UNDO to Organize Global Meet of Nepalis Abroad in South Korea

The United Nepali Diaspora Organization (UNDO), which supports the country of origin, has announced that its Annual General Assembly (AGA) and a one-day conference, organized in collaboration with the MIT Foundation, will be held in South Korea on December 20–21, 2025. The decision was finalized during the organization’s 8th meeting, chaired by President Sonam Lama.

The upcoming General Assembly, scheduled for Saturday, December 20, will focus on several key organizational priorities, including the amendment of the constitution, approval of the two-year budget, resource development, and finalization of the global expansion plan. Although the AGA is traditionally hosted in Nepal, the leadership explained that this year’s move to South Korea reflects UNDO’s focus on foundational development and its strategic commitment to advancing global operations.

A one-day partnership conference with the MIT Foundation will follow on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Coordination for both the Assembly and the conference has been entrusted to Laxmi Gurung, the organization’s Regional Coordinator for Asia. UNDO has confirmed that all registered members—including those who join up to the day of the event—will be eligible to participate as representatives.

To strengthen organizational efficiency and readiness, the meeting also established several key committees and leadership assignments. Secretary Sangeeta Karki will chair the Constitution Amendment Committee, which is responsible for drafting proposed constitutional changes and circulating them to all members a week before the Assembly.

Executive Member and Communications Coordinator Krishna KC will lead the Global Expansion Plan Committee, focusing on finalizing the global strategy through collaboration between executive and general members. Treasurer Ulka Ghimire will oversee financial management, prepare the comprehensive two-year budget, and present the organization’s updated financial statements.

The General Assembly will also review progress reports and strategic plans from regional offices around the world. Regional Coordinators are scheduled to present updates and outline upcoming initiatives for their respective regions. In addition, Regional Vice Presidents will coordinate and implement micro-projects over the next two years. Among these initiatives, Vice President Trilok Gurung will lead a new pipeline project in partnership with the MIT Foundation, while Vice President Bhoma Limbu will oversee the ongoing earthquake relief project.

Last year, Nepali American entrepreneur and social activist Sonam Lama was elected to lead UNDO, representing Nepalis living abroad, to serve a three-year term.

UNDO was established in Kathmandu in March 2022 after consultations with legal experts. However, the registration process faced delays as the organization awaited approval from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Finally, on July 30, 2023, the Supreme Court of Nepal ordered the ministry to register UNDO, formally establishing it.

UNDO differs from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). While NRNA operates under specific legal provisions, UNDO was founded under the leadership of former NRNA Vice President Sonam Lama. UNDO aims to engage diaspora Nepalis and individuals of Nepali origin who have lived outside SAARC countries for more than two years. As per the organization’s constitution, an international general convention will be held every three years in Nepal with physical attendance.

“UNDO is committed to driving initiatives that promote Nepal’s sustainable socio-economic development,” President Lama said. “We aim to work closely with policymakers, influential business leaders, and stakeholders to identify and implement projects that benefit the Nepali community.”

“Diasporas contribute to the human, social, and cultural enrichment of their countries of origin, transit, and destination by building bridges and fostering mutual understanding among different cultures and can play an important role in the economic development of their countries of origin. Diaspora organizations play an important role when it comes to bringing together, advocating for, and implementing change for diaspora members and their communities, building bridges between societies and creating transnational communities of mutual development beneficial to both the host and countries of origin,” the UNDO website reads.

“The UNDO represents the interests, concerns, and commitments of all Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) and aspires to offer their knowledge, skills, and resources and involve them in the socio-economic development of Nepal and the Nepalese people by amalgamating a large Nepali diaspora base for a common purpose by harnessing the resources, both human and economic, the Nepali diaspora is able to provide collectively and individually toward Nepal’s development,” according to the UNDO official website.