KATHMANDU: A Campaign which aims to promote youth’s participation in the local governance is to be extended throughout the country.

The commitment was made in a discussion program held here today marking the International Youth Day that falls on August 12 every year. The slogan for International Youth Day-2022 is ‘Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All ages’.

The National Youth Council, Jagriti Children and Youth Concern (NCYC) Nepal, UNDP, UNICEF Nepal pledged in unison to expand the campaign throughout the local levels in the country.

Under the campaign, the Youth-Friendly Local Governance Directives-2075 BS was revised and Youth-Friendly Local Governance Capacity Development Directives was prepared by over 300 stakeholders.

The participants in the discussions included people’s representatives selected from all seven provinces, civil employees and youth representatives from private sectors.

National Youth Council’s executive vice-chairperson Surendra Basnet viewed that youth’s engagement in the policy making process is essential and making youth-friendly local governance system is an important concern surrounding the youths.

Calling for more investment and contributions to address the gaps in youth engagement and leadership, he reaffirmed his commitment to continued coordination for the promotion of the campaign.

UNDP’s Resident Representative for Nepal Ayshanie Medagangoda- Labe urged the concerned parties to create a place (body) where youths’ concerns and voices would be heard.

Likewise, UNICEF Resident Deputy Representative for Nepal pointed out the need for massive investment in children and youth, arguing that the number of senior citizens will grow staggeringly high in few years.

JCYC Nepal’s president Tilottam Poudel said all the stakeholders working for the youth sector should contribute for the Campaign. (RSS)