Our Partners
At the Institute for Rural Development (IRD), we believe that sustainable progress is only possible through meaningful collaboration. Our partners share our vision for equity, access, and opportunity—and together, we are building bridges between dreams and reality in rural Nepal.
Oxford Diplomatic Society
The Oxford Diplomatic Society (ODS) is a prestigious student-run organization at the University of Oxford dedicated to advancing international dialogue, academic exchange, and cross-cultural understanding. Rooted in Oxford's tradition of global engagement, ODS brings together students and alumni from diverse backgrounds with a shared passion for diplomacy, development, and global affairs.
The partnership between ODS and the Institute for Rural Development (IRD) began with a transformative delegation to Nepal in April 2025, led by Asmod Khakurel—an ODS alumnus and partner. This visit provided an immersive experience through meetings with Nepali institutions, NGOs, the Gurkhas, and the British Embassy, alongside rich explorations of Nepal's heritage during New Year festivities. Building on these deepening ties, ODS subsequently hosted a landmark hybrid event, "Education Diplomacy in Nepal – How Can International Collaboration Strengthen Education in the Himalayas?", and publicly announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with IRD at the close of the event.
Areas of Collaboration
- Facilitating visits, joint workshops, and speaker events on topics such as development, diplomacy, and education.
- Offering internships and volunteer opportunities for ODS members to participate in IRD's ongoing programs.
- Fostering enduring friendships and mutual learning opportunities between students, alumni, and rural Nepali communities.
- Carrying out joint projects in sustainable tourism, community development, and local empowerment.
Guided by mutual respect, shared learning, and a commitment to long-term impact, this partnership stands as a model for innovative, student-driven international cooperation. Together, Oxford Diplomatic Society and IRD are championing educational advancement and community empowerment, setting a standard for transformative collaboration between the United Kingdom and Nepal.