Our viewpoints are unexpectedly expanded by travel. The experiences gathered from traveling allow us to immerse ourselves in the culture, city, and system repeatedly, which helps us notice subtle and striking changes affecting people’s lives.
As I reflect on this trip to Europe, I have expanded my views in many ways. Among a lot of things I learned, here are the four takeaways that I believe Nepal can learn from Europe:
Creating Pedestrian Zones: While strolling beside a friend along the area between Place Fontainas and Boulevard Adolphe Max, I learned that on June 30, 2025, the city of Brussels marked ten years of pedestrian zones in that area, which is situated directly in the heart of the city. We saw people taking pictures of old structures and cafes with chairs in a crowded open area. This struck me of instances in other European cities, such as Amsterdam and Paris, where pedestrian zones were created in previously high-traffic areas that also supported local businesses.
Pedestrian Zones are not necessarily devoid of vehicular movements; instead, they are designed to have controlled access for essential services, such as residents, ambulances, and municipal vehicles. To ensure that only authorized individuals have access, many pedestrian zones use gates with electronic cards or code-based entry systems. Although certain areas in the Kathmandu Valley have been designated as pedestrian zones, there is still no effective mechanism in place to regulate and control vehicle movement within these zones. With unclear distinction between residential and commercial areas, devising these mechanisms is even more difficult. Discussions in other cities did, however, also show that it took time and that only modest moves were taken in phases. Maybe some other towns and cities may start demonstrating how the nation can copy, instead of starting with the capital area.
Open Spaces: It has been ages since I have been advocating for the need for open spaces. However, it seems as if we have a tendency to build on every inch of land here in the valley. People in Kathmandu are always drawn to the open area in Naxal and wonder why it can’t be duplicated elsewhere. A significant change in perspective is necessary. The idea of reclaiming open spaces is not new in Europe, and turning them into parks improves the air quality of the town or metropolis. The proposal of turning the former airport into a park is being considered by the Cambodian government. The industrial area in Kigali, Rwanda, has already been transformed into a park. We might also consider turning the former Pokhara airport into a central park. Additionally, as the idea of industrialization evolved, the designated industrial zones that were constructed on the edges of cities at the time have moved into the heart of the city. Thus, the long-term economic benefits of moving the industry and turning them into parks would be greater.
Managing Tourism: Twenty million tourists visited Amsterdam in 2024, a city with a population of one million. I came and saw posters reminding visitors that the city is home to individuals as well. Noisy tourists are starting to pose a threat in Nepal’s many tourist destinations. Unruly individuals, noisy music venues, and carelessly parked cars are problems in several sections of the area. Due to the alcohol restriction in Bihar, many visitors from India travel to the cities along the southern border. Numerous complaints have been made over the disorderly conduct and late closing times of restaurants. Several of the most populous towns in Europe are still figuring out how to handle the difficulties that come with tourism. The quality of the tourists is more important than the quantity. Nepal may have the chance to lead the way in enacting laws that promote high-quality travel, and prioritizing quality over number would undoubtedly be the first step.
Towards Sustainability: When temperatures in Aix-en-Provence, France, reached about 35 degrees on the first day of the conference, there was nothing to do but wait to reach the hotel room, where there was at least decent air conditioning. As climate change has an impact, weather patterns will continue to shift. Additionally, there is either no snowfall at all or rain that has never been seen before. The frequency of human-impacting natural disasters is increasing. The past 200 years have also taught Europe the importance of sustainability and the necessity of taking decisive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. One method to do this would be to avoid constructing new roads through the mountains, plant more trees to prevent erosion, or simply enforce more stringent rules around recycling and packing. One sustainable area is available for Nepal to adopt. In just 30 years, Nepal’s forest cover has increased from 26% to 45%, which is impressive. However, it is worthwhile to investigate how these forests may be managed to generate wood that can replace costly imports for building. Forest management in Switzerland depends heavily on the sustainable use of timber.
As more European institutions show interest in Nepal and participate in our Himalayan Future Forum, it will be beneficial to begin assembling interest-based groups and developing practical strategies. Numerous achievements in Nepal can be ascribed to the citizen groups that oversee the government. It’s time to change and learn.
Sujeev is the founder CEO of beed. He leverages over 25 years of experience in diverse fields and geographies to advise, lead and inspire. With comprehensive networks in Nepal’s public, private, civil and diplomatic sectors, Sujeev is a trusted business and policy advisor and respected strategic thinker. From economies of developing countries to economies of human beings, he moves across different worlds, with his passion for the Himalayas being the axis.
