International Youth Day Being Observed Across Nepal Under Theme ‘Different Contexts, Shared Aspirations’

Dragon Media Correspondent

International Youth Day is being observed across Nepal today with various programs under this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Shared Aspirations.”

The day has been observed annually on August 12 since 2000 at the call of the United Nations, with the aim of highlighting the importance of young people and their role in society.

The main objectives of International Youth Day are to promote youth-centered dialogue and advocacy at national and international levels, increase youth participation in policymaking and implementation, and expand investment and partnerships in the youth sector. The occasion also emphasizes youth-friendly governance and stronger cooperation among government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private institutions working with young people.

A special ceremony is being organized today at the Nepal Academy in Kamaladi, Kathmandu. The event will also feature an exhibition focused on information technology and startup enterprises.

A youth awareness run is scheduled from Bhrikutimandap to the main ceremony venue in Kamaladi in the morning. The main event will also include a high-level panel discussion on promoting youth entrepreneurship and employment in Nepal.

Six enterprises will receive national awards for achievements in information technology entrepreneurship and startup businesses. Young entrepreneurs representing all seven provinces are also scheduled to be honored.

International Youth Day is regarded as a global campaign to strengthen youth awareness, participation and partnership. It also provides an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to promoting unity, cooperation and mutual understanding across cultural, geographical, linguistic, physical and technological diversity.

A meeting chaired by National Youth Council Chairman and Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment Ramji Yadav on the first day of the Nepali month of Shrawan had decided to mark this year’s International Youth Day with a series of programs.

According to Nepal’s 2021 National Population and Housing Census, the population aged between 16 and 40 stands at 12,412,173, accounting for 42.56 percent of the country’s total population.

Youth is widely regarded as one of the most energetic, creative and active stages of human life. Effectively connecting Nepal’s large youth population with education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship and policymaking is considered crucial to the country’s social and economic transformation.