The Nepal and Bhutan Initiative works to strengthen civil society and public discourse during ongoing democratic transitions in Nepal and Bhutan.
In Nepal, the initiative aims to strengthen Nepali civil society during the complex transition to peace and democracy in post-conflict environment. Key activity areas include the protection and promotion of fundamental rights, support for free expression and independent media, access to quality education, and women’s rights. Priority in grantmaking is given to organizations based outside of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The initiative’s grantmaking is facilitated by a close partnership with the Alliance for Social Dialogue, a Kathmandu-based group that works to promote open society in Nepal.
In Bhutan, the initiative strives to assist the emergence of a vibrant civil society to support the country’s recent transition to democracy.