Latest Embassy Programs
Nepali Students Learn About the U.S. Role in Nepal
June 22, 2009
As a part of the Public Affairs Section's ongoing Embassy speaker program, the Political/Economic Section Chief, William S. Martin, addressed 30 Master's level and PhD students and their professors at the Central Department of Political Science, Tribhuvan University. Mr. Martin talked about the U.S. role in Nepal, explained U.S. policy, described the constitution-making process, and suggested how the American experience may apply to Nepal. He also gave an overview of American assistance for the peace process and for child and maternity health programs in Nepal. He answered numerous questions from the students and professors on topics such as Nepal, China, and India trilateral relations; Tibetan issues; issues of Bhutanese refugees; and Nepal’s present political situation—especially the need for the political parties of Nepal to balance their responsibilities. He also explained to the students how the U.S. Mission here in Nepal is helping CA members to increase their knowledge by providing various trainings and opportunities. At the same program, Gregory S. Bertleff, an intern in the refugee section of the Embassy, also shared his working experience with the participants.
Before taking questions from the audience, the speaker briefed the students about the U.S. Department of State’s recent Democracy Video Challenge (DVC) program and screened Nepal’s winning short film. Ms. Tsering Choden’s three-minute video of Nepal is among the six winners of the Democracy Video Challenge. The Challenge asked young video makers to complete the phrase, “Democracy is…” through three-minute videos posted on the competition’s YouTube site.