Amrit Bahadur Rai Assumes Role as Nepal’s 26th Foreign Secretary, Pledges Focus on Economic Diplomacy

Amrit Bahadur Rai has officially assumed the position of Foreign Secretary, becoming the 26th individual to hold the prestigious role. His appointment was confirmed during a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, and he formally assumed office on Thursday morning.

Speaking to the media, Foreign Secretary Rai emphasized his commitment to addressing the challenges and leveraging opportunities that lie ahead for Nepal. “Our country is at the threshold of challenges and opportunities. I will work sincerely to tap the opportunities in the interest of the nation by tackling the challenges,” he stated. He underscored his intent to prioritize economic diplomacy as a cornerstone of his tenure, aiming to steer Nepal toward greater prosperity.

With a career spanning nearly three decades in civil and foreign service, Rai brings extensive experience in governance, diplomacy, and global representation.

Rai joined Nepal’s Civil Service in 1996 before transitioning to the Foreign Service in 2005 as an Under Secretary. His journey reflects a steady rise through the ranks, culminating in his recent role as Acting Foreign Secretary since November 2024. Prior to this, he served as Division Chief of the United Nations, International Organizations, and International Law Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he also acted as the Ministry’s Spokesperson.

Rai’s international diplomatic assignments are equally impressive. He served as Nepal’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York (2019–2023), during which he held key leadership positions, including Vice-President of the UN General Assembly, Chair of the Economic and Financial Committee, and Chair of the Global Coordination Bureau for Least Developed Countries. His tenure in South Africa as Nepal’s Ambassador (2014–2018) saw him concurrently accredited to 18 other countries, further enhancing Nepal’s global presence.

Throughout his career, Rai has been a vocal advocate for the interests of least developed and landlocked countries. His leadership in multilateral forums has significantly bolstered Nepal’s reputation and influence on the international stage. His efforts have been particularly impactful in areas such as sustainable development, global governance, and economic cooperation.

Domestically, Rai has held senior roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseeing divisions related to South Asia, Europe, and the Americas, as well as planning and monitoring. He has also served in ministries focused on culture, tourism, administration, and social welfare, further broadening his governance expertise.

Rai holds a Master’s degree in Public Management from the University of Potsdam, Germany, and another in Public Administration from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Born in 1970 in Sankhuwasabha district, his journey from a civil servant to Foreign Secretary exemplifies his dedication to public service and national development.

As Foreign Secretary, Rai aims to harness Nepal’s diplomatic resources to foster economic growth and strengthen the country’s international partnerships. His extensive experience and strategic focus on economic diplomacy are expected to position Nepal favorably on the global stage, particularly in advancing trade, investment, and development initiatives.

Rai’s tenure begins at a critical juncture for Nepal, with growing opportunities for international engagement and economic collaboration. His leadership will play a pivotal role in navigating these dynamics while ensuring that Nepal’s national interests remain at the forefront.