The NGO Federation of Nepal (GCAP Nepal) observed the National Youth Day with a week-long series of events, held from 8-12 August, 2024 that brought attention to critical issues faced by Nepalese youth. Themed “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” the activities were designed to address mental health, political engagement, climate justice, social economy, and digital inclusion.

The week kicked off with a focus on mental health. A live yoga and meditation session was held at Kripalu Udhyan, Pashupati, offering stress and anxiety management techniques. This was followed by a National Workshop on Youth Mental Health in Lalitpur, where practical tips and solutions were shared.

The second day was dedicated to youth involvement in politics and democracy. A National Dialogue on Youth & Politics took place at Alfa Beta, Kathmandu, featuring discussions with parliamentarians, leaders and activists. The dialogue highlighted the stigma, lack of resources, economic pressures, and academic challenges faced by youth, as well as their insufficient representation and exclusion from political processes.

On 10 August, a morning hike to Lakuri Bhanjyang was organized, where about 40 participants discussed environmental challenges and sustainable solutions. The discussions centered on issues such as lack of awareness, pollution, insufficient government support, and the importance of intergenerational climate justice.

The focus shifted to the social economy and digital pathways on 11 August. A Social Economy Workshop brought together young entrepreneurs to discuss the impact of social enterprises in Nepal. Additionally, a Digital Pathways Workshop explored the role of digital inclusion and civic participation through technology, addressing challenges like low digital literacy, unequal access to technology, gender disparities, and the spread of misinformation.

The week-long observation culminated on International Youth Day with a Digital Pathways Rally. The rally emphasized the importance of digital technologies for sustainable development, calling for greater digital inclusion and the empowerment of youth.

Reflections and Future Directions

The program has effectively addressed the critical issues of faced by Nepali youth which includes mental health, political participation, climate action, entrepreneurship, and digital rights. The events has empowered the participants to become agents of change. These kinds of events are essential to address issues to create a sustainable positive impact on Nepali youth. Further, future initiatives should prioritize the intersectionality of these issues, such as connection between climate change and mental health, to develop holistic solutions. Lastly, exploring innovative approaches to engage wider range of hard-to-reach youth groups from marginalized communities is crucial for ensuring inclusivity and equality.