Workshop on Portfolio Approach to Strengthen Collaborative Governance in Gandaki Province
Date of event: March 18, 2025
Location: Pokhara, Gandaki Province
The Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP), in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM) Gandaki Province and UNDP, successfully organized a Portfolio Approach Sensemaking Workshop in Pokhara. Representatives from several provincial ministries, public institutions and local governments were oriented on the portfolio approach—a flexible, collaborative model that fosters synergy across sectors—and explore its integration into provincial planning and PLGSP programming. The workshop also helped identify the development and governance challenges of the province and its key priorities. Participants reflected on their ambitions, assets, and current governance challenges while identifying areas for improvement and potential support from PLGSP, UNDP and other development partners.
Participants: This initiative brought together key provincial stakeholders and development partners, with the aim of enhancing governance effectiveness through integrated planning. Attendees included representatives from the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, as well as sectoral ministries such as Economic Affairs; Industry and Tourism; Forest and Environment; Energy, Water Resources, and Drinking Water; Agriculture and Land Management; Physical Infrastructure Development and Transport Management; Social Development and Sports; and Health. Key institutions like the Office of the Provincial Chief, Provincial Public Service Commission, and Gandaki Province Training Academy were also represented. Additionally, local governance bodies such as NARMIN, MuAN, and ADCCN contributed to the discussions, enriching the workshop with diverse perspectives and expertise.
Highlights: The workshop facilitated interactive group discussions focusing on strategic planning, service delivery, governance systems, and resilient infrastructure. Participants collectively acknowledged the need for strengthened intergovernmental coordination, capacity development, and citizen-centric services. Key recommendations included enhancing e-governance, building GESI-responsive infrastructure, and improving policy coherence across government tiers.
UNDP’s Deputy Regional Director, Mr. Christophe Bahuet, emphasized the portfolio approach as a strategic tool for adaptive governance, enabling rapid learning and responsive action. The event concluded with a call for deeper collaboration and continuous learning to transform governance systems in line with the federal structure.
This workshop marks a significant step in aligning provincial efforts with national priorities, fostering stronger partnerships, and ensuring efficient and inclusive governance in Gandaki Province.
