Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat has said the world can learn from the success of Nepal’s peace process as the conflict was resolved through talks. 

Addressing the Bali Democracy Forum IX under the theme “Religion, Democracy and Pluralism” that opened in Bali, Indonesia on Thursday, Mahat said, “Nepal’s peace process is a successful example of ending conflict through dialogue. The world can learn from Nepal to end conflicts.” 

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo inaugurated the forum. Ministers for foreign affairs, ministers and delegations from 94 countries are participating in the conference. 

“The Bali Democracy Forum has been an effective platform for dialogue on democratic aspirations and governance since its inception in 2008 and it has been contributing to the process of institutionalisation of democracy as the most prudent system of governance in the age of globalization,” said Mahat. 

“Since the dawn of democracy in Nepal in 1951, the people of Nepal had the aspiration of writing their constitution themselves. The Constituent Assembly in 2008 and 2013 led the historic process of writing the constitution in a democratic, inclusive, participatory and transparent manner. It is considered one of the most flexible and accommodative constitutions that reflects Nepal’s diversity,” he added. 

Stating that an inclusive and robust development path is the priority for the government of Nepal, Mahat said, “Empowerment of the women, the poor and the marginalised groups of people is critical to ensure their participation in development and to promote social justice and shared prosperity for all.”

Describing Asia as the most diverse continent, Mahat said: “Multiculturalism, in harmony with the nature, is what Asia offers to the world. Bali represents the Asian diversity and I believe the topic to deliberate on is a perfect choice.”