Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS), established on 25 November 1990, is a non-governmental non-profit organization. It was established as a successor to the Integrated Development Systems, or IDS (estd 1979), which was dissolved following the change in the political system following a referendum and introduction of a more open political system in the country. IIDS envisions to become Nepal’s leading non-partisan private independent research institute committed to holistic and sustainable development based on human values. It aims to: contribute to more informed public policy and action by conducting empirically based policy-oriented research on Nepal’s economic and social development in national, regional and international contexts; foster informed debate and discussion on key development issues facing the nation; provide training and technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental agencies in areas of Institute’s expertise, and facilitate access to and exchange of experience with institutions within and outside the country.

Governing Council

The Governing Council of IIDS provides overall policy direction and guidance to the Institute and ensures its smooth functioning. The Executive Director implements the decisions of the Council and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Institute. The Council is chaired by a chairperson and consists of a vice chairperson, treasurer, seven members, including some life members, and a member secretary, who is the Executive Director of the Institute. The current composition of the Council is as follows.

Dr. Mohan Man Sainju, Member, Formerly, Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, and Ambassador to the USA; Vice Chairperson of the Poverty Alleviation Fund, HMG/Nepal

Dr. Ram Prakash Yadav, Treasurer,Formerly, Member of National Planning Commission, Deputy Director of ICIMOD, and Executive Director of APROSC; Currently, Vice Chairperson of the Poverty Alleviation Fund, HMG/Nepal

Mr. Kul Sekhar Sharma, Life Member, Formerly, Chief Secretary, HMGN, Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, and Ambassador to the USA

Dr. Bhekh B. Thapa, Chairman, Formerly, Member Secretary of National Planning Commission, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning, Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Finance Secretary, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, Vice President of International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Resident Coordinator, United Nations System in Sri Lanka and Ambassador to the USA and India

Mr. Krishna B. Manandhar, Member, Formerly, Chief Secretary, HMGN, and Ambassador to Egypt

Dr. Meena Acharya, Member, Formerly, Chief Economic Adviser to Nepal Rastra Bank, and Executive Director of IIDS

Dr. Ava Darshan Shrestha, Member, Formerly, Senior Economist, APPROSC

Dr. Mahesh Baskota, Member, Formerly, Associate Professor of Centre for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA), Deputy Director of ICIMOD and Programme Director of Nepal Staff College   

Mr. Basudev Dahal, Member Secretary, Formerly, Senior Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance, Assistant President, Program Management Department, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Director General, Pacific Department (ADB)