On July 17, 2025, the Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) School of Law welcomed an esteemed delegation from Nepal, led by Judge Sunil Kumar Pokharel of the Supreme Court of Nepal, accompanied by QUB doctoral graduate Dr Narayan Datta Kandel. This visit marked a significant moment in fostering academic and cultural exchange between Nepal and Northern Ireland, highlighting Queen’s commitment to global legal scholarship and community engagement. The delegation’s itinerary included a tour of the university’s historic campus and the state-of-the-art facilities at the School of Law, followed by a dynamic academic discussion and a series of high-profile engagements across Belfast.

Background: Nepal’s Legal and Political Context

Nepal, a nation nestled in the Himalayas, has undergone significant political transformation since the end of its decade-long civil conflict (1996–2006). The adoption of the 2015 Constitution marked a pivotal step in transitioning from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic, aiming to address issues of inclusivity, federalism, and social justice. However, the transition has raised complex legal challenges, including disputes over federal boundaries, minority rights, and judicial independence. Judge Sunil Kumar Pokharel, a prominent figure in Nepal’s judiciary, has been instrumental in interpreting and upholding the Constitution during this transformative period. Dr Narayan Datta Kandel, a QUB alumnus, has contributed to legal scholarship on Nepal’s constitutional framework, making him a vital bridge between Nepalese and international academic communities.