Washington, D.C., USA | August 29, 2026

The Central Committee of the Federation of International Journalists, America (FIJA), chaired by its Central President Ram Prasad Khanal, held an extensive discussion on press freedom, public welfare advertising, the devastating floods in Nepal, disaster management, and climate change, and adopted the following nine decisions:

1. The meeting expressed serious concern over the Government of Nepal’s decision to cut public welfare advertising, a move that could further weaken the journalism and media sector. The meeting decided to strongly urge the government to immediately withdraw the decision and restore public welfare advertising to its previous level and framework.

2. The meeting concluded that, at a time when the country is facing a major disaster and a period of national mourning, the government should move forward in partnership with the media rather than adopt policies that weaken the media sector. Such policies are contrary to the spirit of the Constitution, democratic culture, and press freedom. The meeting decided to emphasize that the government should not take a harsh approach toward the press, but instead remain supportive and media-friendly.

3. The meeting decided to formally submit a memorandum on behalf of FIJA to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Minister for Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina, urging the government to respect press freedom and withdraw policies that restrict public welfare advertising. FIJA office bearers and members currently available in Nepal, together with the FIJA Nepal Chapter, will participate in the delegation. Vice President Tank Pant will coordinate the initiative.

4. Recognizing that stronger and more independent media contribute directly to stronger democracy, constitutionalism, good governance, peace, and development, the meeting decided to organize a special interaction program at the earliest possible date, jointly by the FIJA Central Committee and the FIJA Nepal Chapter, to raise awareness and build constructive pressure on issues relating to press freedom and the media sector.

The coordination and management of the program will be carried out by Vice Presidents Tank Pant, Kedar Koirala and Jibaram Bhandari; Nepal Chapter President Krishna Paudel; and Board Director Yubaraj Bhandari “Bidrohi.” FIJA advisers Yogesh Upadhyay, Prof. Purushottam Dahal and Dr. Bal Krishna Chapagain will provide them with necessary advice, guidance, and support.

5. The meeting expressed deep sorrow over the massive loss of life and property caused by the devastating flooding of the Bhotekoshi River, which has severely affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, and other areas. The meeting decided to pay heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives, extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured.

6. The meeting decided to urge the Government of Nepal and all concerned agencies to mobilize every possible resource to make the search and rescue of missing persons and those awaiting rescue more effective. It also appealed to the general public to maintain patience, restraint, unity, and humanitarian sensitivity during this national crisis. The meeting further called on everyone to support and cooperate with the government, security agencies, and rescue teams in their ongoing efforts.

7. The meeting commended the roles played by the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, health workers, rescue personnel, and other government agencies during this time of crisis. It also decided to draw the government’s attention to the urgent need to strengthen modern equipment, technology, trained manpower, and other rescue and disaster-response resources in order to better prepare for future disasters.

8. The meeting concluded that mountainous and geographically vulnerable countries such as Nepal are facing an increasing risk of catastrophic disasters due to the effects of global climate change. FIJA therefore decided to undertake special initiatives to draw the attention of the Government of Nepal and the international community to the impacts of climate change, mitigation, adaptation, and disaster-risk management. FIJA will also mobilize journalists and media outlets to raise public and international awareness of these critical issues.

9. Recognizing that Nepal is currently facing a national crisis, the meeting decided that the Federation will provide financial assistance to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to support the relief, recovery, and rehabilitation of flood victims.

The meeting was conducted via video conference and was attended by FIJA President Ram Prasad Khanal; advisers and senior journalists Yogesh Upadhyay, Prof. Purushottam Dahal and Dr. Bal Krishna Chapagain; Vice Presidents Tank Pant, Kedar Koirala and Satish Chapagain; General Secretary Tank Dahal; Board Directors Anil Thapa and Bishwaraj Thapa, among others.

Thank you.

Ram Prasad Khanal
President

Tank Dahal

General Secretary