Kathmandu : Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari is scheduled to leave for China on Thursday to attend the Global Governance Forum 2026, marking her first foreign visit since her recent nomination as a senior leader of the CPN-UML.
Bhandari is travelling at the invitation of the Chinese government to participate in the forum, which will be held in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei Province, from October 23 to 25. She is expected to address the gathering as a distinguished guest.
Rajkumar Rai, an aide to Bhandari, confirmed that Kailash Bhandari, a relative of the former president, will accompany her on the visit.
According to the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), the organiser of the event, the forum will bring together political leaders, diplomats, academics, business representatives, media professionals and youth leaders from around the world. Representatives from approximately 100 countries, including nations from the Global South, Europe and the United States, are expected to attend.
The forum will focus on strengthening international cooperation amid a changing global order and exploring reforms to the global governance system.
Key discussion areas will include the governance of artificial intelligence (AI), cyberspace and outer space, the safe use of AI, and ways to ensure that countries benefit from advances in science and technology. Participants will also discuss dialogue among civilisations, cultural diversity, human rights, humanitarian assistance and the role of civil society.
As part of the programme, participants are scheduled to visit Xiong’an New Area, a major Chinese development project envisioned as a future city.
Bhandari has maintained ties with Chinese leaders during and after her presidency. Her participation in the forum comes following her recent nomination as a senior leader of the CPN-UML.
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