Introduction

Introduction

SDGs National Networ k Nepal (SDGs Network) is common platform of civil society Major Groups and Stakeholders, which has been coordinating the civil society process on the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development (SDGs) since 2019 in Nepal. Assembly of civil society Major Groups held on 25 November 2019 in Kathmandu formed this platform as a member-based network. SDGs National Network has been mobilizing and encouraging the civil society Major Groups including youth, women, children, Dalits, Indigenous Peoples, PWDs etc. for their effective engagement in SDGs. This network is directly engaging with government, parliament, local authorities, UN Agencies, INGOs, media and other international agencies. Actually, this network was originated by Nepal Peoples Forum on Sustainable Development, which was successfully hosted on 21-22 August 2019 in Kathmandu. 

Guiding Document

SDGs National Network is governed by an Operation Guideline Document, which is the major policy document that guides the entire functions and activities of the network. The Operational Guideline ensures the works of network systematic, responsible, accountable and transparent.

Objective

Main objective of this network is to contribute to achieving SDGs in the country by promoting civil society major groups. So, the 2030 Agenda is major working area of the network.

Membership 

SDGs Network is a member based platform. There are three types of members under this network:

  • Individual organizations
  • Alliances, networks and federations
  • Individuals

Principles

Human Rights and Development Justice are the two major principles of this network.

Working territory

SDGs National Network Nepal works in the whole country and it has local chapters at province and district level. It can form its chapters at municipality level as well.

Key functions

Key functions of the SDGs National Network are:

  • Working with government institutions including legislative and judiciary at all levels
  • Working with formal processes of Governments, UN and IFIs at all levels
  • Working with Major Groups and Stakeholders including academic society/institutions
  • Working with international networks, alliances and platforms
  • Working on oversight for accountability
  • Working on communication and knowledge management

Approaches/Working Modalities

Key working approaches and working modalities of SDGs National Network are:

  • Policy advocacy and lobbing
  • Networking and coalition
  • Campaign
  • Capacity development
  • Dialogue, Conferences and forums
  • Mobilization
  • Communication and documentation
  • Solidarity

Governance

General Assembly

General Assembly is the highest governing body of the network, which takes place in every two years. It is responsible to approve progress report, budget and resolutions. It has power to amend the operational guideline.

National Coordination Committee

9-member National Coordination Committee (NCC) is formed to coordinate and facilitate functions of the network. Among them there are 7 elected organizations (at least 3 women) and 2 elected individuals (at least 1 women). The term of NCC is for two years. Among 7 organizations one organization plays a role of convener. Convener organization also serve secretariat service to the network. Election of NCC take place through online system. Representatives in the NCC are nominated by respective organizations. Following eight organizations are contributing at National Coordination Committee.

  • Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON)
  • Dalit Welfare Organization (DWO)
  • Dalit Youth Alliance (DYA)
  • National Campaign for Sustainable Development Nepal (NACASUD-Nepal)
  • National Indigenous Disabled Women Association Nepal (NIDWAN)
  • National Farmers’ Group Federation (NFGF)
  • Nepal Disabled Women Association (NDWA) 
  • Women for Human Rights Single Women Group (WHR)
  • Youth For Environment Education Development (YFEED)

Advisory Group

There is a provision of formation of 5-member advisor group (including at least 2 women). Term of advisory group is also for 2 years.

Convener Organization serves as secretariat

National Campaign for Sustainable Development Nepal (NACASUD-Nepal) is now contributing as the convener organization and it is providing secretariat service to the network by liaison, coordination and facilitation. Its office is located now in Dhulikhel Municipalty-7, Kavre. NACASUD Nepal is the member of Regional Coordination Committee of Asia Pacific Regional CSOs Engagement Mechanism (AP-RCEM), which is directly engaging with UN-ESCAP at regional and sub-regional level. Similarly, province level convener organizations contribute as secretariat at province level.

Major Groups and Thematic Groups

Major Groups

Major groups are the foundations of the SDGs National Network. Currently, there are 26 Major Groups under the network. They are (i) NGOs, (ii) Youth, (iii) Women and Girls, (iv) Children, (v) LGBTIQ, (vi) Migrant Workers, (vii) Scientific and Technological Community, (viii) Cooperatives, (ix) Workers and Trade Unions, (v) Indigenous Peoples, (xi) Dalits, (xii) Madhesi, (xiii) Farmers, (xiv) Senior Citizens, (xv) Muslims, (xvi) People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), (xvii) People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), (xviii) Local Authorities, (xix) People Affected by Conflict, (xx) academic society, (xxi) Micro-entrepreneurs, (xxii) micro-finance groups, (xxiii) CBOs, (xxiv) single women, (xxv) Landless and squatters, and (xxvi) People affected by natural disasters.

Cross-Cutting Thematic Groups

SDGs National Network has identified following five cross-cutting thematic groups for now.

  • Governance
  • Environment
  • Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
  • Civic Space
  • Development Finance

Thematic Groups

SDGs National Network has following thematic groups. But, thematic groups can be added as per need.

  • SDG 16+ 
  • Education, 
  • Health
  • Clean Energy

Fund Management

Membership fees and grant supports to be received from the individuals and organizations are the main source of the fund of the network. Convener organization is responsible to handle the fund and keep accounts of the transactions.
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