Tula Raj
Sunuwar

Civil servant, public policy professional, researcher, and health policy reformer committed to evidence-based governance, better public service, and institutional reform in Nepal.

University of Tokyo · World Bank Scholar Harvard Strategic Leadership Under Secretary · Government of Nepal ISPOR Nepal Regional Chapter
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Tula Raj Sunuwar
Tula Raj Sunuwar — Professional Portrait
2023
Harvard Leadership
About

From the Hills of Okhaldhunga to the Heart of
Public Service

I am Tula Raj Sunuwar, a civil servant, public policy professional, health policy reformer, researcher, and writer from Nepal. Born in the remote indigenous village of Khijikati in Okhaldhunga, my journey from walking hours each day to attend school to serving as an Under Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has been shaped by perseverance, discipline, and a deep commitment to public service.

My work focuses on public policy, good governance, health policy reform, and citizen-centred service delivery. Through research, leadership, and evidence-based policymaking, I strive to strengthen public institutions and contribute to a more accountable, responsive, and inclusive Nepal.

Even when I stand alone, I am not weak, because I carry the power of the universe within me.
Full Biography View CV
15+ Years in Public Service
3 Master's Degrees
20+ Trainings & Conferences
8+ Awards & Honours
Core Pillars

Three Pillars of My Work

My work is guided by three core pillars: research, advocacy, and community leadership. Together, they promote evidence-based policymaking, accountable governance, and inclusive national development

Research

Focused on Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), Health Technology Assessment (HTA), health policy reform, public service delivery, and governance. My research supports evidence-informed decision-making and practical policy solutions for Nepal.

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Policy Excellence

Advancing evidence-based public policy, institutional excellence, and effective governance through research, strategic leadership, and informed decision-making.

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Community Leadership

Committed to public health awareness, indigenous dignity, community empowerment, and social responsibility through active engagement with professional and community organizations.

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Harvard University · 2023

Strategic Leadership at Harvard

In May 2023, I completed the Strategic Leadership Program at the Harvard Division of Continuing Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The program strengthened my leadership, strategic thinking, and policy perspectives, reinforcing my commitment to evidence-based governance, public sector innovation, and effective public service.

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Professional Journey

A Career Built on
Public Service

Over the past 15 years, I have served in leadership and administrative roles across local, provincial, and federal government institutions, guided by a commitment to good governance, evidence-based policymaking, and citizen-centred public service.

My professional journey has taken me from district administration and local governance to national policy coordination at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Each role has strengthened my belief that accountable institutions and responsive public service are essential to Nepal's development.

Alongside my government service, I have pursued academic research, international leadership programs, and policy advocacy to bridge research with practice. These experiences continue to shape my work toward building stronger institutions and improving public service delivery.

Public policy and governance reform
Health policy and Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
District administration and disaster management
Evidence-based public service delivery
Research, leadership, and international collaboration
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Sept 2023 – Present

Under Secretary

Supporting policy coordination, governance reform, and citizen-centred public service delivery.

May 2023

Strategic Leadership Program

Completed an executive leadership programme focused on strategic leadership and public sector innovation.

June 2022 – Sept 2023

Chief District Officer

Led district governance, disaster management, public security, and coordination of government services.

2018 – 2020

Master of Public Policy

World Bank Scholar specializing in public policy and Health Technology Assessment.

2013 – 2016

Section Officer

Worked on local governance, community development, and World Bank-supported programmes.

""Even when I stand alone, I am not weak, because I carry the power of the universe within me. I believe a person should be known not by appearance, but by behavior. Instead of blaming others, I focus on becoming the best version of myself.""

— Tula Raj Sunuwar · Personal Philosophy

Research

Publications & Articles

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2026
Journal Article · Journal of Agrarian Change · 2025

Unpacking youth engagement in agriculture: Land, labour mobility and youth livelihoods in rural Nepal

Sunam, R., Sugden, F., Kharel, A., Sunuwar, T. R., & Ito, T. · Journal Article · Journal of Agrarian Change · 2025

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2026
Research Article · Asia Pacific Viewpoint · 2026

The Covid-19 Pandemic and Pre-Existing Migration Infrastructures: Differentiated Impacts on Nepali Migrants in Japan

Sunam, R., Joshi, D. P. R., Dhungana, I., & Sunuwar, T. R. · Asia Pacific Viewpoint

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2026
Conference Poster · ISPOR 2025 · Montréal, Canada

Conference Poster: Improving the Healthcare System Through Health Technology Assessment: A Case Study of Nepal

Sunuwar, T. R. · International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR)

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Honours

Awards & Recognition

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Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)

ISPOR Member Travel Grant

Articles & Publications

Research, Publications & Public Writing

Explore a selection of peer-reviewed research, policy papers, newspaper articles, and opinion pieces on public policy, health systems, governance, and national development.

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Let's Connect & Collaborate

Whether for policy discussions, research collaboration, speaking engagements, or community initiatives, I welcome opportunities to connect and exchange ideas.

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