KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that developing countries need not only financial resources but also technical knowledge and skills, emphasizing the importance of advanced-level support based on unity, justice, and shared responsibility.

Addressing the Second World Social Development Summit in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, President Paudel underscored that “developing nations require not just resources, but also access to technology, skills, and fair opportunities in global systems.”

He added, “A just international trade system, fulfillment of development assistance commitments, climate financing, technology transfer, and investment are essential for inclusive progress.”

The President stated that Nepal’s key priority is ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and social security for all citizens.

He highlighted that Nepal’s development efforts are centered around inclusive governance and empowerment of marginalized communities such as women, youth, indigenous groups, Dalits, and persons with disabilities.

“Ensuring equitable access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection remains our foremost goal,” he said.

President Paudel reiterated that inclusion, justice, and social security form the foundational pillars of Nepal’s social development model.

He noted that Nepal’s Constitution embraces the key principles of the Copenhagen Declaration, envisioning a society where all citizens can live with equal rights, equal opportunities, and dignity. He credited Nepal’s notable progress to strong political will and collective national efforts.

According to President Paudel, since 1995, Nepal has managed to reduce poverty by half, achieved above-average progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) compared to global standards, and ensured access to clean energy for over 95 percent of its population.

He further stated that Nepal has witnessed significant progress in gender equality across sectors including education, and achieved a remarkable decline in maternal and child mortality rates.

Around 90 ongoing social security programs in Nepal currently benefit the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities.

President Paudel concluded that Nepal’s Constitution guarantees representation of women, Dalits, indigenous nationalities, and other marginalized groups, reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive and equitable social development.