One of Niti Foundation’s founding board members, Basanta Pokharel currently serves as Executive Director, guiding Niti’s overall strategic direction and overseeing all thematic areas of work. With over 25 years of experience in international development, he has led transformative programs on human rights, governance, and public policy across Nepal, Mongolia, and Vietnam. Before joining Niti Foundation, he was Country Director for Pact Nepal and held senior leadership roles in complex USAID and FCDO projects focused on accountability, local governance, and civil society strengthening. Mr. Pokharel holds a Master of Asia Pacific Policy Studies from the University of British Columbia and a Master of International Development from Clark University.
Basanta Pokharel
Executive Director