from every angle,” but especially powerful in how it allowed her to “experience the diversity of Nepal’s rich history, culture and breathtaking beauty through the lens of a new generation.”
In Kathmandu, we met with Members of Parliament and senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where conversations explored Nepal’s political transformation, public service priorities, and regional diplomacy. The delegation also participated in a roundtable at the European Union in Kathmandu with Ambassador H.E. Veronique Lorenzo and other diplomats, focusing on youth engagement and international collaboration. We were also warmly hosted at the British Embassy by Ambassador Robert Fenn and his team, where we discussed the future of UK–Nepal relations over a dinner reception. One delegate, Alexander Mainds, later said the chance to speak with the Ambassador was a “rare privilege,” and one which “cemented my desire to pursue a career in international development.”
One of the most powerful moments of the trip came during our visit to Panchakanya Rural Municipality in Nuwakot. Here we met with local leaders, and listening to their stories, the sense of purpose and pride was palpable. Together, we forged an agreement centred on promoting sustainable tourism initiatives in the region. This was an important reminder that diplomacy is often most impactful when it begins from the ground up.
Another deeply memorable visit for me was to British Gurkhas Nepal. Major Dhenga generously welcomed us with a tour of the Headquarters and a presentation that brought to life the extraordinary history of the Gurkhas, something I had previously only encountered in books or passing reference. That evening, we shared a traditional dinner, known as ‘messing’, where we cooked and ate alongside the Gurkhas. Our visit also coincided with Nepali New Year, which was extremely special. Being invited to celebrate with British Gurkhas and their families gave me a rare glimpse into the human side of a military relationship that is so often discussed only in strategic terms. It was in those shared moments, which were both ceremonial and informal, that I truly understood the depth and warmth of British–Nepali ties, and the historic role the Gurkhas have played, and continue to play, in shaping them.
Academic partnerships were another key strand of the programme. At the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD), we were welcomed by Director Deepayan Basu Ray. The session prompted a rich discussion about disarmament, youth-led peacebuilding, and conventional weapons policy. The Director emphasised how academic visits like ours can inspire young leaders to reimagine global governance and regional stability.
We also held briefings with UNICEF South Asia, the Dolma Impact Fund, the SAARC Secretariat, and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), learning about everything from regional cooperation and child welfare to climate adaptation and sustainable investment. A guided tour of Kathmandu’s heritage sites and an academic visit to Tribhuvan University provided essential cultural and historical context to the trip.
The response from local partners and the Oxford Diplomatic Society community has been overwhelmingly positive. Asmod Khakurel, Nepal Area Contact for the Oxford Alumni Network and our outstanding local lead, described the trip as “a gateway to new forms of grassroots-diplomatic collaboration,” noting growing interest from other institutions in replicating this idea, and positioning Nepal as a model for future academic and diplomatic exchanges in the region.
Asmod is the Head of the Institute for Rural Development, a pioneering nonprofit using tech focussed solutions to drive socioeconomic progress in deprived areas of Nepal. On the visit to Nuwakot the delegates gained an insight into the life changing work Asmod and his team are carrying out, particularly through improving the incomes of smallhold farmers. As such, the ODS is delighted to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the IRD. This is a commitment to future partnership and cooperation, facilitating both dialogue and cross-cultural initiatives. The collaboration will prove to be hugely enriching for both organisations, and sets a precedent in leveraging Excursions to expand Society partnerships and outreach.
What I will take away most from Nepal is not just the formal meetings or strategic discussions, but the spirit of resilience and hospitality we encountered at every turn. From policymakers to students, and from local officials to civil society leaders, there was a shared sense of purpose and openness that left the entire delegation with a renewed faith in diplomacy as a tool for progress.
A spokesperson for the Society reflected that “this has been an unforgettable experience for those who participated, and a wonderful opportunity for the Society to connect with its alumni members across the world.” The Society’s President, Michał L. Pietrzak, expressed hope that “this opportunity is far from the last we have to offer,” and that the success of the Nepal delegation would pave the way for future initiatives.
I would echo that sentiment. As we look ahead, it is clear that the Nepal delegation has set a new standard for our work—linking students with real-world challenges and forging relationships that extend beyond borders.