MIT College Hosts International Symposium on Education and Economic Development

MIT College Organizes International Symposium on Education and Economic Growth

Model Institute of Technology (MIT) College, Bagbazar, Kathmandu, hosted a one-day international symposium on August 8, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM under the theme “Investing in Minds: Education for Economic Development in Nepal.”

The program was jointly organized with the University of Pennsylvania, USA, and brought together professionals, educators, and policymakers to discuss how education can contribute to Nepal’s sustainable economic development.

Guests and Speakers

The keynote address was delivered by former Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Dr. Chiranjibi Nepal. Other speakers included Dr. Amrit Thapa from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and Durga Thapa, CEO of the Innovation Academy for Economic Development.

Special guests in attendance were National Planning Commission member Prof. Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, CED Director Prof. Dr. Arjun Kumar Baral, Dr. Nawaraj Khatiwada, Prof. Dr. Riddhis Pokharel, former banker Bhuvan Dahal, and Dr. Prakash Sharma from the International Labour Organization.

Paper Presentations

The technical session featured research presentations:

• Deviram Acharya – Examining Investment in Education in Nepal by Levels of Education

• Dr. Shailendra Jha – From Margins to Momentum: How Education Uplifts Lives and Economies in Nepal

• Durga Thapa – Presented the fourth paper of the session

Panel Discussion

The panel discussion, with Prof. Dr. Riddhis Pokharel, Bhuvan Dahal, and other participants, focused on the connection between education, skills development, employment, and economic progress. Questions from attendees and shared experiences made the session engaging and practical.

Participation

The event saw active participation from representatives of educational institutions, media, teachers, students, and volunteers. It reinforced MIT College’s role as a platform for meaningful discussion on education and development in Nepal.