The Nepal Dialogue 2022 brought together 32 people from different regions, communities, and cultures in Dhulikhel, Nepal. To inaugurate the Dialogue, three people from various Nepalese communities lighted a lamp to symbolise aspirations for a brighter and united Nepal.
The Dialogue's program included different group sessions. Community groups were formed to create safe spaces where members can express their thoughts and feelings and share experiences. It also allowed participants to learn about each other's cultures, issues, and ways of life. During 'Expression Night', participants shared their cultural traditions through, e.g. dancing and singing.
During world café sessions, a structured conversational process for knowledge sharing in which groups discuss a topic at several small tables like those in a café, participants discussed topics like the generation gap, gender differences and their vision for a new Nepal. Some of the conclusions of the sessions were that a lack of communication, care and trust has brought distance and mistrust between people of different ages and genders. The activity aimed to make participants raise awareness about the causes of distrust and other issues, develop skills like respecting diverse perspectives and opinions and work as a team. A peaceful, inclusive, and caring Nepal was a common hope for each group.
Sharing time in nature is a powerful way of enjoying informal conversations and building connection and trust. Along the 1,000 steps of Dhulikhel Mountain, the participants could stop at the Peace Stupa and the temple for a moment of reflection and appreciation.
The Dialogue was also attended by some members of Initiatives of Change (IofC) India. Kiran Gandhi, a trustee of IofC India, expressed, 'I am aware India has often behaved very selfishly and unkindly towards Nepal, for which I apologise as an Indian.' He also underlined the importance of dialogues in bridging gaps in communities and building trust.
At the end of the program, participants shared that participating had shifted their perspectives and that they are committed to taking the initial steps in transforming themselves, healing relationships, and building a new Nepal.
'The event was just awesome. Since it was my first involvement with IofC, I expected the conference to be like all others, with various experts giving long, boring, and fact-based lectures based on data from the internet. However, the experiential, practical, participative, and interactive workshops were worthwhile.' -Sachin Khadka, participant.
