Night of ideas 2018: Proceedings Report

PROCEEDINGS REPORT

25 JANUARY 2018

THE NIGHT OF IDEAS 2018—POWER TO IMAGINATION

“Night of the Ideas”, a worldwide debate event, was organized in Kathmandu by the French Embassy, Nepal Economic Forum (NEF) and the Alliance Française de Katmandou (AFK) on 25 January, 2018. This year’s theme was “Power to Imagination” and the discussions in Nepal revolved around: How does imagination drive the evolution of Nepali society in a global context?”

The attendees included the Heads of Mission and representatives of various embassies such Germany, United States of America, Switzerland, Russia, senior officers from the Government of Nepal, researchers, students, and representatives of media.

OPENING REMARKS H.E. Ambassador Yves Carmona, Embassy of France SPEAKERS Ms. Aayushi KC, founder of Khaalisisi.com Mr. Akhilesh Upadhyay, editor in chief of The Kathmandu Post Mr. Richard Werly, journalist for Le Monde, Le Temps de Genève, Libération, TV5 Ms. Subina Shrestha, journalist for Al Jazeera and a documentary film maker MODERATOR Ms. Sumnima Udas, TV Personality VOTE OF THANKS Pauline Vengeon, Director of AFK PROCEEDINGS REPORT

THE NIGHT OF IDEAS 2018—POWER TO IMAGINATION

OPENING REMARKS H.E. Ambassador Yves Carmona The goal of Night of Ideas since 2016 has been to celebrate stream of ideas between countries, cultures, topics and generations that are very diverse. The full edition of Night of Ideas is dedicated towards Power to Imagination that initiated in mid-1960, when students and other young people from France and many European countries stood up against old powers, old ideas and old way of life.

The world has been moving fast. New technologies, digital media, new concepts have found place in our societies. Globalization has almost been placed, but there are still many conflicts between ideologies.

To tap into diverse times, in diverse locations, more innovations and competitiveness should be promoted. With the potential changes, our society needs more social link, empathy and collective education. Questions on how these concepts and ideologies have changed the face of Nepali society and how far does it resound with the global trends is what needs to be discussed.

PANELIST Aayushi KC A lot of Nepali businessmen and women would agree that Nepalis are one of the most courageous and imaginative breed of business men and women. Nepali entrepreneurs have many hurdles and obstacles whether it be political, economic or social or open secrets like mafia and syndicates. So, the way you imagine what you have in your hand, creates opportunities for you. When benched to your ego you only seek what you hold, what you see, what you smell, what you taste. But when you have the power of imagination your business can do much more for and create many opportunities.

In many businesses, there are entrepreneurs who do not possess a smart phone. Access to internet and social media is the idea that is still very far off. So, using social media as a platform to bring such entrepreneurs in the mainstream of business is an innovative concept on its own. It depends on how one makes the most out of a platform, how innovatively and effectively it is used in terms of representing the otherwise underrepresented sections of the society who are doing great work without having that kind of platform yet.

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THE NIGHT OF IDEAS 2018—POWER TO IMAGINATION

PANELIST Akhilesh Upadhyay Along with the nation building process, imagination gained momentum in the political culture of Nepal about 250 years ago. Moreover, it was after 1990, with the restoration of democracy, that imagination flourished in Nepal. Major milestones have been achieved thereafter. In addition, the advent of internet has aided in broadening the knowledgebase like never before.

Nation building is a challenging process and Nepal with its capabilities to imagine big, has transitioned into various forms of political structures. The newly adopted constitution is a fresh product of imagination of the ten year long People’s Movement. The ideas of social justice unknown in the Panchayat era are now fundamental to Nepal’s national discourse. The movement itself was an extraordinary imaginative phase for Nepal. The current federal structure is a result of the progressive political imagination of the Nepali people and its leaders.

PANELIST Richard Werly In traditional politics worldwide, there are different aspects ranging from the right, the left, the conservative and the progressive.

However, what is more important for political imagination is efficiency. Efficiency needs to overcome the ideological division. From a French perspective, the current president of France, Emmanuel Macron used this political imagination as a tool in the campaign and got elected. He was imaginative enough to understand that efficiency precedes political experience. Similarly, promoting imagination in politics can bring new ways to flourish democratic practices.

In the present context, innovation cannot prosper without financing. Therefore, a country can be full of innovators in different fields but what makes the difference is the capacity of the country to find investment in order to capitalize those innovations. Thus, imagination and innovation should be promoted through investment opportunities.

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THE NIGHT OF IDEAS 2018—POWER TO IMAGINATION

PANELIST Subina Shrestha Imagination hit the pinnacle in 2006 after the end of 10 year war. Dreams of leadership for the disadvantaged ones is the kind of imagination that needs to return. The world is moving at such a rapid pace where there is significant rise in inequality. People at the bottom of the strata need to be addressed. Nepal’s economy is largely supported by migrant workers. Innovation in technology can thus be used to ensure their safety. Investing in such issues would put innovation into use. Imagining that possibility would be amazing. Therefore, the focus should be on driving imagination to accomplish positive changes for Nepal.

MODERATOR Sumnima Udas Nepali society should to ponder upon the fact that Nepal is going through a transitional phase and federalism is a chance to come up with a vision for ways to promote imagination and innovation.

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THE NIGHT OF IDEAS 2018—POWER TO IMAGINATION

DISCUSSION Aayushi KC referred to federalism as a positive milestone towards dissemination of power and resources to the local people. She noted that strengthening of local bodies strengthens the federal structure.

Akhilesh Upadhyay expressed that imagination leads the way for people to make everyday life choices, as well as, choices people make for their country. He acknowledged that Nepal has progressed in aspects ranging from technological advancement, political awakening as well as people’s aspirations. According to him, countries that are proactive in offering imagination do better than the others.

Richard Werly referred to innovation and entrepreneurship as issues that go hand in hand. He also pointed that both innovation and entrepreneurship flourish when financing is strong; for that, the country’s economic policy should be investment driven.

Subina Shrestha acknowledged that federalism in Nepal has gone through a rocky path. However, she underscored its importance in bringing about the local leaders, women and Dalit leaders in the mainstream politics.

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THE NIGHT OF IDEAS 2018—POWER TO IMAGINATION

Nepal Economic Forum is a not for profit organization aiming to be Nepal’s premier private sector led economic policy and research institution. NEF strives to re-define the economic development discourse in Nepal, and works towards strengthening the Nepali economy through various activities that promote the growth of an efficient and inclusive private sector.

Alliance Française de Katmandou acts as the official French cultural center in Nepal, and as such aims to spread the Francophone culture by organizing cultural events with the support of Institut francais Paris, represented by the French Ambassador. AFK was created in 1994 and promotes the French language by offering French classes that are open to all. So far, it is the only certified French Institute in Nepal.

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