By Our Reporter image001FES has always proven the necessary flexibility to address topics and issues currently relevant to Nepalese society and design activities in a way that they bring about the best result possible, saidChristiane Kesper,Head of Division for International Cooperation Office, FES, a German NGO. Kesper said that FES believes in cooperation beyond governments each of its overseas office work with a broad and diverse range of partners from civil society, trade unions, governments and academia. At a function organised to bid farewell to the long-standing Head of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Nepal Office Dev Raj Dahal and welcome to the new resident representative of FES Nepal, Annette Schlicht, Kesper remarked the above last Thursday. “In our view, cooperation and dialogue is the most powerful tool to promote our values that are social democracy, development, peace, security and social justice and international understanding and cooperation,” she said. Kesper said, “the social democratic movement has always been based on the idea that the problem facing mankind can only be solved in a common effort,” she added, “the biggest challenge we are facing are global in nature and we can only solve these global problems together. This applies to climate change just as it does to combating underdevelopment and poverty, or issues of international trade.” “For South Asia as one of the biggest regions with the fastest growing population of the world, questions of social justice and social inclusion are of particular importance. With a view to the developing countries with social security and decent work need to be implemented as essential human rights. Thus FES regards it as one of its fundamental tasks to contribute to the development of innovative approaches to social participation in its international works. Stating that one of the core values of social democracy is the value of solidarity, she said that it meant a sense of responsibility between people but also between countries. “We regard solidarity as a prerequisite for cohesive societies as well as pace and security and development for all” she said. She noted that Nepal was a home to many regional and international organisations and it shows a strong commitment to this understanding. The FES can build upon well-established partnership with highly dedicated and professional partner organizations all over Nepal, she said. Outgoing country head of FES Nepal Office, Dev Raj Dahal said that the life span of an institution lasted longer than the people working in it. He said he worked with full knowledge of responsibility for 24 years with FES Nepal office. He received both national and international exposure and experiences and transcended disciplinary boxes. Dahal said, “the support I received from many colleagues from the headquarters, our Indian office, regional offices and from our national global partner organizations strengthened my ability and boosted my confidence. I worked with a spirit of solidarity with all. I have received immense cooperation from the officials of the government of Nepal and the German Embassy whenever needed. I am grateful to all of them.” “I know FES contribution was there in Nepal before I joined this office and will continue with a new vigour and fresh insight in the future,” he said, adding that the long past of his tenure was over but his deep bonds with the FES would remain fresh in his memory. “Retirement is only a time for self-examination and sharing of experience with family and friends” Dahal said. Newly appointed FES Nepal Office Head Annette Schlicht said that she had collected wonderful feeling during a short span of time here. “I am eager to work with FES partners here in the spirit of values that our office stands for,” she said. The FES Nepal Office was set up in Kathmandu 20 years ago and today it has offices in more than 100 countries worldwide.