The government has recommended Chiran Jung Thapa as Nepal’s ambassador to the United States. The Cabinet meeting held on Friday recommended Thapa’s name for the post as part of a decision to recommend ambassadors for 13 countries.

With more than two decades of experience in security policy, crisis management and international diplomacy, Thapa is known as a security affairs expert. His professional experience spans government agencies, Nepal’s security institutions, international non-governmental organizations and the diplomatic sector.

From Columbia University to Harvard

Thapa holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where he studied on a full scholarship. He had previously completed a bachelor’s degree in international relations from [the institution named in the original text is unclear due to a typographical error].

He has also completed the “Leadership in Homeland Security” program at Harvard Kennedy School. According to the information provided, he was the first Nepali civilian to complete the program.

Security and Crisis Management in 15 Asian Countries

Since 2017, Thapa has been serving as Oxfam’s Regional Security Adviser for Asia. In that capacity, he has led work related to risk and crisis management across 15 Asian countries, according to the details provided.

Previously, from 2013 to 2016, he worked at Saferworld as the Regional Security and Justice Adviser for Asia. From 2010 to 2013, he served at The Asia Foundation as an adviser on security-sector and civil-military relations.

His diplomatic experience dates back to the early stages of his career. He has also worked with the Permanent Missions of Nepal and Singapore to the United Nations in New York, according to the information provided.

Cooperation with Nepal’s Security Institutions

Thapa has provided strategic advice and worked in cooperation with Nepal’s Ministry of Defence, National Security Council, Nepali Army and Nepal Police.

He is particularly credited with playing a role in developing the Nepali Army’s first civil-military relations course. For his contributions to the security sector, he has received the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation twice. According to the information provided, he is the first person to receive the honor twice.

In 2023, Thapa also participated as the keynote speaker from Nepal at the first Chanakya Defence Dialogue, organized by the Indian Army.

With the government’s recommendation of Thapa as ambassador to the United States, his experience in security policy, crisis management, civil-military relations and international affairs is set to be brought into a diplomatic role.

However, following the Cabinet’s recommendation, the process of parliamentary hearings and obtaining agrément from the United States remains to be completed. Under Nepal’s constitutional arrangement, the President appoints an ambassador after these procedures have been completed.