September 03, 2026 | Pokhara-30, Kaski |
A high-level academic delegation representing Kulturstudier (Culture Studies, Norway) and Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) visited Pokhara University today to discuss strategic academic partnerships and explore formalizing a comprehensive, university-level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The visiting delegation comprised Kerstin Sigvardsson, Seminar Leader for the Peace and Conflict Studies programme at OsloMet (partly based in Pokhara); Anna Falch, Academic Coordinator; and Aashmani Upadhyaya, Logistics Officer.
Strengthening Academic Ties
The delegates were formally welcomed at the International Relations Center (IRC) by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deepanjal Shrestha, Executive Director of the IRC. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niranjan Shrestha, Executive Director of the Pokhara University Research Center, was also present during the institutional talks.
While Kulturstudier previously maintained a functional MoU with Pokhara University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences—which recently expired—the delegates expressed a strong commitment to expanding the scope of collaboration. The proposed initiative seeks to establish a joint, university-level agreement uniting Kulturstudier, Oslo Metropolitan University, and Pokhara University to foster broader academic exchange, faculty collaboration, and joint research ventures.
Executive Briefing
The delegation also met the Vice-Chancellor of Pokhara University, Prof. Dr. Devendra Adhikari, Registrar, Prof. Dr. Nirmala Jamarkattel, and Former Registrar Prof. Hari Bahadur Khadka. The delegation briefed leadership on the key objectives of their visit, outlining potential areas for long-term institutional cooperation and student exchange programs.
Upcoming Student Delegation Visit & Guest Lecture
As an immediate outcome of this ongoing partnership, a delegation of 24 students from Oslo Metropolitan University will visit Pokhara University on September 10, 2026.
The upcoming visit will feature a special guest lecture titled “Introduction to the Politics of Nepal,” to be delivered by political analyst Bishnu Sapkota. The interactive session will provide an academic platform for visiting international delegates and students to engage directly with Pokhara University faculty and students.