UNDP Nepal Accelerator Lab

With our focus on unplanned urbanization and unemployment, we map, explore and test potential solutions on green businesses, the circular economy, digital transformation, mobility and the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Urbanization is a major developmental issue in Nepal with its rate accelerating at seven per cent annually according to the World Bank. The major cities are already facing environmental problems in terms of open spaces, green spaces, waste management, traffic congestions and resilient settlements, among others. Similarly, over 63.7 per cent of the total population in Nepal is below the age of 30, with a growing unemployment rate and over 400,000 young people estimated to enter the labor force each year. Post COVID-19, the overall job market has been hit the hardest leaving three out of five people unemployed. Hence, the UNDP Accelerator Lab in Nepal has actively been working on mapping and exploring solutions to cater to local needs.

We have been able to create a research-based portfolio of experiments for the following:

• utilizing public spaces for "pocket parks"
• promoting a circular economy
• using energy recovery to solve the increasing problem of plastic waste
• promoting an ecosystem for entrepreneurship
• supporting digital transformation via skills mapping
• developing a job matching platform and an e-commerce platform to promote better livelihoods