SDGs in Nepal: Funding Needs and Strategy

Kathmandu: Nepal will require an estimated Rs 21.17 trillion (Rs 2,11,65,00,00,00,000) to fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nepal between 2024 and 2030, according to a new report released by the National Planning Commission (NPC).

The updated report, titled “SDGs: Needs Assessment, Costing and Financing Strategy 2081”, was unveiled by NPC Vice Chair Dr. Shivaraj Adhikari. It estimates an average annual investment requirement of Rs 3.02 trillion, equivalent to 45.45% of GDP, slightly lower (by 2.4 percentage points) than prior projections.

Breakdown of Investment Needs by SDG Goals:

Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): 24%
Goal 7 (Clean Energy): 12%
Goal 1 (No Poverty): 11%

Financing Source Projections:

Public Sector: 57.5%
- Federal Government: 70%
- Provincial Governments: 9%
- Local Governments: 21%
Private Sector: 34.3%
Cooperatives & NGOs: 4.18%
Households: 3.95%

Major Concern: Rs 7.55 Trillion Funding Gap
Despite the ambitious mobilization strategy, Nepal faces a Rs 7.55 trillion funding shortfall, roughly 11.1% of GDP. Public sector shortfall is Rs 4.26 trillion, and private sector shortfall is Rs 3.29 trillion. Key areas contributing to the gap include infrastructure, sustainable urban development, education, health, and water and sanitation.

Strategic Way Forward:
To close the funding gap and accelerate SDG progress by 2030, the NPC recommends:

Revisiting macroeconomic policies
Enhancing strategic partnerships
Improving public spending efficiency
Boosting revenue mobilization
Prioritizing SDGs in national planning
Mobilizing more effective foreign aid flows

Effective implementation of SDGs in Nepal will require collaboration across government, private sector, NGOs, and international partners to ensure sustainable development and inclusive growth.

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