Change begins with informed dialogue

Gandaki Youth Dialogue Sparks Conversations the Future of Federalism in Nepal

June 1, 2026

Conference room with round tables, attendees watching a presentation on stage. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

More than a decade after Nepal embarked on its federal journey, one question remains central to the future of governance in the country: How can young people become active participants in shaping federalism rather than passive observers of it?

This question was at the heart of the Federalism Awareness and Youth Dialogue Series – Gandaki Province, organized today in Pokhara under the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP), implemented by the Government of Nepal with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland.

Speaker wearing glasses presents to an audience in a conference room, raising his hand. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

The dialogue brought together young people, students, researchers, government representatives, and development partners to engage in meaningful discussions on federalism, governance, public service delivery, accountability, and the role of youth in strengthening democratic institutions.

Why a Youth Dialogue on Federalism?

Nepal is at a critical moment in its federal transition. While significant progress has been made in establishing federal, provincial, and local governance structures, recent civic movements and growing public discourse have highlighted an important challenge: many young people remain disconnected from governance processes and often lack opportunities to meaningfully engage with public institutions.

Evidence generated through PLGSP’s assessments and consultations points to several common concerns among youth. Many young people are unclear about the respective roles of federal, provincial, and local governments. Others perceive governance systems as distant, complex, and difficult to influence. At the same time, there is a growing demand among youth for greater participation, accountability, and responsiveness from public institutions.

Four speakers seated on stage during Federalism Awareness & Youth Dialogue panel. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

The Federalism Awareness and Youth Dialogue Series was designed to address these challenges by creating spaces where young people can learn, question, debate, and contribute ideas to improve governance. Rather than relying on traditional awareness-raising approaches, the initiative promotes interactive engagement, policy discussions, and co-creation of solutions that can help strengthen federalism from the ground up.

The Gandaki Dialogue forms part of a nationwide series that will be conducted across all seven provinces, culminating in a National Youth Dialogue Summit where youth recommendations will be consolidated and shared with policymakers.

Youth Take the Lead

Young participants from Gandaki Province stepped into the shoes of policymakers in a budget simulation, mapped government responsibilities to improve public services, and designed their own accountability tools.

Seven panelists seated on a stage during a conference, with a projector screen behind them. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

The dialogue, organized under the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP) supported by the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland is a core part of UNDP's commitment to ensuring Nepal's governance systems are inclusive and responsive.Speaking during the dialogue, participants reflected on the opportunities and challenges facing Nepal’s younger generation in an era shaped by rapid technological change, climate challenges, globalization, and evolving governance systems.

Addressing the participants, Kyoko Yokosuka, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, emphasized that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development but essential partners in shaping Nepal’s future. She said, “The ideal youth of today is not defined only by knowledge or qualifications, but by curiosity, adaptability, integrity, empathy, and a willingness to contribute to society. In a rapidly changing world, young people have the power to drive innovation, strengthen communities, and help build more inclusive and accountable institutions."

"Nepal’s future will be shaped by young people who are ready to engage, learn continuously, and take leadership in addressing the challenges of their generation.”

Kyoko Yokosuka, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal

Reflecting on her own professional journey, she encouraged participants to embrace opportunities for learning and growth, reminding them that leadership is often built through perseverance, collaboration, and a commitment to public service.

She further noted that Nepal’s youth possess tremendous potential to contribute to governance reforms, democratic participation, and sustainable development, and encouraged them to see themselves not only as observers of change but as active architects of the country’s future.

People in tan uniforms sit around a conference table as a speaker addresses a panel at the front. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

From Dialogue to Action

The Gandaki Youth Dialogue was designed not merely as a discussion forum but as a platform for generating ideas and recommendations that can inform future governance reforms. Participants engaged in conversations on public service delivery, accountability, citizen engagement, inclusion, digital governance, and the future of federalism.

The dialogue also highlighted the importance of ensuring that federalism is understood not only as a constitutional arrangement but as a social contract that must be continuously strengthened through citizen participation, trust, and shared ownership.

Male presenter reads from notes at a conference, audience in foreground, banner behind. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

The day culminated in the drafting of a Provincial Youth Federalism Charter and the formation of a new Provincial Youth Federalism Network—a lasting platform for young voices to influence policy. Young leaders are not just learning about federalism; they're shaping it. Through simulations & innovation labs, they're creating solutions for a more inclusive & accountable Nepal.

As Nepal continues to navigate its federal journey, initiatives such as the Youth Dialogue Series serve as important reminders that sustainable governance reforms require the voices, aspirations, and energy of the next generation.

Because ultimately, federalism will succeed not only through institutions and policies, but through citizens—especially young people—who understand it, believe in it, and actively contribute to shaping its future.