Kathmandu, Nov. 14: A pioneering Nepal-UK International Skills Partnership has launched a major national initiative to strengthen green skills and boost employability across Nepal through stronger public-private partnerships.
The collaboration has been named one of the five winners of the British Council Going Global Partnerships Awards 2025 at the Going Global 2025 conference in London on October 28 this year. Other winning partnerships came from Nigeria, Pakistan, China and Egypt.
The award was conferred for successfully establishing Nepal’s first-ever Green Skills Advisory Board (GSAB). Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and supported by the British Council, the platform brings together a diverse range of public and private sector stakeholders such as Nepal's leading TVET authority Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) and national employer representative bodies like Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal(FCAN). GSAB also supported UK partners to strengthen international links and build TVET leaderships capacity worldwide.
Through high-level engagement, including a high-level Skills Summit, the partnership secured three new Memoranda of Understanding between UK and Nepali institutions, reinforcing joint commitment to renewable energy, sustainability, and workforce development. UK partners also shared a unique private-sector-led training model, contributing to stronger international connections and enhanced TVET leadership capabilities.
With Nepal facing increasing unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, and a growing demand for green skills, the initiative directly supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by aligning education with evolving labour market needs, promoting inclusive access to opportunities, and preparing the workforce for a greener economy.
While green skills are in demand, there is a mismatch in education provision and employer expectation. The partnership is addressing these issues by embedding a new approach
to driving curriculum development and support inclusive employability and job opportunities.
Partners in this initiative include Exeter College, Outsourcery Services LLP, Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network, and the Devon Chamber of Commerce from the UK, alongside CTEVT, CNI, Nepal Secretariat of Skills and Training, and FNCCI from Nepal.
