British parliamentarian Wood pledges to work for increasing UK development aid

Stewart Wood, a Member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom (UK), has expressed his commitment to enhancing UK development aid for Nepal’s social transformation.

Wood, who visited Nepal as a special volunteer at the invitation of ‘VSO’ Nepal, inquired about project activities aimed at addressing gender inequalities and preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

During his visit, Wood, also the Labour Party leader, held meetings with locals in Biratnagar and Bara, where he commended ongoing efforts for social transformation.

He praised programs on girls’ education and livelihood implemented by VSO with support from the FCDO in Biratnagar Metropolitan City and Chaudandigadhi Municipality in Koshi Province, as well as initiatives on girls’ education and youth leadership in Jeetpur-Simara Sub-Metropolitan City in Madhesh Province.

Wood was particularly impressed by the aspirations of the Dalit communities in Bara for education and change.

As a former special advisor to the UK’s Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and a political science lecturer at Oxford University, Wood emphasized his intention to advocate for increased British government aid for socio-economic development in Nepal upon his return.

He also pledged to enhance partnerships for Nepal’s educational development and promote British tourism to Nepal.

Jaishankar Lal, the Country Representative of VSO Nepal, praised the contributions of volunteers like Wood, stating that their service has invigorated social sector efforts in Nepal.