In a first, 20 interns complete 8-week work at foreign ministry

For the first time in its history, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), through the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), has offered a direct pathway into foreign policy development for young Nepalis. The MoFA Nepal Summer Internship–2026 provided an eight-week voluntary policy research opportunity for graduates and professionals keen to contribute to the nation's foreign policy agenda.

The program, which ran from mid-June to mid-August, focused on critical research themes including strategic affairs, public international law, development, finance, emerging technologies, clean energy, and the Nepali diaspora. Twenty participants were selected across three tracks: 10 interns, five in-person fellows, and five virtual fellows. Their research efforts spanned these key areas, aiming to generate actionable insights and recommendations.

According to Nikhil Sangroula, who helped design the program, the surge in applications reflects both the institutional appeal of the MoFA and a growing interest among young Nepalis in diplomacy and public service. He noted that the ministry is a long-standing institution with a strong legacy, and many young individuals aspire to careers in bureaucracy and diplomacy through the Public Service Commission. The internship offered a unique chance to gain practical experience within the foreign ministry.

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The MoFA/IFA internship has opened more widely to young researchers

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted the program's significance at the closing event, emphasizing its role in expanding policy-making avenues beyond the conventional civil service and electoral politics. Khanal stated that Nepal's public systems, largely built on older models, need to adapt to new challenges posed by climate change, artificial intelligence, and frontier technologies. He advocated for diverse entry points for young talent into policy development.

The most distinctive aspect of the program for the participants was the unprecedented access it granted to the inner workings of policymaking. Interns and fellows engaged in policy-oriented research, consulted with government officials and other stakeholders, and translated their findings into concrete recommendations for policymakers. Ayusha Kunwar, a 25-year-old intern pursuing a master's in development economics, focused her research on the potential for overseas voting for the Nepali diaspora, an experience that exceeded her initial expectations.

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The civil service examination should not be the only route through which young people contribute to policy making