Kathmandu, March 18, 2026: The Natural Resource Conflict Transformation Center–Nepal (NRCTC-N) successfully conducted its Social Audit Program in Kathmandu, bringing together 64 participants from across government, academia, and community networks.
The program was chaired by NRCTC-N Chairperson Narayan Bahadur Khapangi, with Bagmati Provincial Assembly Deputy Speaker Hon. Apsara Chapagain as Chief Guest. Hon. Bharati Pathak, Member of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly, joined as Special Guest. The event also saw participation from key local government representatives, including Ishwor Bahadur Thapa (DCC Coordinator, Bhaktapur), Nirajan Jangam (Mayor, Dhulikhel Municipality), Harimaya Ghalan (Deputy Mayor, Harion Municipality), Suryamaya Danuwar (Deputy Mayor, Panchkhal Municipality), Bhagawati Chaudhary (Deputy Chair, Kailari Rural Municipality), and Balkrishna Raya (Judicial Committee Member, Bhimeshwor Municipality), along with “spiders” and other central-level stakeholders.
As part of the social audit process, Dr. Dipesh Ghimire, Assistant Professor at Tribhuvan University, presented an independent assessment of NRCTC-N’s work. His review was based on field observations, consultations with beneficiaries, and analysis of organizational documents, offering a “third-eye” perspective on the institution’s impact and areas for improvement.
Financial transparency was ensured through the presentation of the organization’s financial status by Auditor Ramsharan Giri of RSG Associates.
During the program, representatives from local governments and community “spiders” shared their experiences, highlighting how NRCTC-N’s spider-web approach has supported conflict transformation, strengthened coordination with government bodies, and contributed to restoring harmony in communities while improving natural resource management.
Speakers widely appreciated NRCTC-N’s role in promoting dialogue, building trust, and strengthening peaceful societies. Chief Guest Apsara Chapagain noted that the organization has evolved into a learning platform for those engaged in conflict transformation, while Hon. Bharati Pathak emphasized transparency and team commitment as key drivers of its success.
Established in 2013 with the motto of “Better Relationships for Sustainable Peace,” NRCTC-N continues to work on transforming conflicts related to forest, land, and water resources through inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement, supported by The McConnell Foundation.
The program concluded with a collective commitment to further strengthen collaboration among NRCTC-N, local governments and concerned stakeholders in the days ahead.
