UK–Nepal International Skills Partnership Wins Prestigious British Council Global Award

EDUCAST, The UK–Nepal International Skills Partnership has been honored as one of the five global winners of the British Council Going Global Partnerships Awards 2025, a recognition that highlights outstanding international cooperation in education and skills development. The announcement was made during the prestigious Going Global 2025 Conference held in London.

Representing Nepal, Education Secretary Choodamani Paudel received the award on behalf of Nepali partners. Speaking at the event, Secretary Paudel said the global recognition underlines the “excellent collaboration between the United Kingdom and Nepal in advancing future-ready skills.” He expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly strengthen Nepal’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy.

Strengthening Nepal’s Green Skills Ecosystem

The UK–Nepal International Skills Partnership brings together leading UK institutions and key Nepali stakeholders including the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). Supported by the British Council, the partnership has been instrumental in shaping Nepal’s emerging green skills framework.

One of its major achievements is the establishment of the Green Skills Advisory Board (GSAB)—a high-level body that includes representation from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), CTEVT, FNCCI, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and the Federation of Contractors’ Association of Nepal (FCAN). The board aims to guide policy, promote industry engagement, and ensure that Nepal’s workforce is equipped with competencies relevant to the global green economy.

A Model of Public–Private Collaboration

British Council Nepal Country Director Rustom Mody praised the partnership for showcasing “the power of public–private collaboration in shaping a sustainable and future-ready workforce.” He noted that the initiative aligns with global priorities on climate action, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

The Going Global Partnerships Awards celebrate impactful international education projects that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Alongside Nepal, four other partnerships—from Pakistan, China, Egypt, and Nigeria—were also honoured this year for their innovative contributions to global education and skills development.

A Milestone for Nepal’s Skills Transformation

The recognition marks a milestone for Nepal as it strives to modernize its technical and vocational education system, ensure labour market relevance, and prepare young people for green jobs in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable construction, and climate-resilient agriculture.

With continued collaboration between the UK and Nepal, stakeholders hope the initiative will accelerate high-impact reforms and position Nepal as a regional example in green skills development.