Tula Raj
Sunuwar

Civil servant, researcher & policy reformer dedicated to building an inclusive Nepal through evidence-based governance.

University of Tokyo · World Bank Scholar Harvard · Strategic Leadership PM Balen's Secretariat Indigenous Sunuwar Community
Tula Raj Sunuwar
Tula Raj Sunuwar — Professional Portrait
2023
Harvard
Program
About

From the Hills of
Okhaldhunga to the Heart
of National Policy

I am Tula Raj Sunuwar — a civil servant, public policy professional, health policy reformer, researcher, and writer from Nepal. Born in a remote indigenous village in Okhaldhunga, my journey from walking three hours each way to school to serving in Nepal's Prime Minister's Secretariat is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and unshakable hope.

I currently serve as Under Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, working in PM Balen's Secretariat. My focus is public policy, good governance, citizen-centred service delivery, and institutional reform.

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 Earned
20+ Trainings & Conferences
8+ Awards & Honours
Core Pillars

Three Pillars of My Work

My professional mission is guided by the interplay of evidence-based research, purposeful advocacy, and grassroots community leadership.

Research

Focused on Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), Health Technology Assessment, health policy reform, public service delivery, and governance. My research supports evidence-informed decision-making and strengthens Nepal's health systems.

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Advocacy

Centred on evidence-based health policy, accountable governance, citizen-centred public service, and inclusive development. I promote better policy dialogue, stronger institutions, and more responsive government systems across Nepal.

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Community Leadership

Rooted in service, identity, and responsibility. Committed to public health awareness, indigenous dignity, community empowerment, and social service. Life Member of Sunuwar Welfare Society and Nepal Heart Foundation.

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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, USA. This transformative experience deepened my capacity for visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and policy innovation at the highest levels.

Professional Journey

A Career Built on
Service & Impact

Over 15 years of distinguished public service across Nepal's most critical institutions — from district administration to the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

My journey spans roles in local governance, federal administration, and executive leadership — each position deepening my conviction that accountable, evidence-based governance is Nepal's most powerful tool for transformation.

From serving as Chief District Officer in Rukum East — managing disaster response, law enforcement, and development planning — to advising policy reform in the Prime Minister's Secretariat under Mayor Balen's reform agenda, every chapter has been shaped by a simple belief: public servants exist to serve, not to be served.

Health policy reform & NHI design
District governance & disaster management
World Bank project coordination
PM Secretariat strategic leadership
View Full CV
Sept 2023 — Present

Under Secretary

Office of the Prime Minister & Council of Ministers, Nepal

Policy coordination, governance reform, and citizen-centred service delivery in PM Balen's Secretariat.

May 2023

Strategic Leadership Program

Harvard University, Cambridge, USA

Completed transformative leadership program at Harvard Division of Continuing Education.

June 2022 — Sept 2023

Chief District Officer

District Administration Office, Rukum East

Led district governance, disaster management, law & order, and development planning.

2018 — 2020

Master of Public Policy

University of Tokyo, Japan · World Bank Scholar

Graduated with research on Health Technology Assessment in Nepal's healthcare system.

2013 — 2016

Section Officer

Ministry of Federal Affairs & Local Development

Focal person for World Bank-funded nutrition projects and community development initiatives.

"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

All Research
2025
Journal Article

Improving the Healthcare System through Health Technology Assessment: A Case Study of Nepal

Sunuwar, T. R., et al. · Value in Health, Advance Online Publication, 2025

Health Policy HTA Nepal
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2025
Journal Article

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 of Agrarian Change, 25(1), 2025

Agriculture Rural Development Community
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2020
Policy Paper

Improving the Healthcare System through Health Technology Assessment: A Case Study of Nepal

Sunuwar, T. R. · Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo · Master's Research Paper, 2020

Health Economics Policy University of Tokyo
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Honours

Awards & Recognition

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🎓

Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship

JJ/WBGSP Scholarship for Master of Public Policy at University of Tokyo, Japan (2018–2020). Awarded for outstanding academic merit and professional potential.

🏅

ISPOR Member Travel Grant

Awarded the ISPOR Member Travel Grant to attend ISPOR 2025 Conference, Montreal, Canada (May 13–16, 2025) in recognition of research contributions.

🇺🇸

Certificate of Appreciation — US Embassy Nepal

Certificate of Appreciation by United States Mission Nepal, The Embassy of the United States of America, in recognition of public service excellence.

🏛️

Letter of Appreciation — Former PM Prachanda

Received a Letter of Appreciation from Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' for distinguished service and governance contributions.

News & Articles

In the Press &
Public Writing

Selected newspaper articles and opinion pieces contributing to national discourse on governance, security, and community welfare.

All News

Get in Touch

Let's Connect & Collaborate

Whether for policy discussions, research collaboration, speaking engagements, or community initiatives — I welcome thoughtful conversations.

Contact Me LinkedIn