Global Money Week Nepal 2026 starts with awareness programs
17th March 2026, Kathmandu
The 14th edition of Global Money Week Nepal 2026 officially commenced on Chaitra 2, 2082 (March 16, 2026), under the coordination of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
Global Money Week Nepal
This year’s theme, “Smart Money Talks,” aims to empower the younger generation to break the taboo around money and engage in proactive financial conversations. As the national coordinator, NRB is leading a nationwide effort alongside major regulators like the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and the Nepal Insurance Authority to boost the country’s financial literacy.
Grand Opening and Governor’s Address
The campaign kicked off with a high-energy event in Kathmandu attended by approximately 500 students from grades 8 to 10. The inauguration was led by Governor Prof. Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, who emphasized that money management is a critical life skill that transcends all professions.
In his keynote address, Governor Poudel highlighted that:
Family Role: Financial discipline starts at home; parents should involve children in discussions about earning and responsible spending.
Economic Stability: A financially literate population is the foundation for a stable and resilient national economy.
Early Exposure: Introducing concepts of saving and investment during formative school years prevents long-term economic pitfalls.
Strategic Focus on Financial Inclusion
A significant takeaway from the opening session was the update on Nepal’s Financial Inclusion Index (FII). Executive Director Dayaram Sharma Pageni reported that the index reached 0.53 in the fiscal year 2024/25. While this represents steady progress, the campaign aims to further improve the three dimensions of the index:
Access (0.53): Expanding physical and digital touchpoints for banking.
Usage (0.54): Increasing the active participation of households in insurance and digital payments.
Quality (0.50): Strengthening consumer protection and financial literacy levels.
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Expert Panel: “Smart Money Talks”
The event featured an interactive panel where students engaged with top financial regulators. The discussion was moderated by Shikha Adhikari Regmi and featured prominent experts including Ramu Paudel and Dr. Navaraj Adhikari.
Key topics discussed included:
The Stock Market: How students can understand the basics of the capital market through SEBON’s initiatives.
Insurance Security: The role of the Nepal Insurance Authority in mitigating personal and business risks.
Digital Safety: Avoiding scams and ensuring the safe use of digital wallets and mobile banking.
Nationwide Activities (Chaitra 2 to 8)
The campaign is not limited to the capital; a series of youth-focused activities are rolling out across all seven provinces until Chaitra 8:
Financial Literacy Rallies: Organized by local bank branches and schools to raise awareness in community centers.
Quiz and Oratory Competitions: Hosted by the National Banking Institute (NBI) and various BFIs to challenge students’ financial knowledge.
Institutional Visits: “Bank Walks” where students visit local branches to see banking operations firsthand.
Digital Media Campaigns: Use of the official hashtags #GMW2026 and #SmartMoneyTalks to share educational reels and interviews.
Conclusion: Building a Resilient Future
Global Money Week 2026 serves as a reminder that financial education is a human right for the youth. By aligning with the OECD’s global standards, Nepal Rastra Bank and its partners are ensuring that the next generation of Nepalis is not just “earning” but “managing” their wealth with confidence. The “Smart Money Talks” theme encourages every student to ask questions, seek reliable sources, and take control of their financial journey from an early age.
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