Balen`s Hundred-Point Charter of Governance: Of, By, and For the Nepali People

TRANSCEND MEMBERS, 6 Apr 2026

Bishnu Pathak – TRANSCEND Media Service

Abstract

Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, became Nepal’s youngest prime minister in March 2026 after a Generation Z-led uprising against corruption and established political elites. His “Hundred-Point Charter of Governance” aims to bring transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered reform to Nepal. The Charter is divided into twelve thematic areas, covering administrative restructuring, digital governance, anti-corruption measures, health, education, agriculture, and social security. Key commitments include constitutional amendments, official apologies to marginalized communities, impartial public administration, digitized service delivery, and investigations into past equity fraud and injustices. The Charter also focuses on depoliticizing public institutions by banning partisan student unions and limiting civil servants’ political affiliations. Balen’s governance style, characterized by humility, brevity, and listening, is a departure from Nepal’s traditional political culture, drawing inspiration from Nordic consensus and East Asian efficiency. Despite its ambition, the Charter faces challenges from entrenched interests, resource constraints, and legislative obstacles. Its success hinges on building public trust and delivering tangible results. Situated within global reformist traditions, Balen’s “Charter of Governance” constitutes Nepal’s distinctive contribution to democratic renewal with a socialist orientation. It synthesizes institutional reform, reconciliation, and cultural preservation to advance a transparent, inclusive, and citizen-driven state apparatus. The author adopts a stance of epistemic humility, declaring, “I know that I do not know; I am merely a student.” This maxim underscores the recognition that both governance and scholarship demand continuous learning, critical reflection, and refinement through dialogue. By embedding the charter within this reflexive tradition, the author highlights that a transformative governance charter is not a static doctrine but an evolving praxis shaped by collective wisdom, critique, ownership, and participatory engagement

Introduction

On March 27, 2026, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, became the youngest Prime Minister of Nepal. His Rastriya Swatantra Party won a landslide victory after protests led by Generation Z youth, aged 12 to 28, resulted in the overthrow of the government with a two-thirds majority in September 2025. Balen assumed office after his party secured 182 out of 275 seats in the Parliamentary elections on March 5. These elections were the first since uprisings against corruption and for better governance, which saw 78 extrajudicial killings, over 3,000 wounded, and the destruction of more than 5,000 government offices, political party offices, and private houses.

Balen was born on April 27, 1990 in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Ram Narayan Shah and Dhruvadevi Shah. He is married to Sabina Kafle and has a daughter who resides in Gairigaun, Tinkune (Trending Desk, March 28, 2026). He pursued civil engineering at Himalayan White House International College and later completed a master’s degree in structural engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University, Karnataka, India. Prior to his political career, Balen gained recognition as an underground rapper, using music to critique corruption, inequality, and social injustice (Beech, Ghimire, & Pradhan, March 9, 2026). His transition into politics began in 2022, when he contested the Kathmandu metropolitan mayoral elections as an independent candidate with a symbol of stick. He won decisively, defeating Nepali Congress candidate with more than 23,000 votes (Himalayan News Service, May 27, 2022). His campaign was mostly focused on anti-corruption, public service delivery, waste management, transparency, accountability, and preservation of cultural heritage in the metropolitan (Schmall & Sharma, May 12, 2023).

Balen’s tenure as mayor was marked by assertive urban reforms, grassroots engagement, and a reputation for challenging entrenched political elites. He resigned from a Mayor and joined as a Senior Leader in the Rastriya Swatantra Party on January 18, 2026. On December 29, 2025, there had been an extensive unity agreement between Rabi and Balen. Balen became Nepal’s 40th Prime Minister, and notably the first Madhesi leader to hold the post, signifying a shift in generational and cultural leadership in the country.

At 35 years old, Balen was sworn in as Prime Minister, donning black attire and his distinctive Nepali cap. He released a rap song titled “Jay Mahakali” the day before his inauguration, emphasizing unity, harmony, and hope. Balen’s leadership style represents a blend of cultural and political change, as he communicates through rap, supports grassroots movements, and advocates for the Madhesi community at the highest level of government. His “Hundred-Point Charter of Governance: Of, By, and For the Nepali People” outlines his agenda for transparency, fairness, equity, and justice for all Nepali citizens.

The main goal of the study is to introduce Balen and his efforts to reform Nepal’s state machinery. The aim is to create a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centered system by tackling issues such as corruption, inefficiency, and exclusion. The study aims to implement reforms that promote fair administration, digital service delivery, justice for marginalized groups, and inclusive national development.

The methodological study is based on the author’s evidential insights and employs a participatory methodological approach. The research design incorporates the author’s knowledge of governance reform and compares it with Balen’s Hundred-Point Charter of Governance, while also involving citizen input and collaboration. Data collection and analysis focus on inclusivity, transparency, and dialogue to ensure diverse perspectives, especially those of marginalized groups, are considered.

The study places Nepal’s governance reforms in the context of global practices, learning from transitional justice, digital governance, and anti-corruption efforts. By combining personal experience with participatory methods, the research aims to produce academically sound and socially relevant findings that reflect the desires of the Nepali people.

Central to the study is Balen’s Charter, which proposes reforms in twelve thematic areas, balancing immediate citizen-focused actions with long-term structural changes. Implementation involves participatory, transparent, and evidence-based processes, supported by task forces, commissions, and legal frameworks to promote national consensus and accountability.

Swearing-In Ceremony and Political Actions

Balendra Shah was sworn in as the 40th Prime Minister of Nepal in a swearing-in ceremony on March 27 at 12:34 p.m. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath. The ceremony was unique as it was timed for astrological auspiciousness, aligning with the favorable sequence of numbers 1-2-3-4. The event was marked by solemn grandeur, with the sound of seven conch shells (shankhanaad) symbolizing purity and divine invocation. A group of 108 Vedic priests recited Swastishanti mantras, and 108 Buddhist monks performed the Ashtamangala chant, blending Nepal’s spiritual traditions. The oath-taking coincided with Ram Navami, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ram, highlighting the cultural and religious significance of the occasion.

On the same day, Balen’s 15-member cabinet also took their oaths. Among them, Sudhan Gurung, founder of “Hami Nepal” and a prominent figure in the Generation Z movement, was appointed as Home Minister. Later that afternoon, the Council of Ministers convened its first meeting. Acting on the recommendations of a judicial commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, which investigated the Generation Z uprising of September 2025, the council directed that criminal charges be filed against former Prime Minister K.P. Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

The following morning, both leaders were arrested: Oli at 6:10 a.m. in Kathmandu from Gundu and Lekhak at 6:00 a.m., pursuant to a midnight order from the District Police Council. Oli was detained in connection with the violent crackdown on the Generation Z revolt. Their arrests sparked immediate protests by CPN (UML) activists, marking a significant moment in Nepal’s pursuit of accountability and justice.

Charter of Governance

Nepal’s recently formed radical, transformative government, led by Balendra Shah (commonly known as Balen), has introduced the One Hundred-Point Commitment in response to the Generation Z uprising of September 2025, which called for the elimination of corruption and the promotion of good governance (Pathak, September 22, 2025 & December 15, 2025). On March 27, 2026, the Council of Ministers announced a comprehensive governance reform.
charter consisting of one hundred measures aimed at addressing Nepal’s institutional weaknesses and citizens’ concerns.

The agenda is categorized into twelve themes, focusing on immediate citizen-centric reforms and long-term structural transformative changes:

1. Shared Commitment, Coordination, and Public Trust (Points 1–8)
2. Administrative Reform, Restructuring, and Fiscal Prudence (Points 9–19)
3. Public Service Delivery and Grievance Management (Points 20–27)
4. Digital Governance, Data Management, and Communication (Points 28–42)
5. Good Governance, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption Measures (Points 43–47)
6. Public Procurement and Project Management Reform (Points 48–52)
7. Investment, Industry, Private Sector Promotion, and Tourism (Points 53–73)
8. Energy and Water Resources (Points 74–77)
9.   Revenue Reform (Points 78–84)
10. Health, Education, and Human Development (Points 85–89)
11. Agriculture, Land, Infrastructure, and Basic Services (Points 90–92)
12. Other Strategic and Social Security Decisions (Points 93–100)

Balen’s newly revealed 100-Point Governance Charter places particular emphasis on:

•     Anti-corruption initiatives
•     Administrative restructuring
•     Digital service delivery
•     Justice for victims of past state-led human rights violations and atrocities

This Charter represents a decisive break from Nepal’s historically sluggish bureaucratic processes. It signals a commitment to timely, accountable reforms and the establishment of governance structures free from political interference. Key highlights include:

Constitutional Amendment (Point 4): A task force will be formed within seven days to create a constitutional amendment discussion paper for long-term political and institutional reform. The process will be participatory, transparent, and evidence-based to promote national consensus.

Official Apology (Point 5): The State will acknowledge historical injustices, systemic discrimination, and denial of opportunities faced by Dalit and marginalized communities. This apology will lay the groundwork for social justice, inclusive restoration, and historical reconciliation. Reform programs will be announced within fifteen days.

Commission Report (Point 6): In response to the Generation Z movement of September 23–24, 2082 (2025), the Government of Nepal will initiate comprehensive reforms addressing political and institutional challenges, including electoral restructuring. Measures for rehabilitation, livelihood security, and social protection will be implemented within 100 days. Legal action will be taken based on the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission report.

Generation Z (Point 7): An independent investigation committee will be set up within seven days to investigate the incident of September 9, 2025. The committee will identify responsible parties and submit its findings promptly for government action.

Current Expenditure (Point 9): To address unsustainable recurrent expenditure, the government will reduce the number of federal ministries to seventeen within thirty days.

Impartial Public Administration (Point 12): Public administration must remain impartial, neutral, and accountable to citizens. Civil servants and public officials will not have affiliations with political parties. Party-affiliated trade unions in public administration will be abolished. The Federal Civil Service Bill drafting will be completed within forty-five days.

Service Delivery (Point 21): Citizenship, passport, and national identity services will be digitized for easy accessibility without intermediaries.

Citizen-Centric Management (Points 24 & 25): A 24-hour National Citizen Assistance and Grievance Management System will be established for prompt response to complaints and service requests. Multi-channel access will be provided for citizen engagement.

The Tracking System will address Points 28, 30, 34, and 35. The GIOMS system will be improved for better accessibility. A tracking mechanism will be implemented to monitor file processing times. Citizens can download official documents within fifteen days.

Corruption Investigation (Point 43): An Asset Investigation Commission will be formed within fifteen days to investigate assets of political officeholders and senior officials. Findings will be submitted for enforcement.

Healthcare Services (Points 85.1 & 85.2): Hospitals will reserve beds for marginalized patients, and a free health portal will be launched for real-time monitoring. Burn Wards will be established in hospitals for affordable treatment.

Elimination of Partisan Student Organizations (Point 86): Partisan student organizations will be removed from schools and universities to maintain conducive academic environments.

University Calendar (Point 87): A standardized calendar for examination results will be published by the Ministry of Education.

Citizenship Requirement (Point 88): Universities will allow students to pursue studies without citizenship certificates.

Squatter Settlement (Point 91): A digital record of squatters will be compiled for resolution within 1,000 days. Genuine beneficiaries will be resettled transparently.

Prevention of Land Encroachment (Point 92): A digital inventory of public land will be created to prevent encroachment. Illegal occupations will be removed promptly.

Confiscation of Property (Point 93): The Regulation on Confiscated Property will be amended for simplified management procedures.

Strengthening CIB (Point 94): Funds will be allocated to enhance the capacity of the Central Investigation Bureau.

International Relations (Point 95): Task forces will be established to analyze international and regional crises. Policies and strategies will be prepared within thirty days.

Small Depositors in Cooperatives (Point 99): Refunding of savings for small depositors in cooperatives will begin immediately.

Service Delivery and National Mandate (Point 100): Collaboration among government bodies, security agencies, public institutions, and other stakeholders will be formalized for effective action in the national interest.

The Balen government’s 100-Point Governance Charter aims to depoliticize Nepal’s public institutions by prohibiting political student unions on campuses and barring civil servants and teachers from maintaining partisan affiliations. This initiative seeks to insulate public institutions from political interference (Sharma, March 29, 2026). Prime Minister Balen has also introduced a result-based governance management plan to address administrative inefficiencies, corruption, and service delivery weaknesses (ICT Frame, March 29, 2026).

One of the Charter’s main goals is to prevent campuses from becoming political battlegrounds due to issues like violence, vandalism, extortion, and academic disruption caused by party-affiliated student groups (Punera, March 30, 2026). Additionally, families affected by the Generation Z protests will receive a rehabilitation package to address grievances and restore trust (Biznessnews, March 29, 2026).

The Charter is not just a list of reforms but a comprehensive governance framework aimed at transforming Nepal’s state machinery into a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centered system. It focuses on institutional reform, citizen-centered governance, justice and inclusion, digital transformation, and accountability and transparency.

While the Charter is ambitious, it faces challenges due to Nepal’s political and institutional ground realities. Implementing reforms like banning political student unions and restricting partisan affiliations may encounter resistance from entrenched parties and unions, leading to potential unrest. Legislative changes could face parliamentary gridlock, and resource constraints may hinder digital governance and institutional restructuring.

The success of the Charter depends on building public trust and delivering tangible results in the short term. Without visible progress, citizens may remain skeptical. Prime Minister Balen’s Charter agenda requires bipartisan support, consistent enforcement, and sustained institutional commitment to be effective. Otherwise, the Charter risks becoming another unfulfilled reform plan in Nepal’s history of governance experiments.

Governance Lessons from Fast-Developing Countries

Global experiences have shown the significant impact of strong leadership and strategic focus on national governance and economies. South Sudan, led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, achieved an impressive 27% GDP growth driven by oil production, making it the fastest-growing economy in the world (https://africaglobalnews.com/ & https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_I9AoJ2fm6E#). Guyana, under President Irfaan Ali, experienced over 14% growth by expanding the oil and gas sector (Wilkinson, September 1, 2025). Libya, led by Chairman Mohamed al-Menfi, revitalized its economy with resumed oil exports, nearing 13% GDP growth (African Development Bank Group, December 8, 2025).

Senegal, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, prioritized energy projects and infrastructure, leading to growth above 9% (African Development Bank Group, 2025). Palau successfully revitalized its tourism industry, sustaining growth of over 8% (Asian Development Bank, 2024). Rwanda, under President Paul Kagame, focused on ICT and good governance, demonstrating stable African development with around 7% growth (Observer Research Foundation, July 18, 2024). Ethiopia, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, invested in infrastructure and agriculture, achieving GDP growth above 10% (https://www.facebook.com/poaenglish/posts/ethiopias-gdp-growth-revised-to-102ethiopias-prime-minister-abiy-ahmed-announced/122169627314683092/). Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Cambodia leveraged industry, exports, and tourism for rapid progress.

Nepal can draw lessons from these examples by focusing on energy, agriculture, tourism, ICT, and anti-corruption reforms for rapid transformation. The country is at a critical juncture where governance must be responsive to the people’s struggles, needs, and aspirations. Transparent leadership, efficient service delivery, and inclusive development are crucial. When leadership prioritizes the nation and its citizens, remarkable progress is possible. “Balen’s Hundred-Point Charter of Governance” is a citizen-centric visionary framework based on democracy, equity, and dignity. It aims to address corruption, inequality, inefficiency, and exclusion through transparency, accountability, and justice, ensuring governance that reflects the voices of the Nepali people.

Governance Charter: How Balen Governs

Balen Shah’s leadership represents a profound departure from Nepal’s entrenched political traditions. His governance style is characterized by disciplined action rather than rhetorical flourish and by listening rather than dominance. In a political environment where leaders often talk without delivering results, Balen’s approach is a radical change. This charter outlines the principles that guide his governance, placing them in the context of Nepal and global traditions of reformist leadership.

Central to Balen’s governance is the belief that listening is a crucial aspect of leadership. During the recent general election, he traveled to over forty districts, attending numerous gatherings, yet spoke for less than thirty minutes in total. This brevity was not a lack of communication but a deliberate choice to prioritize actions over words. His commitment to listening was evident when he spent three hours listening to the concerns of Madhes Parliamentarians and responded in just five minutes. This approach breaks the cycle of accusations and counter-accusations, focusing on the essential task of nation-building.

This practice aligns with the traditions of Scandinavian parliaments, where every voice is heard, and decisions are made collectively. By emphasizing dialogue over monologue, Balen emphasizes the importance of participatory and inclusive governance that respects diverse viewpoints. Balen’s governance style also highlights efficient communication. Unlike previous leaders, who thrived on spectacle—leaders arriving late, projecting busyness, monopolizing the stage with long speeches, and departing without listening—he embodies the opposite. He relied on grand gestures and values substance over spectacle.

This approach is reminiscent of East Asian governance practices, where leaders prioritize concise communication and extensive consultation. By keeping his remarks brief and listening attentively, Balen shows that effective communication is about conveying enough information to support action rather than overwhelming with words.

Accountability through action is a cornerstone of Balen’s leadership. His reform agenda, anti-corruption stance, and participatory approach align him with global reformist leaders who prioritize tangible improvements in public welfare. Governance, in this model, is not about making promises but about delivering results. Balen demonstrates that accountability is measured by actions, not speeches, by focusing on tangible outcomes that benefit citizens.

One of the most notable aspects of Balen’s governance is his humility in power. During the inaugural session of Parliament on April 2nd, he stayed until the end, listening to every parliamentarian. This act of humility represents a departure from traditional power dynamics, emphasizing dialogue and service over dominance. This approach signals a shift towards
a new political culture where leaders prioritize patience, efficiency, and service. It reflects a governance philosophy rooted in humility, where power is used to serve rather than command.

While Balen’s governance style is rooted in Nepal’s context, it resonates globally. It combines elements of Nordic consensus, East Asian discipline, and global reformist pragmatism to create a model of participatory democracy. His leadership represents a break from Nepal’s political past and embodies a universal desire for a renewed politics. By emphasizing listening, efficiency, and action, Balen shows that governance can be both locally relevant and globally resonant. His example illustrates that reformist leadership is guided by principles of service, accountability, and humility, rather than geographical boundaries.

This governance charter is not just a description of one leader’s approach but a call to action for a new generation of politics. It advocates for a shift from empty rhetoric to meaningful action, investing time in justice, reform, and a shared future. This vision of governance culture promotes participation, accountability, and transformation.

Balen’s governance represents a local change and a global ideal, highlighting that effective leadership is about listening, acting decisively, and serving faithfully, rather than speaking more.

Summative Appraisal

The Comprehensive Peace Accord of November 21, 2006, set a deadline of six months for completing transitional justice. However, almost twenty years later, the process remains incomplete due to political interference, reluctance among ruling elites, legislative disputes, fear of prosecution among perpetrators of the conflict, and the appointment of partisan individuals to key commissions like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP). The political doctrines of the TRC and CIEDP authorities are similar to those of a pseudo-justice body. The CIEDP conducted field investigations and collected testimonies from victims and witnesses in 66 districts. On December 25, 2018, a three-member committee led by Professor Dr. Bishnu Pathak was established to take statements from accused figures such as Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” Sher Bahadur Deuba, former King Gyanendra, and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai. However, on February 8, 2019, President Bidya Devi Bhandari approved an amendment to the TRC and CIEDP Act, resulting in the dissolution of both commissions.

The ongoing appointment of politically connected individuals has hindered efforts to achieve justice, provide reparations to victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. While the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s 100-point document has been well-received by the public and the country, it does not address the Nepal Maoist People’s War (1996–2006), during which an estimated 20,000 individuals were unlawfully killed by state and non-state actors, and approximately 3,000 people were disappeared by the state (Pathak, April 22, 2024, July 25, 2019, 2017, & 2016). However, on April 3, 2026, Rabi Lamichhane emphasized that transitional justice in Nepal should prioritize the families of martyrs, stating that their suffering should guide the nation’s broader pursuit of justice (Tamang, April 3, 2026).

Before the House of Representatives (HoRs) meetings began, the RSP focused on uniting Nepal’s diverse castes and ethnicities through various initiatives. On March 18, 2026, RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane publicly apologized for not including Rai and Limbu’s representation in the HoRs, acknowledging that, despite their efforts, many deserving candidates were overlooked. While the party made progress in increasing women’s representation, Lamichhane admitted the exclusion of the Rai-Limbu community and pledged to take corrective actions in the future (Khabarhub, 2026).

During the oath-taking ceremony of Members of the HoRs on March 26, Mayor Balen Shah wore a Silam Sakma badge on his coat. This emblem of the Kirat community serves as a protective amulet and identity marker, symbolizing resilience, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual protection (Rai, 2026).

Following the Cabinet’s decision to promote social justice, inclusive restoration, and historical reconciliation, the government pledged to announce reform-oriented programs within fifteen days, along with an official apology on behalf of the state. At the inaugural Parliament session on April 2, 2026, Lamichhane stood at the podium with a solemn expression with a gloomy face, performing namaskar (joining hands) and offering an apology. He recognized the long history of discrimination and deprivation by the state, promising corrective action through social justice and cohesion programs.

Lamichhane declared: “Today, I must publicly apologize to the Dalit community of this nation. The discrimination they have faced from time immemorial was not just a socio-cultural mistake but an organized injustice. The nation suffered because those with skills were labeled untouchable. We vow that no Nepali will be forced to bow down due to their caste. On behalf of my party, the Prime Minister, and the government, I offer this apology, and we are committed to delivering justice” that ends caste-based discrimination and ensure justice for all Nepalis. The government’s commitment to align with vulnerable groups and increase women’s representation in Parliament marked a departure from past practices and atrocities.

The reconciliation policy of the RSP-led government aligns Nepal with global transitional justice frameworks, emphasizing acknowledgment, apology, and reform-oriented programs. Lamichhane’s formal apology for caste-based discrimination as an “organized crime” signals a commitment to structural reform for inclusive democracy and long-term social stability.

As Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan, Balen Shah promoted a vision of modernization with clean and green while preserving cultural heritage. He encouraged the adoption of Nepali names in private schools, initiated national identity programs like Book Free Friday, and prioritized the protection of temples, monasteries, and traditional rest houses (pauwa). Through the Smart Kathmandu Project, Shah aimed to modernize infrastructure while safeguarding heritage, showcasing the coexistence of progress and preservation. His use of indigenous cultural emblems such as the “Silam Sakma” badge highlighted Nepal’s ethnic diversity and inclusivity. Balen received an international attention while “Time Magazine” included him in its top 100 list in 2023, recognizing his progressive governance and commitment to cultural preservation efforts (https://en.setopati.com/political/161744).

In conclusion, “Balen’s Hundred-Point Charter of Governance: Of, By, and For the Nepali People goes beyond traditional accountability measures to become a symbol of cohesion and unity in Nepali society. By combining reformist policies with gestures of reconciliation and socio-cultural preservation, the Charter redefines the role of the state as a platform for justice, inclusivity, and collective and shared identity. This vision is reminiscent of international examples such as South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which demonstrated how formal acknowledgment and apology can heal historical wounds, mental stress and trauma and Latin American transitional justice programs, which emphasize compensation, truth disclosure, and institutional reform in post-authoritarian societies. In this context, Balen’s Charter stands out as Nepal’s distinctive and unique contribution to the global conversation on democratic renewal, rooted in the aspirations of its people, addressing historical injustices, tackling entrenched inequalities, responsive inequities, and committed to create a future where governance honors, respects, and nurtures the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.

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Professor Bishnu Pathak is a distinguished member of the Truth Alliance Global and former commissioner at Nepal’s Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP). He has been nominated multiple times (2014-2019) for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his groundbreaking work on the peace-conflict lifecycle, a framework he likens to an ecosystem.  This lifecycle influences both academic discourse and practical peacebuilding efforts worldwide. With a Ph.D. in Conflict Transformation and Human Rights, Dr. Pathak brings over four decades of experience in peacebuilding, transitional justice, and human rights advocacy. Serving as a board member at the TRANSCEND Peace University, Dr. Pathak has authored 150 international papers and a dozen books that are widely referenced in over 100 countries. His publications cover a wide range of topics, including peace and conflict studies, human rights, human security, geopolitics, birthright equity, and transitional justice. For inquiries, collaborations, and/or speaking engagements, Dr. Pathak can be reached at prof.bishnu.pathak.np@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Transcend Media Service (TMS) on 6 Apr 2026.

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