KATHMANDU: The Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub’s award-winning project Shaping Political Futures, recipient of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Innovation Prize 2024, concluded its two-day political imagination workshop titled Power, Process, Structure, and Discourse on June 28–29, 2025.
Organized in collaboration with Karkhana Samuha, the workshop was held in Kathmandu and brought together over 30 passionate youth, policy thinkers, and civic actors from across Nepal to spark fresh dialogue on politics, policy, federalism, and civic engagement.
The event created a vibrant space for reimagining political systems and fostering emerging leadership rooted in inclusion, empathy, and evidence.
It opened with high-energy sessions led by some of Nepal’s most respected thought leaders: writer and researcher Kailash Rai explored transitions of political power; Hari Sharma examined the concept of the nation-state; and Binaya Mishra delved into the complexities of federal restructuring. A conflict resolution session led by Meena Sharma added further depth to the discussions.
The second day began with mental health reflections through the Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub’s initiative Mero Mansik Yatra, followed by in-depth explorations into education, entrepreneurship, and policymaking. Expert facilitators included Sumiran Shrestha, Surath Giri, and Ms. Neha Shrestha.
Youth leadership and political ownership were central themes throughout the residential program. Participants also took part in a strategic social deduction game—a simulation of trust, deception, and survival—designed to encourage critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
The workshop concluded with a civic action planning session featuring a powerful activity titled Letter to the Representative, in which participants wrote messages to their local, provincial, or federal representatives, articulating their hopes and demands.
“This isn’t just a workshop,” said Deanna Sherpa, Curator of the Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub. “It’s a political lab—and our participants are ready to shape tomorrow through bold, inclusive, and innovative leadership.”
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