In Nepal’s evolving federal democratic landscape, youth perspectives continue to be underrepresented in policy-making spaces. This disconnect can lead to policies that do not fully address the aspirations and needs of the younger population, hindering inclusive development and democracy. Yet it is young people who are most closely experiencing these shifts; from political transitions to rapid social and technological change. They are not just observers; they are active participants in this moment of transformation, and they will live with the outcomes for years to come. When youth voices are excluded, policies risk being out of touch with both present challenges and future demands. Ensuring their meaningful involvement is not optional; it is essential to shaping a future that is grounded, responsive, and forward-looking.
To bridge this gap, YFD conducts Youth-led Research and Policy Analysis programmes that empower young individuals to take an active role in shaping policies that affect their present and future. By equipping youth with research skills and platforms for policy analysis, we forward a culture of informed participation and accountability. Through initiatives such as policy reviews, simulations, and civic engagements, young people contribute to the development of inclusive and effective policies. This approach not only enhances the relevance of policy outcomes but also strengthens the democratic process by ensuring that youth voices are integral to governance and decision-making.
In Nepal’s evolving federal democratic landscape, the effective implementation of youth-centric policies often faces challenges due to fragmented coordination among institutions and limited youth engagement in decision-making processes. This fragmentation leads to repeated work,higher costs, and missed opportunities,with fewer people truly benefiting.
To address these challenges, YFD actively collaborates with governmental bodies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and media outlets. Collaboration is key because it allows us to reach more people across different communities and engage diverse groups more effectively. It also helps avoid fragmented efforts;where multiple actors end up doing similar work without knowing it—wasting time, energy, and resources. By bringing young people, institutions, and communities into the same space, we make better use of what already exists, learn from one another, and move faster and further together. This joint effort not only helps youth better understand how systems work and how to navigate them, but also ensures that policies and programs reflect their realities. In doing so, institutions grow more responsive and grounded in the values of participatory governance, with outcomes that are more fair, lasting, and rooted in shared purpose.
In today’s rapidly changing political landscape, young people often lack accessible spaces to express their views, question power structures, or participate meaningfully in civic life. Misinformation, reduced media freedom, and shrinking civic spaces make it difficult for constructive dialogue and critical debate to thrive. This creates an environment where youth voices are overlooked, and democratic values are weakened.
YFD’s Public Discourse programme responds to this gap by creating platforms that enable young people to engage in informed, inclusive, and creative dialogue on issues that shape their lives and communities. Through youth forums, panel discussions, artistic expressions, digital campaigns, and street-level engagements, we encourage thoughtful conversations that promote democratic culture and civic responsibility. By facilitating public discourse, we aim to strengthen youth participation, sharpen their critical thinking capacity and build a more active and informed citizenry across Nepal.
At Youth in Federal Discourse (YFD), we work to equip young people to take an active role in Nepal’s democracy. Our focus is on closing the gap between youth and government by creating real opportunities for youth to engage in policy discussions and decision-making.
Through leadership programs, mentorship, and research-led projects, we support young people with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to drive change. By partnering closely with government agencies and institutions, we help ensure that youth perspectives are heard and reflected in policies that affect their communities. Together, we’re shaping a future where young people are not just present but genuinely respected in Nepal’s democratic process.
Through leadership programs, mentorship, and research-led projects, we support young people with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to drive change. By partnering closely with government agencies and institutions, we help ensure that youth perspectives are heard and reflected in policies that affect their communities. Together, we’re shaping a future where young people are not just present but genuinely respected in Nepal’s democratic process.
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