Lalitpur: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has asserted that the capable youth with a positive mindset could be the key driver for social transformation. Inaugurating the Model United Nations-2025 organized by the National Youth Council at Lalitpur today, DPM Singh highlighted the role of youth as a source of creativity and courage, crucial for identifying and addressing the nation’s needs.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Singh expressed concern over the increasing trend of internal and external migration and encouraged Nepali youths to contribute to their homeland. “Today, more than ever, the nation needs its youth,” he stated. Recalling the establishment of the National Youth Council in 2072 BS, Singh emphasized the importance of youth involvement in policy-making and implementation, urging them to provide suggestions and contributions to government initiatives.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed confidence that the summit could sensitize youths about pressing global issues such as ecological concerns, environmental degradation, political polarization, international relations, and nuclear weapons. He encouraged youths to engage in discussions and dialogue to forge a shared responsibility in addressing these challenges. Singh highlighted that 42.56 percent of Nepal’s population falls within the 16-40 age range, seeing this as a demographic opportunity to harness the youth force for the country’s greater good.
Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary acknowledged the critical role of youth in the country’s development. He emphasized the creative initiatives of the Council to ensure meaningful youth engagement at the policy-making level. Chaudhary expressed confidence that the Model United Nations would prepare youths for leadership roles at both national and international levels.
Similarly, UNDP’s Country Representative for Nepal, Kyoko Yokosuka, recognized the Model United Nations as a platform to promote diversity, inclusivity, diplomacy, and democratic values. The Council’s Vice-Chairperson, Surendra Basnet, informed that the four-day event aims to develop leadership skills among youths by engaging them in deliberations and debates on global issues, cultural understanding, and Sustainable Development Goals, among others. Youths from various regions are participating in this simulation program.