Deputy Country Representative, Nepal

Preeti Thapa is The Asia Foundation’s deputy country representative in Nepal. She is a peacebuilder, lawyer, mediator, and certified master trainer in mediation and dialogue with more than 21 years of experience in law, human rights, gender, peacebuilding, and governance. Preeti provides support in managing the Foundation’s work in Nepal including program development, implementation, grant management, administration, financial management, and office security.

Preeti has worked for The Asia Foundation since 2003 in various capacities, most recently as director of Justice and Governance in Nepal. During her tenure with the Foundation, she has developed expertise in access to justice and strategic peacebuilding through community mediation and multi-stakeholder dialogue; mentored staff members on project management, oversight, and capacity building of local partners; served as liaison with the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Gender Empowerment and Coordination Unit, Office of the Attorney General, and the National Human Rights Commission; and played an instrumental role in building strong relationships with government officials, members of the judiciary, civil society, and donors.

Preeti worked with Nepal’s Ministry of Law and Justice on mediation policies and, in particular, contributed to the passage of the Mediation Act and Regulation. She played an integral role in supporting Nepal’s continued peacebuilding through the transition to a federation of provinces. Preeti is a member of the Nepal Bar Association and of the Community Mediators’ Society Nepal. She is a visiting faculty member at Kathmandu University, the Army Command and Staff College, Shivapuri Nepal, and Folke Bernadotte Academy, Sweden on Mediation and Dialogue.

Education: Preeti Thapa has a master’s degree in Law from the University of New Hampshire School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in Law from Tribhuvan University, Nepal Law Campus.