Kathmandu, Nepal, July 21, 2023: Nepal and the European Union (EU) signed in a grant agreement of more than Rs 10.5 billion for two different programmes amid a function organized at the Finance Ministry, Singha Durbar on Friday.
The grant agreement consists of two separate Financing Agreements - a grant agreement of 50 million pound sterling that is equivalent to Rs. 7.38 billion for 'Quality Education for All' to support the School Education Sector Plan - SESP, while another grant agreement of 22 million pound sterling that is equivalent to Rs. 3.25 billion for the 'Local Adaptation to Climate Change' initiative.
The 'Quality Education for All' will support the implementation of the government's School Education Sector Plan in a sector-wide approach (SWAp) supported by eight development partners, including EU.
Likewise, Local Adaptation to Climate Change' is initiated with an overall objective to improve the sustainability and conservation of natural resources to notably increase their climate resilience in Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces.
According to the press release issued by the Finance Ministry, the overall objective of this support is to contribute to a well-educated and skilled society in Nepal which is able to play an active role in the social and economic development of the country.
Speaking at the function, Finance Secretary Arjun Prasad Pokharel said support of SESP would help to increase equitable access and improving the quality of education, which are crucial for human capital development."
During the function, EU Commissioner for international Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, mentioned that the European Union is proud to continue our 20 year support to Nepal in education. Supporting quality education is one of our core commitments in our cooperation.
Similarly, EU Ambassador to Nepal, Nona Deprez said European Union and Finland, as team Europe will continue to work with local and provincial governments in Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces to empower the people.
