JB,

I agree for the type of pessimism you have expressed about making any difference in alleviating for whatsoever things in the case of Nepal, but trying itself is not a bad idea. To my understanding, the organization was clearly initiated with the idea of networking among diverse groups of Nepali sholars and to adress contemporary issues as they are related to Nepal. It has already initiated towards those endeavors and some of you might have already noticed its activities in the prominent media limelight in Nepal. This organization is by no way a "dallar kheti garne ngo" as is steriotypically labeled to some elsewhere. 

I am not sure of "exceptional PhD", but these scholars (as recognized by the nepali authorities) are just volunteering if something good can be contributed to the society in their capacities. Membership issue is just a technical one. It is very open to take views from non-phds like an expert in a profession.

As you have indicated in the last para of your writing, the organization has planned to help to produce talented graduates by providing academic resources, guidence, collection of past research works, etc., to the new scholars. I am not sure how far it can go, but hopefully it will do best.