Kathmandu : “The participation of youths in Nepal’s development is significant, and they should be further encouraged to contribute towards that end,” said Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung.     

Speaking at an event organised by the Association of Youth Organisations Nepal (AYON) on Monday, on the eve of International Youth Day, the Minister said that the capacity to bring transformation in society lies within youth leadership.     

Highlighting the significance of youth partnership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Minister stated that legal provisions have been made to enable Nepali youths to establish IT companies abroad and bring income into the country.     

According to him, the Ministry has pursued a policy of ensuring youth participation in all state mechanisms.     

“The National Youth Policy, which is currently under discussion in a parliamentary committee, proposes to recognise individuals aged 18 to 35 as youth,” he added. He also encouraged youths to pursue careers in the IT sector.     

Surendra Basnet, vice-chair of the National Youth Council, echoed the need to connect youths with entrepreneurship and employment opportunities to build a ‘youth-friendly future’.     

AYON’s former executive director, Tilottam Paudel, also stressed the importance of establishing youth in political leadership.     

International Youth Day has been observed annually on August 12 since 1999, following a call by the United Nations. This year, the Day is being marked with the theme: “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” (RSS)