Youth Talk: Catalyst for Human Rights

On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the EU Delegation to Nepal hosted 'Youth Talk: Catalysts for Human Rights'. H.E. Veronique Lorenzo highlighted that human rights are integral to everyday life. She added,“Human rights are woven into our daily lives: in how we speak to one another, how we include or exclude others, how we work in groups, and how we share public spaces. When upheld, human rights bring joy, safety, dignity, and belonging.”

Youth Talk featured six speakers. Here are brief highlights of their talks:

• Suvam Bhatta, who became the winner of the Youth Talk, works to raise awareness and recognition of rare diseases. His talk reminds us that the inclusion of people with disabilities benefits everyone.
• Sumitra Basnet: Sumitra is a determined young woman who overcame adversity early in her life and now uplifts the voices of survivors of child labour like herself.
• Deepa Bohara Mijar: Deepa experienced first-hand how storytelling and creative expression can transform lives. She is now sharing these tools to challenge inequality and create spaces for dignity for Dalits in Karnali.
• Neha Hirachan: Neha reminded us that during moments of turmoil, listening to one another is essential. Through her innovative work with media, she ensures that all voices are seen, heard, and valued, especially those from the margins.
• Sagar Sencheuri: Sagar shows us that even painful personal histories can become a source of fuel for transforming societies. His leadership demonstrates that healing and activism can reinforce one another.
• Soniya Sanam Tamang: Soniya exemplifies the importance of role models. Because, as we often say, you can’t be what you can’t see. Her story is an invitation to other young people to imagine possibilities for themselves.

Mentored by author and educator Niranjan Kunwar, the speakers refined their speeches to be fully stage ready in a two day workshop in early December. A judging panel consisting of communications coach Ms. Mannsi Agrawal, Deputy Head of Delegation Mr. Thomas Millar from the EU Delegation, and Ms. Bandana Thapa, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation, awarded the winner’s prize to Suvam Bhatta. 

Stay tuned to watch the full videos of our speakers.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must be a Nepali citizen
• Age: Between 18 and 35 years
• Language: Submissions may be in Nepali or English
• Availability: Must be available for the workshop sessions on 5 and 6 December 2025, and to participate in the main event on 10 December 2025 (Human Rights Day)
• Experience: Must have demonstrable personal experience or stories related to human rights, democracy, or civic engagement

Technical Requirements

• Duration: 3 minutes
• Format: MP4 or MOV
• Orientation: Horizontal (landscape)
• Language: English or Nepali (subtitles encouraged, if possible)
• Audio/Visual Quality: Clear lighting and sound (smartphone quality is acceptable)
• Content: Must be original and represent your experience, initiative, or ideas
• File Size: Maximum 100 MB
• File Name: The video file must be labelled as FullName.mp4

Summary Submission Guidelines

• Submit a brief written summary of your story in 200 words, reflecting the same dialogue or message presented in your video.
• The summary must be in PDF format and labelled as FullName.pdf.

Video Submission Guidelines

• Your video should portray your personal story, experience, or initiative connected to human rights, democracy, or civic engagement.

Your story may focus on (but is not limited to) the following themes:

• Justice and the rule of law
• Equality and non-discrimination
• Civic space and democracy
• Development and living in dignity
• Business and human rights
• Climate and environmental justice
• Education and cultural rights
• The right to development
• Poverty, the right to food, and social protection
• Gender equality
• Freedom of expression and access to information
• Social innovation for change
• Youth empowerment and democratic participation