After President Bidya Devi Bhandari launched the Baliyo Nepal initiative last week, the private sector today took the first step around the common goal of fighting malnutrition.Baliyo Nepal’s innovative, non-traditional approach to bring together the whole of Nepali society relies on many diverse sectors backing the cause; and today the first group of businesses joined the movement, committing their support to Baliyo Nepal’s efforts at reducing chronic malnutrition in the country. This was first of its kind event, where both food and non-food companies have committed to the movement.
The first private sector partners of Baliyo Nepal include major food producers, service sector companies and manufacturers. Businesses as diverse as MegaBank, Nimbus, Thamel Remit and Triveni Group committed to support the movement against hidden hunger, confirming that they saw it as in their interest to jointhe initiative that helps this country to thrive.
During proceedings at the Annapurna Hotel, the Chairman of Baliyo Nepal emphasized that signing theseMemorandum of Understandings (MoUs) is one of the landmark steps in the fight against malnutrition. Dr.Swarnim Wagle said “Nepal has become the pioneer country where private sector has come forward and joined the ongoing government initiatives in the willful fight against malnutrition.”
Baliyo Nepal is positive that this partnership will start the new avenue where the private sector can play the role of a true enabler to this movement. BLC and KL DugarGroup along with Baliyo Nepal will be launching ‘Lito’ for 6months to 24 months children, which will enrich their nutrition intake. Avinash Farms and ShrinagarAgroFarm with this partnership will enhance their egg availability across Nepal. Other businesses are giving commitments to directly supportBaliyo Nepal nutrition promotional programs.
Mr Anil Shah, the CEO of Nabil Bank and a member of the Baliyo Nepal Board, said, “We have been overwhelmed by the appetite of Nepali businesses who share our dream to give the next generation the best future possible. What could our future hold if every child was as strong as Everest?
“This movement is not just about malnutrition, it’s about the collective dreams of Nepal. Of course, everything starts with the right nutrition. We will build a Baliyo Nepal together.”
Kamel Chida, Deputy Director, Private Sector Partnership Development for Nutrition at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also attended the event and said, “The vision of Baliyo Nepal is a future where every Nepali child could grow into their full potential and with them the nation too. That is a big challenge, and a huge opportunity, but we have a team of inspiring and committed partners to make a great start in making the movement a reality. I am extremely confident that more partners will join and strengthen that movement with their participation.”
Almost a dozen companies attended the event and signed individualMoUs with Baliyo Nepal. They were: Avinash Farms Pvt. Ltd., Bhuramal Lunkarandas Conglomerate (BLC), Himalayan Bank Limited, K L Dugar Group, Mega Bank Nepal Limited, Nabil Bank Limited, Nimbus Pvt. Ltd, QFX (Team Quest), ShreenagarAgro Farm Pvt. Ltd., Thamel Remit and Triveni Group.
