Kathmandu. President Ram Chandra Poudel has left for Qatar today to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development to be organised in Doha, the capital of Qatar from November 1 to 20. Prime Minister Oli has left for Qatar leading a 12-member Nepali delegation at the invitation of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal bade farewell to President Poudel at the VVIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport. Present on the occasion were high-ranking government officials, chiefs of security bodies and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions based in Nepal. On the occasion, a contingent of Nepal Army offered a guard of honour to President Poudel.

President Poudel is scheduled to address the main session of the conference on November 3. On the sidelines of the Summit, President Poudel will hold meetings with the Amir of Qatar, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other distinguished persons.

This is the second conference after 30 years. The first conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1995. This time Qatar is hosting the conference.

The conference is expected to hold in-depth discussions on various aspects including development inequality, population imbalance and impact of technology on society.

The conference will also make common commitment on collaboration and cooperation for social development. President Poudel is accompanied by his spouse Sabita Poudel, media expert Kiran Kumar Pokharel, secretary at the Office of the President and senior officials of the government. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Poudel will return home on November 20 after completing his visit.