KATHMANDU, June 13: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is organizing the second edition of the Prof Yadu Nath Khanal Lecture Series on June 25. According to MoFA, this year's lecture series theme is "Safeguarding Nepal's National Interests: Foreign Policy Choices in the Changing International Environment." The speaker for this year's session is former foreign secretary and Permanent Representative of the United Nations in New York, Madhu Raman Acharya.
MoFA launched the Prof Yadu Nath Khanal Lecture Series as an important event to deliberate on the country's foreign policy issues starting last year, commemorating the contributions made by Nepal's pioneer diplomat, Prof Yadu Nath Khanal, on Nepal's foreign policy matters. The speaker for the first edition of the Prof Yadu Nath Khanal Lecture Series was Prof Surya Subedi, who teaches at the University of Leeds, UK. He delivered a lecture on the topic of 'Foreign Policy of Nepal: Past, Present, and Future.'
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Prof Khanal, born in August 1913 in the Tanahun District, was a prominent figure in Nepal's diplomatic circles. He held the position of Nepal's foreign secretary twice, from 1961 to 1962 and again from 1967 to 1970. Additionally, he served as an Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs after 1990. Throughout his career, he also assumed key roles as Nepal's Ambassador to China, India, and the United States.
Prof Khanal played a pivotal role in shaping and refining Nepal's foreign policy during its early stages. His contributions were marked by dignity and distinction, evident in both his diplomatic practices and written works. He exhibited keen judgment in determining how Nepal could pursue its crucial interests despite the various constraints it faced.
One of Prof Khanal's significant achievements was his efforts to diversify and expand Nepal's diplomatic contacts and engagements. Drawing from his extensive experience and in-depth study, his advice continues to serve as valuable guidance for future generations of Nepali intellectuals and Foreign Service officials.
