Nepal aims to create 500,000 green jobs by 2030: NPC Vice-Chair Adhikari

June 30, Kathmandu: National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-Chair Prof. Dr. Shivraj Adhikari announced Nepal’s ambitious target to create 500,000 green jobs by 2030 through nature-based businesses, local innovation, and low-carbon initiatives.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Bhutan-Nepal Dialogue on Bioeconomy and Circular Economy Workshop, organised by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu on Monday, Adhikari emphasised the NPC’s commitment to policies and partnerships that deliver tangible results.

He highlighted the need for collaborative investments to build an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for Nepal and the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, focusing on green jobs, climate-smart enterprises, and ecosystem development. Adhikari noted that shared experiences and mutual learning would open new avenues for cooperation in circular economies and benefit-sharing.

“Entrepreneurship is not just an economic activity—it is a powerful driver of inclusive and climate-resilient development, as clarified by Nepal’s national policies and programs,” Adhikari stated. He added that Nepal has made significant strides in recent years, with startup and innovation policies laying a strong foundation.

Adhikari stressed the importance of integrating mentorship into the entrepreneurial ecosystem, viewing it as a strategic tool to transform economies and communities rather than an optional service. He praised Nepali entrepreneurs for taking bold steps to institutionalise mentorship, calling it a milestone for the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Investment in mentorship, he said, would empower local communities to address challenges, create dignified jobs, and build businesses that respect both nature and society.

The workshop saw participation from the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce, the National Biodiversity Centre, and Nepali entrepreneurs.