Deputy Mayor Dangol champions local governments on global stage

KATHMANDU: Global development debates have long revolved around nation-states, major investors, and international institutions.

However, recent years have seen a critical realization: the true impact of development is felt at the local level, and its real drivers are local governments.

In a reflection of this shifting paradigm, Sunita Dangol, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, recently addressed the European Parliament—a moment not just of personal achievement but a milestone for Nepal’s local democracy on the international stage.

At the “Cities and Regions for International Partnerships 2025 Forum” in Belgium, which explored the theme “Localising the Global Gateway,” Dangol posed a fundamental question: “For whom and how should international partnerships be designed?” She emphasized, “Local governments are not merely implementers; they must be decisive partners from the very start of policymaking.”

Her remarks were far from theoretical. In a country like Nepal, where the constitution grants authority to local governments but centralization often prevails in practice, Dangol’s voice brought ground realities into the global development discourse.

Nepal’s experience has repeatedly shown that projects may look perfect on paper but fail without understanding local contexts.

Dangol also highlighted a critical dimension of partnership: “It is not just about capital or infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and buildings matter less than local institutional capacity, good governance, social inclusion, and people-centered development—these are the foundations of lasting change.” Her perspective reframes development beyond economic metrics, linking it to democratic and human-centered values.

Her speech conveyed a mature awareness: every city and local government is unique, with distinct social structures, cultures, governance styles, and citizen expectations.

Consequently, “one-size-fits-all” global programs are prone to failure. Without flexibility, local ownership, and context sensitivity, international partnerships cannot be meaningful.

Dangol’s presence at the European Parliament is a proud moment for Nepal. More importantly, it signals a shift in global development dialogue toward cities and local governments.

It positions Nepal not only as a recipient of aid but also as a partner capable of sharing experiences and insights.

This participation is not merely the story of an individual’s international visit—it is a testament to the confidence of local democracy, a global expression of constitutionally mandated authority, and a clear signal for the future of development partnerships.

If such voices continue to resonate on international platforms, Nepal’s cities will no longer be mere points on a map—they will emerge as active players in shaping global development debates.