As a part of continuing dialogue with the Nepal's Development Partners, a local donors' meeting was held in the Ministry of Finance recently.

In the meeting, Finance Secretary Mr. Vidyadhar Mallik proposed, among others, the idea of organizing a Broader Donors’ Conference around March 2008 with the objectives of bringing development agenda on to the center stage to help stabilize the peace process and deliver a Peace Dividend during transition. The proposal for a Broader Donors Conference was thought to be relevant in the context of the gaps between the Nepal Development Forums Meeting, which used to be held every 18-24 months, however not happening since the last Meeting held in 2004 due to various reasons.

A sketch of plan for the Conference was also presented for the discussions.

While emphasizing the need for continuing with peace building measures, development partners and their representatives attending the meeting responded to the proposal favorably. They supported the emergent need to develop confidence among the local donors, their head quarters and Government of Nepal by way of communicating the progresses made during transition. The development partners and their representative also expressed their willingness to participate in the process and to support as and when needed.

The meeting was chaired by Finance Secretary Mr. Vidyadhar Mallik.