Nepal’s creative economy at a crossroads

A new UNESCO study shows how creativity could drive economic growth, but policy gaps and undervalued talent still hold back Nepal’s creative arena.

In a country where culture and creativity are woven into daily life, Nepal is only beginning to recognise the true economic power of its artistic and cultural sectors. The recent UNESCO Stakeholder Forum and Dialogue marked a significant milestone: the presentation of the baseline study on Kathmandu Valley’s creative economy. In partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and FCA Nepal, UNESCO, ILO and British Council organised the Forum in Kathmandu. The research sheds light on the scale, potential, and challenges of sectors ranging from handicrafts and design to film, media, and gastronomy. It demonstrates that Nepal’s creative industries are not merely cultural expressions but engines of sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience.