National College Launches New Bachelor Program in International Relations and Diplomacy
National College, affiliated with Kathmandu University, has launched a new bachelor-level program in International Relations and Diplomacy, titled “Bachelor in International Relations and Diplomacy” (BIRD).
The college stated that the program has been introduced to prepare students for careers in diplomacy, international affairs, foreign policy, trade and political economy, and geopolitics.
The program was formally inaugurated at a ceremony held on Thursday, 2083 Jestha 28, on the college premises in Dhumbharahi, Kathmandu, in the presence of diplomats, foreign policy experts, educationists, government officials, and students.
Speaking as a distinguished guest at the ceremony, senior foreign policy expert and former Nepali Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Dr. Shridhar Khatri, said Nepal’s need for professionally trained diplomats and international affairs experts is increasing.
He praised National College for launching a specialized bachelor’s degree in international relations and diplomacy and said such academic initiatives would contribute to strengthening Nepal’s foreign policy capacity. According to Dr. Khatri, as today’s world becomes increasingly interconnected, there is a need for human resources capable of understanding global politics, economics, security, and culture together.
National College Principal Madhav Prasad Neupane said the program would address a long-standing gap in Nepal’s higher education system. According to him, students interested in diplomacy and international relations had limited opportunities for specialized undergraduate study.
Program Head Shweta Karki presented the academic vision and curriculum of the “BIRD” program and said it would connect theoretical foundations with practical learning. According to her, the program will include diplomatic simulations, field visits, internships, and policy analysis exercises.
Former diplomat Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai, foreign affairs analyst Dr. Nischal Nath Pandey, and retired Major Dr. Purna Bahadur Silwal also addressed the ceremony. The speakers highlighted the importance of institutional diplomatic education in the changing global context and said the “BIRD” program incorporates practical components.
Chief Guest and former Dean of Kathmandu University School of Arts, Prof. Dr. Mahesh Banskota, congratulated National College for launching the program and expressed confidence that it would help strengthen research, policy analysis, and international academic collaboration in Nepal.
At the conclusion of the program, College Chairperson Dr. Badri Dev Pandey thanked Kathmandu University, guests, diplomats, professors, and development partners for their support. He reiterated the college’s commitment to producing capable graduates through innovative and practice-oriented education.
College News Education News