Dr Nishchal,SAF Nepal Chair Highlights UMCDSRC Scholarship Programme During Meeting with Mr. Jaco du Toit, UNESCO Representative

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News Kathmandu, Nepal - 1st June 2026

Kathmandu, Nepal: 

Prof. Ukesh Raj Bhauju and fellow faculty members, along with Mr. Navin Jha, faculty member of the University, and Mr. Madhav P. Neupane, Principal of National College, Kathmandu University, held a productive interaction with Mr. Jaco Du Toit, UNESCO Representative to Nepal and Head of the UNESCO Office in Nepal. Dr. Nishchal N. Pandey, Chairperson of SAF Nepal and Trustee of the Madanjeet Singh Foundation, also attended the meeting and participated in the discussions.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in the fields of higher education, research, youth empowerment, sustainable development, intercultural dialogue, and regional cooperation. A key highlight of the interaction was the discussion on the proposal for establishing a UNESCO Chair at the University of Madanjeet Singh Centre for Development Studies and Research (UMCDSRC). The faculty representatives shared their vision for the proposed UNESCO Chair as a platform to promote academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, international partnerships, and knowledge exchange in areas aligned with UNESCO's priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr. Du Toit welcomed the initiative and appreciated the commitment of academic institutions towards advancing quality education, research, and regional cooperation. Participants exchanged views on potential areas of collaboration and the significant role that a UNESCO Chair could play in fostering innovation, capacity building, and global engagement among students, researchers, and educators.

The interaction reaffirmed the shared commitment of UNESCO, academic institutions, and SAF Nepal to strengthening educational opportunities, promoting cultural understanding, and creating pathways for young people to contribute meaningfully to society. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all sides expressing their willingness to explore future avenues of collaboration and support the advancement of the proposed UNESCO Chair at UMCDSRC for the benefit of Nepal and the wider South Asian region.

Dr Nishchal N Pandey, SAF -Nepal Chairperson with Mr. Jaco du Toit is the UNESCO Representative to Nepal and Head of the Office, based in Kathmandu. He leads UNESCO's strategic programs in Nepal, which span education, cultural preservation, media integrity, and youth empowermentLeft to Right- Prof Ukesh Raj Bhauju with another faculity, Mr. Navin Jha, faculty of the University, Mr. Madhav P. Neupane, Principal of National College, Kathmandu University; Mr Jaco Du Toit UNESCO Representative to Nepal and Head of the Office, Dr. Nishchal N. Pandey, Chairperson, SAF-Nepal