An Interaction Program on Rule of Law, Transparency and Participation: A Perspective from Finland
The Nepal Law Society (NLS) and the Constitution Watch Group (CWG) have been holding regular dialogue programs on rule of law, democracy, Constitution and independence of judiciary etc. by inviting keynote speakers from respective field. In this connection, an interaction program was organized on "Rule of Law, Transparency and Participation: A Perspective from Finland" on 7th of November, 2023 at Hotel Yellow Pagoda, Kathmandu. The Ambassador of Finland to Nepal Ms. Riina-Riikka Heikka delivered a keynote speech followed by discussion in the program.
As Nepal works to consolidate democracy, the institutionalization of rule of law has been a challenge. From law making to law implementation and in the checks and balance through judiciary, the rule of law has faced multiple challenges in the country. Finland, on the other hand, is known for its strong rule of law and robust democracy.
With the purpose of discussing the experiences from Finland and lessons that Nepal can emulate, the interaction program was organized by the NLS and CWG. The key objectives of the programs were:
- To facilitate dialogue on rule of law among MPs, lawyers, judges, and leaders of civil society,
- To learn the experiences of Finland in the establishment of rule of law, transparency and accountability on governance system, and
- To share the contributions of the judiciary in the establishment of rule of law in Nepal.
There were 150 participants participated in the program including the parliamentarians, judges, leaders of the civil society, government officials, lawyers and experts.
The NLS and CWG regularly hold such dialogue programs to inform and educate the public, especially on constitutionalism and rule of law.
The CWG is a group of seven civil society organizations – Nepal Law Society, Niti Foundation, Nepal Open University, General Election Observation Committee, Nepal Bar Association, Constitutional Lawyers Forum and Kathmandu University – that works as a watchdog on constitutional matters by raising issues of national concern.
