Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the importance of fostering positive thinking, self-respect, and self-sufficiency as key factors in harnessing the nation's potential and resources. Speaking at the Nepal Youth Conference 2024, organized on the occasion of International Youth Day, the President highlighted the critical role these values play in developing skills, entrepreneurship, and national progress.

Addressing the conference, which was jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Youth Council, and the United Nations, President Paudel expressed concern over the large-scale migration of young people from Nepal. He urged for a renewed focus on utilizing the country's natural resources to achieve prosperity, stating that Nepal need not lament its current state if it fully explores and utilizes its available potentials.

The President called for new policies that align with the evolving needs and aspirations of the youth, particularly in the context of rapid IT advancements and changing societal dynamics. He underscored the necessity of creating opportunities that enable young people to contribute meaningfully to the nation's holistic development.

"It is essential to create an environment where citizens can fully exercise their political, economic, social, and cultural rights, with increased youth participation in nation-building," the President said. He also stressed the importance of providing special opportunities in education, health, employment, and other sectors to empower and develop the youth.

President Paudel reflected on the institutional efforts made since the establishment of the then Ministry of Youths, Sports, and Culture in 2052 BS and the subsequent incorporation of youth issues into national development plans. He highlighted the significance of the National Youth Policy, which was first introduced in 2066 BS and later revised in 2072 BS (2015), as a crucial step in addressing youth-related challenges.

In his remarks, Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary emphasized the need to link youth development with IT advancements and sustainable development goals. He pointed out that the rapid digital transformation requires a focus on producing technical manpower that can address the challenges posed by climate change while contributing to sustainable development.

UN Resident Coordinator Haana Singer-Hamdy echoed the President's sentiments, urging youth to take a leading role in advocating for climate change and sustainable development. She highlighted the importance of gender equality and investing in skills and technology as part of the global efforts to achieve these goals.

Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, acknowledged the government's efforts in promoting youth policies but pointed out challenges in their effective implementation, particularly in job creation. She called on the youth to think about the future and contribute to the nation's prosperity through active participation in politics and other spheres.

The conference underscored the vital role of youth as pioneers of political, economic, social, and cultural transformation, and the need for their active involvement in shaping the future of Nepal.