First Bagmati Province Microfinance Members Conference Concludes with Seven-Point Declaration in Kathmandu

28th December 2025, Kathmandu

In a landmark event for the financial inclusion sector in central Nepal, the First Bagmati Province Microfinance Members Conference has successfully concluded in Kathmandu. Held at the Karki Banquet, the conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry experts, and representatives from various microfinance institutions.

Bagmati Province Microfinance Conference

The primary outcome of the gathering was the issuance of a comprehensive seven-point declaration, which is expected to serve as a roadmap for the future of responsible and sustainable microfinance practices in the province. Under the guiding theme of healthy microfinance and prosperous members, the conference highlighted the essential role these institutions play in driving rural development and economic empowerment.

INAUGURATION AND THEMATIC FOCUS OF THE CONFERENCE

The conference was officially inaugurated by the Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha. In his keynote address, Dr. Shrestha emphasized the importance of aligning microfinance activities with the broader national planning goals of poverty reduction and social equity. The event focused heavily on how microfinance can transition from simple credit delivery to a more holistic model of support that includes financial literacy and business training. By focusing on the health of the institutions alongside the prosperity of the members, the organizers sought to address the recent challenges faced by the sector while reinforcing its vital mission.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BY KEY MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS

The successful organization of the conference was the result of a collaborative effort by several leading microfinance entities in Nepal. The joint organizers included Manushi Microfinance, Swabalamban Microfinance, Chhimek Microfinance, Suryodaya Womi Microfinance, and the Mahila Sahayogi Savings and Credit Cooperative. This unity among different institutions demonstrated a collective commitment to improving the industry’s standards. More than 300 participants from 24 different microfinance-related organizations attended, creating a vibrant platform for sharing best practices and discussing the operational hurdles faced by field staff and members alike.

THE SEVEN POINT DECLARATION: A VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The most significant takeaway from the conference was the formal issuance of a seven-point declaration. This document outlines a set of ethical and operational commitments designed to make microfinance programs more member-oriented and transparent. Key points in the declaration include the promotion of youth entrepreneurship, the enhancement of institutional accountability, and a commitment to ethical lending practices that prevent over-indebtedness. The declaration also calls for increased transparency in interest rates and service charges, ensuring that members are fully informed about their financial obligations. This framework is intended to rebuild trust and ensure the long-term viability of the microfinance sector in Bagmati Province.

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EXPERT INSIGHTS ON NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Throughout the thematic sessions, leading experts shared their perspectives on the contribution of microfinance to the national economy. Speakers highlighted how microfinance serves as a lifeline for low-income households, particularly for women led enterprises in rural and semi urban areas. The discussions underscored that microfinance is not just about lending money; it is about providing the tools for sustainable livelihoods. Experts argued that by fostering entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, microfinance institutions are essentially building the foundation of a resilient national economy that can withstand global and domestic shocks.

CLOSING SESSION AND CALL FOR REFORM DRIVEN GROWTH

The closing ceremony featured prominent figures such as former Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Dipendra Bahadur Chhetri, who attended as the chief guest. Joining him were Shankar Man Shrestha, a renowned microfinance expert and Chairman of the Swabalamban Development Center, and Ram Bahadur Yadav, the President of the Nepal Microfinance Bankers Association. Their speeches reinforced a common message: the need for continuous reform and innovation. They called for stronger governance frameworks and more robust monitoring systems to ensure that institutions do not stray from their social missions. The consensus was that only through disciplined growth and a member-first approach can the microfinance sector achieve its true potential.

IMPACT ON RURAL EMPOWERMENT AND FINANCIAL LITERACY

A core theme that resonated throughout the two day event was the importance of financial literacy. Participants agreed that credit alone is insufficient for poverty alleviation; it must be coupled with the knowledge of how to manage debt and invest wisely. The conference highlighted several success stories of members who transitioned from subsistence living to small business ownership through the support of microfinance. By focusing on empowering members with skills, the institutions are helping to create a more financially savvy population that can contribute effectively to the development of Bagmati Province and beyond.

CONCLUSION AND THE ROAD AHEAD FOR BAGMATI PROVINCE

In conclusion, the First Bagmati Province Microfinance Members Conference represents a turning point for the industry in central Nepal. The seven-point declaration provides a clear set of guidelines for institutions to follow, ensuring that the focus remains on the well-being of the members. As the first regional initiative of its kind, it sets a powerful precedent for other provinces to follow. The success of this conference reflects a renewed sense of purpose within the microfinance community, one that is dedicated to building a healthy, transparent, and prosperous financial ecosystem for all.

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