Provincial Dialogue Workshop organized in Karnali

The Nepal Forum for Restorative Justice organized a provincial workshop in Karnali Province as part of the Sub-National Governance Program (SNGP) on 18-19 December, 2023 in Surkhet. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the essential skills and practices for effective dialogue, dispute resolution, and inclusive governance. It also sought to elucidate the shared and exclusive rights of the three levels of governments as per Nepal’s constitution. The workshop provided a crucial platform for imparting both theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of dialogue work and was a strategic effort to enhance governance and conflict resolution at the provincial level. A total of 24 people (13 male, 10 female and 1 Gender Sexual Minority) were present in the event. 

Activities

The workshop began with an icebreaker activity among the participants, followed by introductions, and then a discussion about the objectives of the workshop and the schedule of the sessions. The sessions were designed to cover a broad spectrum of dialogue-related aspects, including its historical progression, theoretical underpinnings, and its significance in the present context.

The workshop commenced by examining the foundational concepts underpinning dialogue, engaging participants in thoughtful discussions about its essence and significance in facilitating effective communication and conflict resolution. It also explored into the historical trajectory of dialogue as a tool for addressing societal conflicts, highlighting its contemporary relevance within Nepal’s evolving federal governance system.

In the workshop, an expert consultant led sessions on the federal system of governance and intergovernmental relationships within Nepal’s federal system. The role of provincial dialogue forums in enhancing these relationships was also discussed. Participants explored how these forums could prioritize agenda items for dialogue with provincial governments. The expert also supported these discussions with comprehensive presentations and reading materials on topics like federal systems, multi-level governance, constitutional provisions for provincial government competencies, stakeholder engagement, and the role of civil society and government organizations in public service delivery.

The resource person explained the pivotal role of provincial and three tiers of government: federal, provincial, and local in federal system of Nepal. This system was designed to decentralize power and promote local governance, marking a historic shift from a unitary form of government. The workshop’s session was focused on highlighting the significant role of provincial dialogue forums in strengthening provincial governance, promoting intergovernmental relations, and improving communication strategies in the context of governance reform. The aim of these discussions was to analyze the jurisdiction of provincial governments, providing clarity on both their exclusive and shared rights as specified in the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal 2015. 

After this, there were sessions to clarify various facets of conflict transformation including discussion, negotiation, mediation, arbitration  and dialogue. Participants were introduced to the design, steps, and processes of effective dialogue, incorporating a 5P’s analysis framework (Profile, People, Power, Policy and Process).

The discussion also encompassed the sustainability of dialogue-driven initiatives and their relevance throughout various stages of conflict. This was further exemplified by real-world instances, demonstrating the extensive applicability of dialogue in alleviating conflict situations.

The workshop aimed to promote equality and inclusivity, emphasizing the necessity of integrating diverse societal perspectives. It highlighted the underrepresentation of certain groups, including women, gender minorities, persons with disabilities, individuals from the Dalit community, youth, and ethnic minorities, in dialogue forums. The concept of inclusive dialogue, which ensures that all voices are heard and valued, was discussed. This involves fostering a respectful environment, promoting active listening, and encouraging equal participation. The use of inclusive language, seeking feedback, and role modeling were identified as key strategies to foster empathy and empowerment. The workshop also explored the role of provincial dialogue forums in promoting inclusive governance and formulated practical action plans for leveraging dialogue for effective conflict resolution. The resource person shared that inclusion in dialogue is a fundamental principle that ensures all voices, regardless of their background or identity, are heard, respected, and valued in discussions and decision-making processes. It is a cornerstone of democratic societies and is crucial for fostering empathy, understanding, and mutual respect among diverse groups. She explained that the inclusion in dialogue is not just about giving everyone a seat at the table. It’s about ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It’s about creating a space where diverse perspectives can come together to foster understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. It’s about leveraging the power of dialogue to bridge divides, resolve conflicts, and build a more inclusive and equitable society.

The concluding segment of the dialogue skills workshop emphasized that the objective of a dialogue is not to win an argument, but to win a deeper understanding of each other. The session underscored the importance of active listening skills, which include empathy, paraphrasing and summarizing, evidence-based reflection, and comprehension. Additionally, it highlighted various questioning techniques such as open-ended, closed-ended, reflective, and probing questions. These skills collectively contributed to effective communication and mutual understanding.

Conclusion

In summary, the workshop served to understand dialogue within the context of Nepal’s federal governance system. The comprehensive range of sessions offered a panoramic view of dialogue, tracing its historical roots to its current significance. The insights gained by the participants hold the potential to strengthen sustainable conflict resolution and enhance governance effectiveness. The invaluable understanding derived from this workshop lays the groundwork for fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration within Nepal’s emerging federal structure. This experience underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of evolving governance landscapes. It is hoped that the participants will apply the knowledge and skills acquired to their respective roles, contributing to the ongoing development and refinement of Nepal’s federal system. The major motive of workshop was to connect provincial dialogue forum in provincial governance mechanism to support and strengthening provincial governance system.

The one- and half-day workshop was held in Surkhet, where there were 24 (13 male, 10 female and 1 Gender and Sexual Minority) participants from Karnali Province Dialogue Forum. The sessions were facilitated by experienced resource persons; Mr. Ram Tiwari, Mr. Krishna Prasad Sapkota, Mr. Gagan Khatri, Mr. Sushil Basnet and Ms. Shyam Kumari Sah through lectures, group practices, gallery walk, discussions, and audio-visual presentations.