Seoul, South Korea | March 12, 2025 — In a significant diplomatic achievement for Nepal, Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, Member of Parliament and former minister, has been appointed Secretary-General of the newly established Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC)—a global platform aimed at advancing parliamentary diplomacy and fostering international cooperation.

The Inaugural Assembly of the ISC took place on April 11, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together over 150 delegates, including nearly 40 parliamentary speakers from around the globe. The event marked the formal launch of the ISC and underscored the increasing relevance of legislative diplomacy in addressing today’s global challenges.

The conference saw South Asia take center stage with Pakistan’s Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate and former Prime Minister, being elected as the Founding Chairman of the ISC.

Dhakal’s appointment to the Secretary-General role signals Nepal’s emerging influence in global parliamentary affairs. His leadership is expected to help steer the ISC’s agenda on critical global issues including climate change, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

Nepal was further represented at the Assembly by Lawmaker Sunita Baral, who delivered a speech highlighting the country’s commitment to multilateral engagement and democratic values.

The prestigious gathering was attended by global dignitaries including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, South Korea’s Vice Speaker Hon. Lee Hackyoung, and Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City Hon. Park Heong-joon. Additionally, President of the United Nations General Assembly H.E. Philémon Yang and Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) H.E. Martin Chungong addressed the conference virtually.

The ISC has set its sights on enhancing collaboration with inter-governmental, inter-parliamentary, and international financial institutions. The Seoul Assembly marks the beginning of what is poised to become a pivotal global forum—one in which Nepal now plays a prominent leadership role.