Established 2000 · Regd. No. 413/057/58
IGD believes that citizens must be at the centre of governance and development. A just and democratic society is possible only when people, especially women, Dalit, Janjati, indigenous communities, poor and marginalized groups ,are informed about their rights, able to raise their voices and meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives.
We work to strengthen citizens’ awareness, confidence and collective capacity so they can engage with public institutions, monitor services, use local resources responsibly and claim their rights and entitlements. Through civic education, dialogue, training, research and advocacy, IGD supports communities to become active partners in development rather than passive recipients of services.
Our work values diversity, dignity, participation, social justice and accountability. We promote a culture where communities, government, civil society, academia and the private sector can work together to create inclusive solutions.
Where We Come From
Institute for Governance and Development (IGD) is an independent civil society organization established in 2001 by a multidisciplinary team of professionals and activists with experience in governance, development, rights and citizen participation.
Since its establishment, IGD has worked to promote democratic governance, social inclusion and sustainable development in Nepal. The organization was founded on the belief that citizens should have a stronger voice in defining their relationship with the state, shaping public decisions and demanding accountable public services.
Over the years, IGD has worked with communities, local institutions, civil society organizations, government agencies, political representatives, researchers and development partners. Its initiatives have supported civic awareness, women’s participation, community mediation, local governance, cultural diversity, livelihood opportunities, research and policy dialogue.
Strengthening Democratic and Inclusive Governance
IGD works to promote institutions, policies and capabilities that strengthen democratic, participatory and inclusive governance for the well-being of marginalized citizens and communities.
Our mission is to ensure that deprived and discriminated groups can understand and exercise their rights, participate in public life, access opportunities and contribute to sustainable development. We pursue this mission by creating knowledge, conducting research, delivering training, strengthening civic institutions, promoting dialogue and supporting policy advocacy.
IGD adopts a multidimensional approach that connects awareness, empowerment, capacity building, livelihood opportunities and accountable governance. At the community level, we support people to organize, participate and engage with service providers. At the institutional and policy level, we work with stakeholders to promote inclusive decisions, responsive services and long-term reform.
Independent Accountable Collaborative
IGD is an independent civil society organization committed to transparent, accountable and responsive financial, administrative and programme practices. Our institutional culture is guided by fairness, integrity, open communication, teamwork and continuous learning.
IGD works through collaboration. We engage with citizen groups, local institutions, civil society organizations, government agencies, academia, political leaders and the private sector. This multi-stakeholder approach helps create dialogue, strengthen local leadership and develop practical responses to community concerns.
Our People
Executive Director & Governance Specialist
Senior development and governance expert with over two decades of experience leading civic engagement, decentralized local governance, and public policy formulation in Nepal. Spearheaded IGD's landmark programs with GIZ, EU, CIVICUS, and The Asia Foundation.
Distinguished Governance Advisor & Consortium Chair
Former Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal and internationally acclaimed authority on democratic elections, state restructuring, and civic participation. Advises IGD on subnational civic spaces and constitutional governance reforms.
Director of Programs & Mediation Lead
Pioneering practitioner in community mediation and women's access to justice. Has trained hundreds of local Judicial Committee members and rural female dispute resolvers across Tanahun, Mustang, and Gandaki Province.
Senior Research & Policy Fellow
Specialist in public finance, municipal budget transparency, and empirical field surveys. Author of numerous policy papers examining federalization, grassroots service delivery, and citizen report cards in Nepal.
Field Operations & Indigenous Alliances Coordinator
Expert in grassroots mobilization, indigenous people's rights, and inter-community dialogues. Led the European Union-supported cultural diversity project across 80 VDCs in central and western Nepal.
Figures below come from IGD's own project reporting on the constituent assembly civic education programme and the CDSG/GIZ community mediation training.
