Nepal, as a signatory to the three pillars of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), remains committed to non-proliferation and disarmament. However, the third pillar, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, is yet to be fully explored. While nuclear technology is already supporting Nepal’s medical sector, its application in agriculture, environmental protection, and industry remains limited.

To bridge this gap, Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI) and Hiroshima University Scholars’ Alumni Nepal (HiUSAN) have been hosting annual workshops on Hiroshima Day (6^th of August) to explore how Nepal can responsibly harness nuclear science for peaceful development. This year’s event, marking the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, was co-organized with the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), bringing together leaders in science, diplomacy, policy, and development. The program was chaired by Dr. Ranjan Prakash Shrestha, Chairperson of HiUSAN, with Mr. Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, serving as the Chief Guest, whereas Mr. Gyan B. Magar, Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served as the Guest of Honor.

The workshop was organized to review Nepal’s initiatives in peaceful nuclear applications, explore science diplomacy and international cooperation, reiterate Nepal’s stance on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and also share insights on food irradiation technology to improve food safety and reduce post-harvest losses. Around 70 participants attended the event, representing government ministries, academia, the private sector, and civil society. The diverse group included officials from various ministries, universities, think tanks, enterprises, members of the diplomatic community, including the Embassy of Japan as well as former ambassadors, and media representatives.

A key highlight of the event was a technical presentation by Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung, Senior Research Scientist at NDRI, who underscored the potential of electron beam (e-beam) food irradiation as a safe and environmentally friendly technology to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, and meet international export standards. Another notable presentation was delivered by Ambassador Prakash Kumar Suvedi, Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), who discussed the role of nuclear diplomacy, Nepal’s commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and the need for stronger domestic legislation. Speakers collectively emphasized the importance for Nepal to balance geopolitical realities, strengthen disasterpreparedness, and align scientific capacity with foreign policy objectives. Key representatives from various organizations also shared their perspectives, contributing valuable insights on the theme of the day. Participants addressed challenges in technology adoption, public perception, and policy integration, underscoring the importance of awareness and multi-sector collaboration.

Key takeaways from the program included the potential of food irradiation to address costly fumigation requirements and significantly reduce post-harvest losses; the safety, effectiveness, and global endorsement of e-beam technology; and the necessity of multi-sector collaboration for its successful adoption and public acceptance. Discussions also focused on how peaceful nuclear applications directly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Participants further emphasized the need for continuous dialogue, research, and policy engagement to convert this potential into tangible practice.

The Hiroshima Day 2025 workshop was more than a commemoration; it was a platform to turn lessons from history into actionable strategies for Nepal’s future. By embracing the peaceful potential of nuclear science, Nepal has a unique opportunity to strengthen food security, enhance public health, and contribute meaningfully to global peace, all while staying true to its principled commitment against the use of nuclear weapons.