KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ urged the harnessing of the demographic dividend of the youth population during his address at the Nepal Youth Entrepreneurship Summit-2080.
The summit, aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship, saw active participation from young entrepreneurs and key organizations, including the National Youth Council and Nepal Business Institute.
As per the National Youth Policy, 2072, youth in Nepal are defined as individuals aged 16 to 40, and they constitute a significant 42.56 percent of the population, as per the Census of 2078 BS.
Prime Minister Dahal emphasized that the nation’s development is intrinsically tied to the development of its youth. He stressed the need to prioritize the comprehensive development of Nepal’s youth, recognizing the unique demographic dividend represented by the current high youth population.
In his address, Prime Minister Dahal called for the utilization of the youth’s knowledge, skills, and potential to contribute to nation-building, while instilling hope, trust, and dreams among them. He also recognized the importance of addressing the interests and safety of Nepali youth abroad and the imperative of creating job opportunities within the country.
The government has made significant strides in social justice, including the initiation of hundreds of thousands of youth living abroad into the Social Security Fund, with a goal of enrolling 2.5 million Nepali youths residing overseas in the fund in the coming months.
Furthermore, the government is actively engaging the informal sector and self-employed workers in contribution-based social programs, fostering an environment conducive to the growth and well-being of youth within the country, he said.
Prime Minister Dahal highlighted the government’s strategic efforts to facilitate youth entrepreneurship, dedicating the current financial year to this cause.
He also emphasized the provision of concessional loans, the creation of a youth-friendly investment environment, and the promotion of start-ups, innovation, and entrepreneurship as key priorities, encouraging young Nepalis to envision a prosperous future within their own country.
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