International Youth Day Highlights Challenges in Implementation of Youth Development Plans, Experts Say

The observance of International Youth Day has shed light on the challenges facing the effective implementation of youth development plans in Nepal, according to experts and officials. The global celebration, marked by various programs across the country, comes under the theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World” this year.

The United Nations has emphasized the importance of a green transition for addressing the climate crisis and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development of green skills, encompassing technical know-how and transversal skills for environmentally sustainable decision-making, has been identified as a crucial factor in this transition.

While Nepal has established institutions like the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Youth Council, and the Youth Self-employment Fund, experts argue that these initiatives fall short in effectively addressing the needs of the youth population. The National Youth Policy 2072 and Youth Vision 2025 outline comprehensive approaches to youth development, and regional bodies such as the Province Youth Council and District Youth Committee have been established to support these goals.

However, concerns persist regarding the execution of these policies. National Youth Council Executive Vice-President, Surendra Basnet, pointed out that inadequate budget allocation poses a significant obstacle to policy implementation. “The limited budget allocated for youth-related programs hampers our ability to effectively implement these policies,” Basnet lamented. He emphasized that prioritizing youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance should be central to the government’s agenda.

The President of the National Youth Association, Kshitiz Thebe, highlighted that while the necessary structures and legislations are in place, challenges persist in translating them into actionable plans. He emphasized that the youth should play a central role in shaping Nepal’s future and called for youth-friendly activities and effective implementation of policies.

Minister for Youth and Sports, Dig Bahadur Limbu, acknowledged the need for policy revisions and enhancements. He announced the government’s intention to revise the Youth Policy through the National Youth Council and invited suggestions from the youth for policy improvement. Limbu urged young people to take leadership roles in nation-building and development, emphasizing unity and collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals.

As Nepal marks another International Youth Day, the focus remains on addressing the hurdles hindering the effective execution of youth development plans. While strides have been made in establishing frameworks and policies, concerted efforts are needed to ensure that these plans translate into meaningful opportunities and progress for the country’s youth.

(Reporting by Sharad Sharma, RSS)