Sagar Dhakal: New Generation Leadership for Nepal

We are delighted to celebrate Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust alumnus Sagar Dhakal on his election to Nepal’s federal parliament in 2026, representing Gulmi-1. His achievement marks a significant milestone in his own journey as well as in the emergence of a new generation of leaders shaping Nepal’s future.

Born in the hills of Gulmi, Sagar’s early life shaped his understanding of the challenges facing rural communities across Nepal. He went on to study hydro-mechanical engineering, building a strong technical foundation before joining the University of Oxford as a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust Scholar.

At Oxford, Sagar completed an MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management at Regent’s Park College. His studies focused on the intersection of water, energy, and climate. Following his studies, Sagar worked as an engineer on major hydropower and infrastructure projects, contributing to Nepal’s energy sector while maintaining a strong interest in public service. Over time, he became an increasingly prominent voice in civic discourse, advocating for transparency, youth engagement, and evidence-based governance.

He first gained national attention in 2022, when he ran as an independent candidate in Nepal’s general election, challenging established political leadership. His campaign resonated widely, particularly among young people, and signalled growing demand for change. Building on this momentum, in 2023 Dhakal officially announced his candidacy for Prime Minister of Nepal, positioning himself as a representative of the younger generation and a proponent of evidence-based policy, transparency, and national development.

In 2026, standing as a candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Sagar was elected to the House of Representatives with a decisive victory. His campaign centred on accountability, good governance, and inclusive development.

Sagar’s journey from Gulmi to Oxford and now to national leadership reflects the mission of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust: to support individuals who are committed to improving public life in their home countries. We warmly congratulate him on this achievement and look forward to following his continued impact in Nepal and beyond.