KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel emphasized the importance of cultivating positive thoughts and a sense of self-respect and self-sufficiency.
He believes these qualities are crucial for developing skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and harnessing the nation’s potential in alignment with available resources.
In his address at the Nepal Youth Conference 2024, held today, the President stressed the need for a shift in mindset to drive skill development and explore opportunities within the country.
The event, organized jointly by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Youth Council, and the United Nations to mark International Youth Day, highlighted the challenge of engaging the youth in nation-building amid a significant outflow of young people from Nepal.
President Paudel remarked, “Nepal need not lament its lack of prosperity if we effectively explore and utilize our natural potentials.”
He also underscored the necessity for new policies that address the evolving needs of the youth, shaped by IT innovations and changing societal contexts.
Such policies should offer meaningful opportunities for youths to contribute to the country’s holistic development, he added.
“It is crucial to create an environment where citizens can fully exercise their political, economic, social, and cultural rights, with increased youth participation in national development. We need to offer targeted opportunities in education, health, employment, sports, and entertainment to empower and develop our youth,” the President stated.
He reminded the audience of the institutional efforts that began with the establishment of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture in 1995 BS, and the incorporation of youth issues into the ninth five-year plan.
In 2009 BS, the government defined youths as individuals aged 16-40 and introduced the Youth Policy, 2009, followed by the National Youth Policy, 2015.
Addressing the challenges posed by global changes and IT advancements, President Paudel called for a focus on encouraging youth engagement in national causes while upholding personal freedoms, universal human rights, and democratic values.
He emphasized the importance of promoting world peace, environmental conservation, and cultural tolerance, achieved through equitable opportunities.
Describing the youth as pivotal agents of change and vital to the nation’s development, President Paudel reaffirmed their role in political, economic, social, and cultural transformation.
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