A discussion programme ‘Why Think-Tanks Matter?’ held in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, 4th February : A discussion programme as held today on ‘Why Think-Tanks Matter?’ by Consortium of South Asian Think-Tanks (COSATT) in which several local and foreign heads of think-tanks debated on the role of think-tanks at the present time.

The recently published report on ‘Global Think-Tank Index’ by the University of Pennsylvania was also released at the function wherein several South Asian research institutions have been enlisted as some of the top think-tanks in the world. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Nishchal N. Pandey, Convener of the COSATT said that think-tanks have a major role to play in research, dissemination of information through publications and social media which will be more crucial in the post-COVID world.

‘Despite of shrinking spaces and increasing restrictions , think-tanks need to collaborate among themselves’, he said.  Mr. Christian Echle, Director of Political Dialogue Asia Programme of the Konrad Adenauer Siftung Singapore office, Maj. Gen. (retd.) Dipankar Banerjee from FSI, Delhi, Prof. Gamini Keerawella, Executive Director of the RCSS, Colombo spoke visa zoom.

Ajay Dixit of ISET-N, Rajesh Shrestha of IFA, and Sujeev Shakya of NEF Nepal also spoke on the occasion. Deputy Head of Mission of the EU Delegation in Nepal Stephane Maoicon was also present at the function. Photo : NepaliReporter