Kathmandu, Dec. 29: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki affixed the first cancellation mark on the first day cover of 31 different types of postage stamps related to Nepal's natural, biological, social and cultural heritage. Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Dr Baikuntha Aryal and Director General of Department of Postal Services Indu Ghimire also put cancellation marks on the postage stamps released today.

The Philatelic and Postal Management Office has published postage stamps on various mountains of Nepal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking at the programme organized by the Department of Postal Services, Minister Karki expressed confidence that the stamps have been published to symbolize the need to protect and preserve the natural resources and maintain the identity of Nepal. Stamps have also been released depicting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, eight on different mountains and four on various foot trails.

Also, the spokesperson of the Government, Minister Karki said Nepal is rich in diversity with different languages, cultures and customs, and the publication of the stamps is conveying the message to keep the nation united amongst the diversity.

Referring to the postage stamps on SDGs on hand-made Mithila art created by women artists of Janakpur, he said the stamps were published to highlight Nepal's commitment to sustainable development goals.

CIT Secretary Dr Aryal expressed the belief that the publication of postage stamps would help in the localisation of the sustainable development goals at the province and local levels.