International Youth Day: Nepali Youth Ask Five Essential Questions to the EU Ambassador to Nepal
At the European Union, we are clear that youth participation should be intentional and inclusive, not just a box to check off. Our continuous engagement with Nepali youth took the shape of the EU YSB in 2022. Through the active engagement of the alumni and members of the current cohort of the EU YSB, we listen and integrate the perspectives of Nepali youth. We also create opportunities for them to contribute to EU-Nepal relations, including participation in field missions, national and local dialogues, and small-scale action grants.
Yet, we acknowledge that as a large multilateral institution, we have room to grow in including more young voices. We are actively learning to listen to, engage with, and collaborate with youth. As the world prepares to celebrate International Youth Day under the theme "Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships," we are committed to supporting young people in Nepal to drive global cooperation.
Here are five key questions from the EU YSB members to Her Excellency Veronique Lorenzo and the Delegation team, with responses edited for clarity and conciseness:
- Many Nepali youth feel frustrated with the lack of skills development and employment opportunities in Nepal. For rural youth, access to information about various opportunities offered by government and private institutions remains limited. Does the EU in Nepal have any plans to respond to these needs?
Our response: We understand the challenges Nepali youth face in developing skills and finding jobs. Previously, we collaborated on a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program. While it concluded, it taught us the importance of promoting skills that align with market needs. We now know that partnership with the private sector, especially in high-growth areas like ICT and alternative energy, is essential to boost job creation while matching the provision of skills to market demands. Additionally, we've seen promising results from involving youth directly with local governments. Our projects, where young graduates support municipal tasks under the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP), were well received by both the youth and local officials. Our ultimate aim is to help Nepal create more employment opportunities for its young population.
- How does the EU support the voices and rights of LGBTIQA+ community in Nepal?
Our response: Supporting LGBTIQA+ community is central to our work. We have embedded Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into all our projects, even if it is not always fully visible. We actively involve GESI groups, including queer individuals, to ensure our initiatives do not overlook the needs of these communities. Early this year, we launched new call for proposals aimed at enhancing the political participation and representation of LGBTIQA+ community in Nepal. As an institution dedicated to human rights and democracy, we support civil society groups, including LGBTIQA+ organisations in effectively advocating for their own rights and those of others.
- Digital disparities are preventing many Nepalis, especially women and rural communities, from benefiting from technological advancements. Will the EU address this issue in discussions with Nepal?
Our Response: We completely agree that limited access to digital services and devices leads to significant challenges for Nepali women and youth. We recognize the importance of ensuring inclusive internet access and digital services. In the projects we support, we adhere to best practices for information access. Moreover, through our new Global Gateway initiatives in Nepal, covering Education and Energy, we're focused on infrastructure development with inclusion and equality at its core. Our aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of social or economic barriers, can benefit from our investments.
- With Madhes Province declaring a state of emergency due to drought, how does the EU collaborate with Nepal on disaster response?
Our response: The EU's response to disasters, like the recent drought, depends on the severity of the situation and when the government requests support. That said, the European Union’s partnership in Nepal in disaster response is long standing. Initially, we worked with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology to boost weather forecasting systems and set up early warning systems. Now, we work with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), provinces, and municipalities to strengthen systems at all levels. In addition, we provide substantial grants to organizations across Nepal to help local communities better prepare for and respond to disaster events, like flood, urban fire, earthquakes, which includes support for regions in Madhes and other provinces.
- Mental health is emerging as a major challenge for youth across Nepal. Many young mental health advocates report facing a lack of trust and resources from institutions, which hinders their efforts to scale or expand their initiatives. Does the EU have plans to work in this area?
Our response: Our efforts to address mental health needs are integrated into broader programmes focused on disaster preparedness and women's empowerment. In Sudurpaschim, Lumbini and Karnali provinces, our partners have trained young health workers to offer peer support and counselling services and established a referral system to district level counsellors as disaster preparedness. These mental health and psychosocial support services, following any disaster, at times of response, will be integrated with other disaster response activities prioritising mental health. This service has gained popularity among youth. Furthermore, through our Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal program, we have facilitated training for local personnel in providing psychosocial counselling. Encouragingly, some local governments have started to replicate these successful models, demonstrating their effectiveness and viability. We hope that such evidence will encourage other development partners to invest in mental health services.
