Sujata Koirala

As the only daughter and close political associate of Girija Prasad Koirala, President of Nepali Congress and Prime Minister several times during 1991 – 2008 and Sushma Koirala (in whose memory she has established trust, hospital and colleges), Sujata Koirala hails from a politically very active and well-known Koirala family. A close witness to and actor in major developments of Nepalese politics particularly in the last two decades, she was extensively involved in the struggle for restoration of democracy and people's rights.

Active family association in politics and personal commitment to the service of the people led her to politics. As the younger generation leader of the Nepali Congress Party, she was also jailed in the struggle against autocracy and for the restoration of democracy and people's rights in Nepal. The Nepali Congress Party which is a progressive democratic and socialist party, is the torchbearer of the democratic awakening in Nepal, which was established by her uncle, the popular leader B.P. Koirala, under whose leadership, 104 year old Rana oligarchy was overthrown in 1950. The party is being successfully led by her father G.P. Koirala, who led the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and spearheaded the People's Movement of April 2006. This ended the autocracy of the King and brought the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) CPN-M into the democratic mainstream beginning the peace process in Nepal, while ensuring the supremacy of democracy in the country.

She has cosmopolitan outlook and is committed to contribute to the society through dedicated service to the common people. She is also interested in painting, listening to classical music and reading books. Her passion is engaging in social work and philanthropic activities.

Career in Politics

- Member of Central Working Committee, Nepali Congress Party
- Head of International Relations Department, Nepali Congress Party
- Minister at the Prime Minister's Office (2007-08)
- Minister for Foreign Affairs (June 2009)

International Experiences:

In her personal, political and social capacity she has visited many countries of Asia and Europe and also in Africa, Australia and North America. She has also participated in many international conferences and high-level interactions.

(1) Member of Nepalese delegations under the leadership of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the Sixth and Fifteenth SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Summits held in Colombo in 1991 and 2008 respectively.

(2) Member of Nepalese delegations in the State, official and goodwill visits of Prime Minister and Nepali Congress Party President Girija Prasad Koirala to India (1991, 2006 and 2009), China (1992 and 2002), Israel and Finland (1993), Tibet Autonomous Region of China (1993) and Japan (1998).

(3) Member of Nepalese delegation led by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to the 10th Summit of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Jakarta (1992) and 11th Summit of NAM, Durban (1998).

(4) Member of Nepalese delegations headed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to the United Nations Human Rights Summit, Vienna (1993) and United Nations Millennium Summit, New York (2000).

(5) Lobbied in US, India and Europe for the restoration of Parliament and protection of democracy in Nepal after the Royal takeover in 2005.

(6) Led the delegation of the Nepali Congress International Relations Department to India (2008), China (2008) and India (2009).

(7) Paid visits as Chief Guest, Member of Parliament and went on goodwill missions to Republic of Korea (2007), United Kingdom (2008), United States (2008), Sweden (2008) and India (2009).

Source: University Programs and Events Planning Resources, September 2009