Nepal faces some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges – from flooding and landslides to the growing pressures of climate change. Meanwhile, in the UK, there is increasing recognition that engineers must take responsibility for the global impact of their work, but limited opportunities to learn how.
That’s why Engineers Without Borders UK and Engineers Without Borders Nepal have come together in a new partnership, launched at our offices in London this September. Rooted in mutual learning, the agreement will strengthen international education efforts, facilitate shared learning, and support solutions that matter – in Nepal, the UK, and beyond.
Engineers Without Borders Nepal
Founded in 2022, Engineers Without Borders Nepal has quickly grown into a vibrant network of more than 100 members. Their projects have already reached over 1,500 people – from teaching digital skills and running robotics workshops in schools, to planting trees, cleaning mountain trails, and preserving cultural heritage sites. With active university chapters playing a central role, the organisation is nurturing a new generation of engineers determined to have a positive social impact through their work.
Their growing influence was highlighted in 2024 when President Kapil Dev Regmi was elected President-Elect of Engineers Without Borders International – the global movement that connects more than 30 national Engineers Without Borders organisations.
What the partnership covers
The partnership sets out a commitment to share knowledge and create new opportunities for students and educators in Nepal, including the chance to take part in programmes such as the Engineering for People Design Challenge. It also paves the way for engaging with community partners in Nepal to inform future design briefs, and for deepening collaboration with the organisation through joint advocacy, fundraising, workshops, shared communications, and regular exchanges.
At its heart, the agreement is grounded in one key principle – that projects should be culturally appropriate, environmentally responsible, and grounded in mutual respect.
A shared vision
For John Kraus, Chief Executive of Engineers Without Borders UK, the agreement captures the essence of why partnerships matter:
“Our collaboration with Engineers Without Borders Nepal shows that together we’re stronger. We can achieve more when we work together – and that means both of us can have greater impact.”
He explained that the UK team brings “a wealth of experience and knowledge in delivering experiential learning programmes,” which could provide valuable opportunities for students and educators in Nepal.
For Kapil Dev Regmi, the partnership is both practical and personal:
“This will be a great model for partnership, because Nepal can offer so many things globally. It’s a great learning opportunity for the UK, and equally a great opportunity for Nepal.”
He is especially keen to bring the Engineering for People Design Challenge to Nepal: “It has been successful in other countries, and we’d like to make it a success here too – and then share it onwards from our side as well.”
For Katie Creswell-Maynard, Chief Executive of Engineers Without Borders International, the agreement reflects the spirit of the global movement:
“One of the core values of the Engineers Without Borders movement is collaboration. It’s only through partnering that we can deliver effective change around the world. Seeing the UK and Nepal come together in this way is inspiring.”
She added that the role of the international network is to support and strengthen this diversity: “Some of our organisations are big, some are small, but all are doing amazing work. Our role is to help them collaborate, amplify their impact, and ensure engineering improves lives today while inspiring greater change for tomorrow.”
Looking ahead
As Kapil reflected: “The reception I got, and the people I met, showed me how beautiful this partnership will be. I believe it will become a model for other nations too.” His words capture the sense of optimism that runs through this agreement – that by working side by side, both organisations can open up new opportunities for students, educators and communities to shape engineering for the better.
