Message from AIN Chair Dr. Sushil Koirala

On the Occasion of AIN’s Silver Jubilee, 11.10 2021

Congratulations on the monumental occasion of AIN’s 25th anniversary. It is indeed an occasion to commemorate our successes and achievements as we celebrate AIN’s Silver Jubilee throughout the year through various initiatives and events. Humble thanks to everyone for making the journey smooth and easy. Let us keep on inspiring each other and make the journey spectacular. Over the years, our members have taken AIN to a whole new height with their exemplary contribution for development and humanitarian work. AIN is proud of the spectacular work its members have done over the years.

We started with a handful of INGOs in 1996, but now our family has expanded, not only in numbers but also in diversity and reach. It’s not only AIN’s Silver Jubilee, but of the whole fraternity (development and humanitarian sector) growing stronger year after year defying all odds. AIN members managed to work despite the challenging environment like the largescale conflict followed by Peoples' Movement II which led to the Constitution Assembly, new constitution and federalism. AIN members’ support is crucial to achieve Government’s Social Sector National Pride and Happy Nepali Prosperous Nepal agenda. As Nepal is expecting to graduate from Least Developed Countries (LDC) status in a few years' time, role of AIN members will also be crucial during this transition period.

AIN members contribute to achieve the Sustainable Development goals and the goals set by the government of Nepal. Some of the top priorities our members are engaged in are areas like Gender equality, good health & well- being, quality education, no poverty, reducing inequality & disaster management. AIN believes in partnership, collaboration and solidarity and its members work closely with the government of Nepal. Wishing AIN and its member INGOs many more years of unparalleled accomplishments and services to the Nepali people.

We survived the massive earthquake and AIN members contributed significantly for earthquake relief and reconstruction. AIN members are currently providing important and remarkable support for the COVID-19 response during this pandemic. AIN members bring technical expertise, resources, build local capacity, and provide logistics and other services. Through various Working groups and different Clusters, AIN members are contributing, coordinating and collaborating to create synergy. The contribution made by AIN members is commendable.

AIN is all about our members coming together and I would like to express my gratitude for staying with us. The dedication and creativity of the Working Groups can only be matched with an unquenchable thirst for doing better to fulfill the goals of AIN member organizations. A big round of applause for all the fantastic employees at the Secretariat who made this network incredible. Without your help and support, it would not have been possible. A big Thank you to the founders of AIN and former Chairpersons, without whose support AIN wouldn't be what it is today. Thanks to the Steering Committee Members past and present, working groups, for your hard-built support and cooperation to achieve all the accomplishments and creating a favorable development space for all.

Let us all work together to strengthen and expand the civic space and promote human rights and sustainable development in Nepal. May we always stay true to our ethics and serve the Nepali people. Let us strive together and support the government of Nepal in its efforts to fight against the COVID 19 pandemic. Together we can do more and achieve more.

In the meantime, let me wish Happy Dashain, Tihar and Chath Festival 2078 (2021) and wish every Nepali a wonderful festival season.

Let us not forget to take precautions and safety measures against COVID 19 while enjoying the festival.

In solidarity,

Dr Sushil Koirala