Nepalese Youth’s Challenges and the Path to Change

Nepal, known as the birthplace of Buddha and globally recognized for its peaceful identity, has undergone profound political transformations in recent decades. From a monarchy to a federal democratic republic, the nation has experienced a series of upheavals, reforms, and revolutions.

Despite these changes—particularly since 2008—challenges such as governance instability, corruption, and a lack of economic opportunities persist. Among those most affected are Nepal’s youth, who comprise a significant portion of the population (40%) but often feel disillusioned.

Driven by their aspirations for a thriving and inclusive Nepal, the youth played a pivotal role in the “people’s revolution” of 2006. Paradoxically, a growing number of young people are now choosing to leave the country, primarily due to the current state of governance and socio-economic systems.

Institutional Reforms and Inclusivity: Political parties must adopt internal reforms to provide fair opportunities for young candidates. This includes implementing merit-based empowerment, promoting leadership grounded in competence, and ensuring meaningful engagement with youth rather than token representation.

From former Maoist fighters to college students who participated in the 2006 revolution—which ended the monarchy and established a democratic republic—many who once believed in bringing prosperity and happiness to their families and society are now enduring difficult and laborious lives in Gulf countries and other foreign nations.

Nepalese Youth and the Social Landscape

The establishment of the democratic republic initially instilled fresh hope and new inspiration for both the youth and the nation. However, this transformation did not extend to institutional structures.

With limited domestic opportunities, youth migration for employment has surged. According to the Department of Foreign Employment, over 4.5 million youth have migrated for work since the republic was declared in 2008. In the fiscal year 2022/23 alone, more than 600,000 labor permits were issued, primarily for Gulf countries.

According to the World Bank (2023), nearly 500,000 young people enter the labor market each year, but only a fraction find suitable employment within the country. This data reflects deeper issues in the education system, where just 25% of graduates meet industry skill requirements (World Bank, 2023).

This mass exodus represents a brain drain, with Nepal losing a significant portion of its energetic and skilled youth population. Many young people see migration not as a choice but as a necessity due to the lack of opportunities at home.

This undermines national development and weakens youth participation in political and civic life. The growing burden of unemployment, migration, academic pressure, and uncertain futures has led to a rise in mental health issues among youth.

A study published by Transcultural Psychiatry (2021) revealed that suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Nepal aged 15–29. Frustration due to a lack of opportunities, identity crises, and urbanization has also pushed some youths toward drug abuse and criminal activities.

The Nepal Police Drug Control Bureau (2022) reported a steady increase in youth drug use, especially in urban areas.

Moving Forward: Path to Change

The nation faces a complex set of challenges in its political landscape, including the departure of its youth, a lack of fresh leadership, and a governance system that often fails to address the nation’s pressing needs.

To truly fulfill the aspirations of its people, Nepal must embark on a path of comprehensive political reform and renewal, focusing on empowering its youth and nurturing leadership that reflects the nation’s values and ambitions.

To address these challenges and create a political system responsive to the needs of the younger generation, the government and political parties should focus on the following agendas:

Rebuilding Trust and Accountability: It is crucial for political parties to rebuild trust with the public, particularly with the youth. The erosion of trust in political institutions acts as a ticking time bomb, threatening the stability of Nepal’s democratic and republican systems, as well as national efforts toward development.

By fostering transparency, accountability, and genuine engagement, political parties can restore faith in leadership and ensure the long-term success of Nepal’s democratic journey.

Youth Leadership Development: Political parties should implement leadership programs that prioritize merit and technical expertise.

By breaking down barriers to their participation and empowering them to lead, Nepal can unlock the potential of its young population and pave the way for transformative change. The rationalization of change by Nepal’s youth is not merely a possibility—it is a necessity for the nation’s progress.

Transitioning from cadre-based to career-based politics would empower youth to enter politics based on their skills and experience—critical elements for the nation’s prosperity. This shift will ensure that leadership roles are filled by individuals equipped to drive meaningful change.

Institutional Reforms and Inclusivity: Political parties must adopt internal reforms to provide fair opportunities for young candidates. This includes implementing merit-based empowerment, promoting leadership grounded in competence, and ensuring meaningful engagement with youth rather than token representation.

Such reforms will create a more inclusive and dynamic political environment that values the contributions of young leaders and helps restore public trust.

Supporting Youth Entrepreneurship: Political parties should develop strategies and policies that foster job creation, promote youth entrepreneurship, and invest in technical and vocational education.

These initiatives will not only create self-employment opportunities but also generate employment at both local and national levels, addressing the economic challenges faced by young people and contributing to national development.

Encouraging Grassroots and Youth Engagement: Political parties should mobilize their youth wings to engage in productive grassroots activism and youth movements.

These efforts should focus on holistically gathering youth issues and demands while supporting and promoting young individuals who initiate self-employment at the local level.

Exploring further opportunities and providing sustained support for these initiatives will empower youth and strengthen their political engagement.

Conclusion

Nepal’s political landscape is at a crossroads, and its youth hold the key to the country’s future.

While they face significant challenges, their energy, creativity, and determination offer hope for a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous Nepal.

By breaking down barriers to their participation and empowering them to lead, Nepal can unlock the potential of its young population and pave the way for transformative change. The rationalization of change by Nepal’s youth is not merely a possibility—it is a necessity for the nation’s progress.

(The writer is an international development practitioner and humanitarian aid worker currently living and working in Chad, Central Africa)