Chairman of World Merchant Holds Strategic Dialogue on Nepal’s Prosperity Through Tech, Tourism & Anti-Corruption Reforms

Key Discussion Highlights:

1. Leader’s Inspiring Journey

The senior leader shared his pivotal moment in 1970 when Nepali engineering students returning to build the “Karnali Hydroelectric Project” ignited his passion for politics. Their patriotism inspired his lifelong commitment to serving Nepal.

2. Three Pillars for Prosperity

• AI & Youth Employment: Harnessing AI to drive innovation, create jobs, and empower Nepal’s youth.
• Organic Agriculture & Religious Tourism: Prioritizing sustainable farming and spiritual tourism (e.g., Lumbini, Pashupatinath) as economic accelerators.
• Private Sector as the backbone: Advocating policies to strengthen businesses as the backbone of Nepal’s development.

3. Call for Ethical Leadership

The leader emphasized that “strong commitment, courage, determination, and pure love for the nation” are non-negotiable for political figures. He expressed deep concern over corruption stemming from a lack of vision among leaders.

4. World Merchant’s Pledge

• As Chairman, you affirmed your company’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s growth through:
• Tech Partnerships: Collaborating on AI-driven skill development for youth.
• Sustainable Investments: Backing organic agriculture and eco-tourism initiatives.
• Private Sector Advocacy: Championing policy reforms to boost business competitiveness.

Inclusive Impact Focus:

• Youth: AI training programs to curb migration and unlock local opportunities.
• Farmers :Elevating organic products for global markets.
• Marginalized Communities: Linking religious tourism to inclusive local economies.
• Businesses: Streamlining regulations to fuel entrepreneurship.

Quote from the Leader:

Nepal’s wealth lies in its people’s courage and its cultural-natural heritage. We must build systems where the private sector thrives, technology serves humanity, and leaders work selflessly.

 World Merchant’s Vision:

“We stand with Nepal to transform potential into prosperity. Our global network will invest where it matters most: its people, planet, and future.”

Closing Note:

This meeting marks a critical alignment between global business leadership and Nepal’s homegrown vision for progress—rooted in ethics, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Why this approach works:

• Balances both voices by highlighting the leader’s story and your company’s role.
• Solutions-oriented Turns policy ideas into actionable partnerships (AI training, organic exports).
• Addresses corruption constructively by focusing on leadership values.
• Inclusive framing connects each pillar (tech, agriculture, tourism) to marginalized groups.
• Global-local synergy positions World Merchant as an enabler of Nepal’s self-driven growth.

What can be done (Atmospheric Engineering Concepts):

1. Enhance Natural Removal Processe ;
   • Cloud seeding with hygroscopic particles (like salt cloud enhance rain that removes pollutants (“wet deposition “) . But it’s localized and limited,
   • Encouraging afforestation and urban greening helps capture airborne particles closer to the source .

2.Localized Aerosol Capture

Electrostatic air purification tower: Already tested in China ; these massive towers can reduce pollution locally ; but not at

scale needed to affect Himalaya bound brown cloud .

Drone swarms or balloons : Theoretically cloud carry particulate scavengers ,but this is experimental and energy –

intensive.

3. Geoengineering – Still Under Debates

Some ideas like stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) or cloud brightening aim to reflect sunlight to cool the Earth,

but don’t address black carbone and may worsen regional climate patterns.

# Conclusion ;

No safe Chemical “Sky Cleaner” Exists Yet

There is currently no viable chemical or process that can be sprayed in the sky to destroy brown cloud components like black carbon before they reach the Himalaya- without causing significant technical,environmental , political issues.

# What’s More Effective ;

Cut emissions at the source (cookstoves , Diesel engines ,burning)

Improve land and forest management to prevent fires and reduce dust.

Regional and International cooperation to monitor and reduce aerosole tranport.

An Evening of Elegance and Impact: Rotary Kathmandu Midtown Leads Climate Action with Gala Affair

Kathmandu, May 25, 2025 – In a dazzling display of purpose and unity, the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Midtown hosted its highly anticipated Charity Gala Dinner at the prestigious Hotel Soaltee, bringing together Rotarians, diplomats, expatriates, and climate champions for an evening that blended elegance with urgency.

From the moment guests arrived, the ambiance was set by the smooth tones of a live saxophonist, serenading attendees during registration and welcome drinks. The night took a heartfelt turn as Club President Rupy Singh delivered a warm and moving welcome—preceded by a surprise musical performance that captivated the room.

The evening’s impact deepened with a powerful message from Guest of Honor Manisha Koirala, who spoke passionately about climate awareness and the necessity of collective action. Her sincerity struck a chord with all present. This was followed by a compelling keynote from FAO Representative Ken Shimizu, who artfully balanced the stark realities of climate change with an inspiring call to action.

Incoming President Bhim Udas expressed gratitude in a gracious vote of thanks, acknowledging the dedication of sponsors and the fundraising committee. Special recognition was given to Executive Chairman Basudev P. Gautam (World Merchant Investment), Lisa Choegyal, Sangeeta Thapa, Ananda Tuladhar, Dr. Krishna Belbase, Kalpana Parajuli, and Gopal Kakchyapati for their tireless work over the past three months to make the event a resounding success.

As guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet and engaged in animated conversation, the excitement built with the distribution of thrilling door prizes. The night reached a high point with a dynamic, crowd-energizing performance by Abhaya and the Steam Engines, leaving guests inspired and uplifted.

More than just a gala, the night was a tribute to shared vision and collective strength—a moment where voices came together in harmony, proving that meaningful change begins with the courage to care and the choice to act.

World Merchant Investment officially handed over its pledged contribution to Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town’s “Evening for the Good Earth” fundraiser, supporting climate action.

Kathmandu, Nepal | May 16, 2025 —
As part of its continued commitment to social responsibility and community development, World Merchant Investment Pvt. Ltd. has officially handed over its pledged contribution for the “Evening for the Good Earth” fundraising gala organized by the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town.

The cheque was formally presented this morning during the Club’s regular meeting to President Rupy Shing. The contribution is part of a collective Rotary initiative to support climate resilience and humanitarian projects across Nepal’s most vulnerable regions.

Mr. Basudev P. Gautam, Chairman of World Merchant Investment and a proud member of the fundraising committee, participated in the handover and expressed his appreciation for the team’s unified effort.

“It’s an honor to stand with my fellow Rotarians for a cause that truly matters. I’m proud to be a Rotarian and deeply appreciate the dedication of our entire team in making this event possible,” said Mr. Gautam during the presentation.

This gesture reinforces World Merchant’s commitment to purposeful investment and civic engagement while also reflecting the spirit of Rotary’s mission — Service Above Self.

The funds raised through the event will directly support community-based climate resilience programs in Nepal’s Himalayan regions, aligning with World Merchant’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and social impact.

World Merchant Investment contributes to Rotary’s global grant initiative to help prevent TB through affordable, life-saving treatment in Nepal.
Kathmandu, Nepal | May 9, 2025 —
In a collective effort to address one of Nepal’s most pressing public health challenges, World Merchant Investment Pvt. Ltd. has supported a new Rotary Club initiative aimed at eliminating tuberculosis (TB) through preventive treatment.

The support was formalized during the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town’s regular Friday meeting, where Mr. Basudev P. Gautam, Chairman of World Merchant Investment and an active member of the Club, handed over a contribution of Rs. 25,000 to President Rupy Shing, who is leading the project.

The initiative, titled “Prevent TB to End TB: The Implementation of Latent TB Treatment,” was originally introduced by Dr. Buddha Basnyat, a renowned physician and global public health advocate. The project focuses on the rollout of the 3HP regimen, a cost-effective, weekly treatment that prevents latent TB from developing into active, contagious TB.

🔬 Why It Matters

In Nepal, TB claims 47 lives every day, making it one of the most devastating infectious diseases in the country. While vaccine development is still underway globally, the 3HP regimen — a three-month, once-a-week treatment — has shown proven results in reducing TB risk, as highlighted in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Despite global endorsement by the World Health Organization, countries like Nepal have not fully implemented this treatment due to lack of funding. This Rotary-led Global Grant aims to close that gap and make a meaningful difference — starting at the community level.

“At World Merchant, we believe investing in people is as important as investing in innovation,” said Mr. Gautam. “Supporting this TB prevention project is our way of giving back to the communities we serve.”

This collaboration between the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town and World Merchant Investment underscores a shared vision of health equity, community resilience, and impact beyond business.

📧 For details or to support the initiative:
[email protected]

World Merchant Investment pledges NPR 300,000 to support Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town’s climate resilience initiative, backing sustainable action in Nepal’s Himalayan communities.
Kathmandu, Nepal | May 2025 —
With rising concerns over the rapid melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and its growing social and economic toll on Nepal, World Merchant Investment Pvt. Ltd. has renewed its call for urgent climate action. The company pledges continued support to the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town’s environmental initiative, “An Evening for the Good Earth”, aimed at raising funds for climate resilience programs across the Himalayan region.

Recent research published by NQN reveals alarming impacts:

🔹 Social Disruptions in the Mountains

• Melting glaciers threaten major rivers like Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali, reducing water availability for drinking, sanitation, and farming.
• Increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) from lakes like Tsho Rolpa and Imja has forced several mountain communities to migrate.
• The loss of glacial sanctity has disrupted spiritual traditions and impacted cultural tourism.

🔹 Economic Fallout

• 66% of Nepal’s population depends on agriculture, now affected by erratic glacial-fed irrigation.
• Hydropower generation — Nepal’s primary energy source (~90%) — is at risk due to reduced flow and increased sedimentation.
• Unpredictable weather is hurting tourism in iconic regions like Everest and Annapurna, directly impacting local economies.
• Rising costs in disaster recovery and infrastructure repair continue to burden public resources.

“This is more than a climate issue — it’s a human issue,” said Mr. Basudev P. Gautam, Chairman of World Merchant Investment. “We believe in development that includes both people and the planet. That’s why we are standing with Rotary Mid-Town to support action that matters.”

Through its NPR 300,000 sponsorship, World Merchant Investment will contribute to targeted climate programs, early warning systems, and awareness efforts led by the Rotary Club.

For inquiries or to collaborate on the Good Earth initiative:
📧 [email protected]

World Merchant Investment pledges NPR 300,000 to support Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town’s climate resilience initiative, backing sustainable action in Nepal’s Himalayan communities.
Kathmandu, May 5, 2025 – Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, World Merchant Investment Pvt. Ltd. proudly announces a sponsorship of NPR 300,000 for “An Evening for Good Earth,” a fundraising event organized by the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town (RCKMT).

Key Highlights of the Sponsorship

• Clarity: Confirms the sponsorship amount (NPR 300,000) and purpose upfront.
• Professionalism: Seeks logistical details early to ensure seamless coordination.
• Engagement: Expresses genuine enthusiasm for collaboration and event participation.
• Supporting Climate Action: Funds will directly benefit community-based projects in Nepal’s Himalayan regions.
• Brand Visibility: World Merchant will connect with over 300 influential attendees, including policymakers, environmentalists, and business leaders.
• On-Site Participation: A promotional stall will feature the company’s CSR initiatives.
• Media & Outreach: Sponsorship will be amplified via RCKMT’s promotional campaigns and World Merchant’s digital channels.

Scheduled for May 25, 2025, at The Soaltee Hotel, Kathmandu, the event aims to support vital climate resilience initiatives in Nepal’s vulnerable mountain communities. The program focuses on raising awareness, enhancing local adaptation strategies, and implementing sustainable solutions to address the escalating impacts of climate change.

“As a responsible corporate entity, we recognize the urgent need to tackle climate challenges in Nepal,” said Basudev P. Gautam, Chairman Executive of World Merchant Investment Pvt. Ltd. “Our partnership with RCKMT reflects our dedication to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities to build a resilient future.”

This partnership underscores World Merchant’s enduring dedication to environmental stewardship and social impact, echoing its mission to drive meaningful change beyond business.

For more information about the event or World Merchant’s CSR programs, please contact:

Shivani Gautam
Partner
World Merchant Investment Pvt. Ltd.
[email protected]

Kathmandu, Nepal | April 28, 2025 —
World Merchant Investment Pvt. Ltd. is proud to announce a strategic consulting partnership with Dr. Manoj Shakya, an esteemed academic and AI researcher, as part of its broader mission to pioneer advanced technologies in the global investment space.

Dr. Shakya currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Kathmandu University, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Deep Reinforcement Learning. He holds a PhD from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and is widely recognized for his academic contributions and technical leadership in emerging AI domains.

Through this collaboration, Dr. Shakya will provide expert guidance in AI strategy, investment modeling, algorithm development, and technical infrastructure design. His involvement will play a vital role in developing scalable, data-driven platforms that support World Merchant Investment’s innovation roadmap. He will also be eligible for performance-based compensation once the company reaches sustained profitability.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Shakya to our advisory team. His technical depth and research mindset will be instrumental in accelerating our AI-driven initiatives,” said Mr. Basudev P. Gautam, Executive Chairman of World Merchant Investment.

This partnership reflects the company’s dedication to bridging academic excellence with real-world business transformation, as it continues to position Nepal as a future hub for tech-led investment and entrepreneurship.