Kathmandu, Feb 8: President Ram Chandra Poudel has emphasized that political stability is essential for Nepal’s sustainable development, prosperity, and social justice, stating that inclusive governance is the foundation for lasting stability.

Addressing the inauguration of the Silver Jubilee of the National Foundation for the Upliftment of Indigenous Peoples and the Nepal Indigenous Knowledge Conference Festival in Kathmandu on Sunday, President Poudel said political stability can only be achieved when the state takes all castes and communities into confidence.

“Political stability is very necessary for the country’s sustainable development, prosperity and social justice,” he said, adding that inclusive governance must be effectively implemented to ensure trust and participation from all sections of society.

Highlighting Nepal’s diversity, President Poudel described the country as multi-ethnic, multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious, echoing the spirit of the national anthem that portrays Nepal as a garden of many flowers. He stressed that equal access, equal opportunities and equal respect for all castes, languages, cultures and communities are indispensable for making this “flower garden” more beautiful, prosperous and balanced, in line with the vision of the Constitution.

The President further stated that the languages, scripts, cultures, traditions, values, knowledge systems and religious beliefs of indigenous communities are not only cultural heritage but also vital foundations of Nepal’s national identity. He underscored the need for the state to play a stronger role at policy, institutional and structural levels to ensure their protection, promotion and proper development.

“Indigenous knowledge systems are not limited to tradition alone. They are pillars of cultural identity, environmental conservation and sustainable development,” President Poudel said. He described indigenous knowledge—ranging from agriculture and art to language, worldview and spiritual practices—as a living national treasure that guides society toward coexistence, tolerance and prosperity.

Expressing optimism, President Poudel said he hoped the conference would contribute significantly to bringing indigenous knowledge into the mainstream of intellectual discourse and policy-making. He also extended best wishes on the Silver Jubilee, stating that the milestone should inspire stronger integration of indigenous knowledge, culture and identity into Nepal’s national development process.