PM Prachanda Embarks on Italy Visit for United Nations Food Systems Summit

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” has departed for Italy to attend the United Nations Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) in Rome. The event is scheduled to take place from 24 to 26 July 2023. The departure ceremony at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) saw the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Purna Bahadur Khadka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Narayan Kaji Shrestha, ministers, and other high-ranking officials from the government who bid farewell to the PM.

Leaders from the CPN (Maoist Centre), including general secretary Dev Prasad Gurung and vice-chairpersons Agni Sapkota and Pampha Bhusal, were also present to wish the Prime Minister a successful visit. Accompanying PM Prachanda on his trip is his daughter, Ganga Dahal.

The delegation includes Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr Beduram Bhusal, Member of National Planning Commission Dr Jay Kant Raut, and other senior government officials. During the summit, PM Prachanda is slated to address the official opening session of UNFSS+2 on Monday, representing the Chair of LDC Group (Least Developed Countries). Additionally, he will participate in the Plenary Sessions discussing School Meals on July 24 and Food System Transformation in Practice on July 25.

The Prime Minister’s agenda also includes holding bilateral meetings with distinguished dignitaries of the UN system, such as the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), and the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), among others.

Furthermore, PM Prachanda will engage with the Nepali Diaspora residing in Italy. This visit serves as an opportunity for the Prime Minister to explore and address crucial issues related to food systems and sustainable practices on the global stage.

The Prime Minister’s return to Nepal is scheduled for July 28, following what is anticipated to be a meaningful and productive engagement at the UNFSS+2 in Italy.