The Fifth Conference on Public Policy and Governance in South Asia was commenced at Nepal Administrative Staff College (NASC) on March 29, 2024 with the central theme of “Subnational Government as a Defender of Democratic Governance and Service Delivery”. This conference aimed to provide a forum where scholars from South Asia join together to share their knowledge on the functioning of the sub-national governments, the good practices, the challenges, and prospective solutions. Executive Director of NASC, Dr. Rajan Khanal chaired the inaugural session. Senior Director of Studies Mr. Tulasi Sharan Sigdel welcomed all the distinguished dignitaries, invitees and participants of the conference. Mr. Sigdel also highlighted that the fifth South Asian Conference is the continuation of the conference series that was initiated in 2017 as a Policy Discourse and Research Conference. In key note speech, Prof. Dr. Bipin Adhikari, Constitutional Expert and Policy Analyst, highlighted the role of subnational governments in federal system, fundamental principles of democracy and the roles subnational governments play in upholding democratic practices at local scale. He shared the challenges that subnational governments encounter in delivering services to citizens. He concluded by highlighting the role of subnational governments to deepen the democratic values in federal system.
In the second session of the conference, there were 5 parallel technical sessions with five separate themes and 28 technical papers. The themes selected were a) Subnational Governments: Structures, Innovations and Empowerment; b) Intergovernmental Relationships: Opportunities and Practices; c) Role of Subnational Governments in Meeting 2030 Target of SDGs; d) Inclusive Governance and Service Delivery at Subnational Level; and e) Local Leadership Development and Functioning During Disasters. Under the first theme, 6 speakers delved into the roles and structures of provincial and local governments, enriching our understanding of subnational governance dynamics and emphasizing strategies for decentralization, service delivery, and citizen engagement. Similarly, in the second theme, 5 speakers unveiled effective practices that foster collaboration and optimize governance structures, policy coordination, and resource allocation among the different tiers of government. Under the third theme, 5 speakers highlighted the role of local government in meeting 2030 SDG target in this south Asia. In the fourth theme, 6 the speakers endeavored to explore mechanisms for fostering inclusivity and enhancing service delivery within regional and different tiers of governments, ensuring equitable access and participation, particularly for marginalized populations. Under the fifth theme, 6 speakers accentuated the role of local leadership in disaster response and recovery and discuss on the strategies for strengthening capacity and facilitating community resilience amidst crises, including pandemics.
In the final and panel discussion session, as a panelist, Hon’ble Pradip Paudel, Member of the Federal Parliament of Nepal shared his view on how subnational governments can be strengthened deepening the democracy. Other panelists for the session were Mr. Dormani Paudel, Former Chief Minister, Bagmati Province; Mr. Krishna Prasad Sapkota, Former Member of Constituent Assembly; Ms. Laxmi Devi Pandey, Chairperson, Hupsekot Rural Municipality. This session was moderated by Mr. Bishnu Prasad Lamsal, Deputy Executive Director, NASC. The panelists discussed and analyzed the experiences of federal, provincial, and local governments in implementing federalism and practices to achieve public aspirations from administrative, fiscal, and political perspectives in Nepal.
Lastly, Dr Rajan Khanal shared his experience about deepening democracy by strengthening federal, provincial and local governments and thanked all panelists, paper presenters and participants for their valuable presence and insights. 
