The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) recently conducted key leader engagements in Kathmandu, Nepal, highlighting Nepal’s strategic role in regional stability.

DKI APCSS Director Suzanne Vares-Lum recently accompanied Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, to Nepal to engaged with senior Nepali leaders and U.S. Embassy partners and to deepen dialogue on shared security priorities.

The visit underscored the impact of Nepal’s DKI APCSS alumni at the highest levels of leadership, including engagement with alumni Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bala Nanda Sharma, Nepal’s Foreign Minister, who is a graduate of the 2010 Security Sector Development workshop and Lt. Gen. Pradeep Jung, Vice Chief of the Nepali Army, a graduate of the Comprehensive Security Responses to Terrorism (CSRT 08-3 )course.  The delegation also met with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Nepal’s Chief of Defense, who reaffirmed Nepal’s strong connection to DKI APCSS and supported continued cooperation.

A highlight of the visit was an alumni mentoring event with over 100 distinguished APCSS alumni in attendance.  Chargé d’affaires Scott Urbom and Admiral Paparo addressed the group, reinforcing the value of trusted relationships built through education and partnership.

DKI APCSS also recognized alumni completing their one-year Fellows projects by presenting Laulima lanyards—“many hands working together”—symbolizing collaborative solutions to challenges from cybersecurity to crisis response. A number of alumni who were recently promoted or retired were also acknowledged.

Additionally, Director Vares-Lum hosted a breakfast roundtable meeting with senior alumni to gather insights on mentoring and addressing regional security issues.

“Engaging with our alumni in Nepal was a profoundly moving experience,” said Director Vares-Lum. “They are a constant source of inspiration, and their impactful work is a living testament to the value of the APCSS program. Time and again, our alumni reiterate how invaluable the program has been in educating, connecting, and empowering them. This sentiment was powerfully echoed by the Foreign Minister himself, who expressed his gratitude for the program’s positive influence in Nepal.”

Celebrating Connections: Nepal Alumni Event Highlights

More than 100 DKI APCSS alumni participated in an alumni reunion event held in Nepal on February 13, 2026. Special guests included Chargé d'affaires Scott Urbom and Admiral Paparo. DKI APCSS Director Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum led the event where DKI APCSS alumni exchanged ideas, strengthened professional networks, and explored collaborative solutions to regional security challenges.