By Adita and Binita, youth representative on behalf of SETU Nepal (www.setunepal.org)
The alarm rang, and an email from the United Nations team announced a pre-consultation workshop at the UN House. We (Adita and Binita) left our Setu Home that we excited for the day. We headed there to the UN House, both of us curious about the topics to be discussed. The six thematic areas were:
- Education, including access to Digital Technology, TVET, and CSE
- Decent Work, Employment, and Social Protection
- Health, including Mental Health and SRHR
- Youth and Migration
- Gender Equality and Women/Girls Empowerment
- Climate Change, Disaster, and Environmental Justice
Upon reaching the UN House, I noticed the setup for the day—banners for the "Summit for the Future," chairs arranged in clusters, and tables set aside. The room was filled with diverse participants, mostly women, including people with disabilities. We felt overwhelmed by the unique perspectives in the room. The session started with an ice-breaking introduction by Mr. Abhiram Roy, Un representative who was even more energetic than us. Ms. Yung then shared the objectives of our gathering, providing an orientation on the "Summit for the Future" and discussing the six key thematic areas. The facilitators, armed with accurate data, delved into the current status of each topic, which made me appreciate the knowledge and research invested by the United Nations Nepal in the country’s prosperity. We were then divided into groups based on these thematic areas.
We joined the Gender Equality and Women/Girls Empowerment group, facilitated by Ms. Palmu Sherpa. We deepened our understanding of gender issues and the right to equal access to responsibilities and opportunities. She also highlighted existing barriers, including gaps in legal frameworks, structural inequalities, and the prevalence of gender-based violence. Palmu guided us through discussions on the challenges we face and encouraged us to share our ideas. We identified numerous issues and gaps, realizing the significant impact these have on people's lives. As young people, we’re aware of the challenges but sometimes neglect to implement changes in ourselves first. Our discussions culminated in a "Call to Action." We also recognized the importance of including LGBTIQA+ communities when discussing gender, understanding the concept of gender intersectionality.
Each group was then given time to present on:
- Key Issues
- Gaps and Challenges
- Opportunities
- Way Forward and Action Points
All group representatives shared their insights, and we did the same. The day left us convinced that youth are indeed leaders, broadening our perspectives. The pre-consultation concluded, and everyone eagerly awaited the final program on International Youth Day.
On August 12, we were picked up from our respective areas and registered for the event. I, Adita was amazed by the number of youths at the venue, meeting new people on the bus, in the hall, and during meals. We both made friends with social activists, aspiring lawyers, counselors, nurses, doctors, engineers, and robotic science students, which made us optimistic about our future. I, Binita noticed a common purpose among us: to make our future, and Nepal’s future, better. The final program began with the arrival of Mr. President and remarks from the Vice-Chairperson of the National Youth Council. A dance performance provided a refreshing break. We were glad to see Ms. Deputy Mayor at the event, who offered empowering words, sharing her experience of leading as a young person and assuring us of the government’s commitment to improving opportunities for youth. The youth song was motivating, reinforcing our responsibility to build the nation. Ms.Hanna,UN inspired us to strive for a better Nepal. After remarks by Mr. President and the Chair of Youth and Sports, we gathered for a youth-led panel discussion. The panel featured empowered youths from YUWA, disability rights activists, young entrepreneurs, a ward member from Chandragiri Municipality, and a youth representative from Madhesh Province.
The discussion, moderated by Ms. Binita,UN was insightful. I was proud to see Mr. Pradip Pariyar, a Youth Global Leader and founder of the Dalit Lives Matter Global Alliance, on the panel. His comments were inspiring, encouraging us to be change-makers, and he shared existing opportunities for youths. It was a fruitful session.
We were again divided into groups for discussions on key thematic areas, with moderators helping us develop ideas and plans for the future. We engaged in round table discussions, cross-table discussions, and presentations, summarizing issues raised from rural and provincial consultations. The interaction with moderators and peers from various organizations was enriching, deepening our understanding of the issues.
We also presented an overview of each thematic area and built a consensus. I,Adita was amazed when we handed over the Nepal Declaration from youths to the Prime Minister of Nepal, who committed to raising the voices of Nepali youth at the September "Summit for the Future."
We feel grateful and honored to have been part of this program, thanks to the United Nations and partner organizations for making it successful. There would barely be such opportunity to represent our home Setu Nepal and advocate our voices for the improvement of lives of children like us. Our home Setu Nepal bridges the gap between life of underprivileged to the live full of dignity. Similary, UN bridged the gap in shaping our voices for the future. The event staff also put in tremendous effort. This experience boosted both of our confidence and leadership skills, and I, Adita already started to network with friends who share the common goal of making Nepal better. We are really thankful to every element that had made us a part of building our nation through youth engagement in #SummitfortheFuture.
