Nepal is a young country, with about 20 percent of the total population between 16 to 25 years and 40 percent between 16 to 40 years. The country’s demographic dividend can shape its trajectory for decades, and the demographic trend indicates an emergence of a 'youth bulge.' Many developing countries in Latin America and Asia experienced a youth bulge in the 1980s and 1990s while their economies stagnated, generating tens of thousands of unemployed youths. Unfortunately, the current situation of Nepal mirrors a similar trend.

The youth cohort presents challenges and opportunities for the country's development. In parts of the developing world, economic stagnation was also attributed to poor governance that discouraged entrepreneurship and efficient markets. To avoid repeating the negative trends other developing countries went through in the 1980s and 1990s, Nepal must be cautious of a youth bulge and incorporate young people’s hopes, aspirations, challenges, and fears while shaping its development trajectory.

A review of the representation and participation of youth in Nepal over the decades reveals a remarkable increase in involvement and enthusiasm to channel their hopes and aspirations towards the growth and development of the nation. Nepali youth played a monumental role in the resistance movements that ultimately led to the country’s transition from a Hindu monarchy to a federal democratic republic. The 'People’s Movement' showcased the impactful political activism of the youth, highlighting their potential as key agents of change in state-building, embodying hope. This hope has translated into action considerably, evidenced by the increasing interest and participation of youth in development.

Nepal has witnessed a notable shift in recent years, with increased youth participation in political processes and a rise in youth leadership. The 2022 elections were particularly significant, featuring numerous young leaders and 63 newly elected lawmakers under 45. This trend reflects broader efforts to include youth in decision-making and create a more inclusive democracy.

However, there is a simultaneous increase in the fears and frustrations of young Nepalis, despite being acknowledged as social and moral actors and fully-fledged democratic members of society. Meaningful participation and moving beyond mere inclusion remain a struggle. Representation in Nepal’s parliament remains disproportionately lower, at only 5 percent, compared to the global average of 13 percent. Nepali youth also face a staggering unemployment rate of 19 percent, contrasting sharply with the 2.7 percent rate for the entire population. Moreover, youth migrating abroad for work, education, and healthcare exacerbates the lack of youth involvement in sustainable development actions. The mass exodus of the youth deprives Nepal of its skilled workforce and professionals, contributing to human capital flight.

Nepal's political leadership and governance are predominantly led by individuals in their 60s and 70s, posing challenges for young candidates. Age-restrictive protocols in Nepal's legislation hinder youth participation in electoral processes. Eligibility requirements dictate that candidates must be at least 25 years old to contest provincial and federal elections, while participation in constitutional committees requires individuals to be 45 years or older. Bureaucratic hurdles and legal constraints impede youth representation, preventing fresh perspectives, ideas and visions in policy discussions. Additionally, cultural norms and traditional values discourage young women from pursuing higher education and careers outside the home. Structural barriers such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies further inhibit young people from effectively engaging in sustainable development initiatives within the country.

Youth employability is a major challenge in Nepal. Gender gaps in labour market outcomes and political participation persist not only in Nepal but worldwide. In 2022, women comprised less than 40 percent of the labour market and 27 percent of management-level positions globally. In politics, women only comprise about 26 percent of lawmakers globally. Furthermore, the lack of awareness about sustainable development among Nepali youth further compounds these challenges. Labour migration from Nepal is primarily marked by most young, unskilled workers, constituting over 54 percent of the total labour migration. These individuals represent the most susceptible group to displacement and its associated risks.

Despite the potential benefits of remittances, which accounted for about 25 percent of Nepal's GDP in 2023, the loss of skilled and educated young people poses a major challenge to Nepal's development efforts. Moreover, the departure of youth contributes to demographic shifts, with older populations bearing the burden of managing communities. This exodus highlights a systemic challenge: Nepal's youth are ill-equipped for the demands of the modern workforce, requiring immediate action to enhance youth employability.

Nepal's journey towards meaningful youth inclusion requires attention across various fronts. Over 100,000 Nepali youths left the country for employment and education last year alone, resulting in a significant brain drain and a depletion of essential human capital for national development. The staggering 75 percent increase in the outbound study in the last eight years underscores Nepali youths’ hopelessness regarding the lack of desire to stay and contribute to the country’s development. Therefore, urgent action is needed. From facilitating the emergence of young leaders in political spheres to designing policies prioritising youth empowerment, Nepal must address its youth perspectives for development. Strengthening the knowledge ecosystem through investments in education, research, and knowledge-sharing networks is essential for nurturing a skilled and empowered youth populace. Additionally, tapping into the expertise and resources of the Nepali diaspora abroad can further bolster local governance and economic development initiatives.

This is not to say that the Nepal Government isn’t prioritising this issue. For instance, the government has been emphasising strengthening the education system in response to this exponentially increasing mobility abroad of Nepali students. However, despite commendable efforts, including allocating 11 percent of the budget to education, Nepal's education system remains plagued by structural deficiencies and quality issues. Unfortunately, 12 reform cycles in the last 50 years have failed to fully address these challenges, signalling the need to move beyond identification towards effective implementation strategies. Although progress has been made in advancing youth representation and participation, much work needs to be done to bridge existing gaps and remove barriers preventing young people from contributing meaningfully to social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Globally, recent policy frameworks have increasingly embraced a prevention-focused approach that prioritises youth well-being, social inclusion, and amplification of youth voices. Contrary to misconceptions about youth disengagement, there is a growing recognition of the importance of providing opportunities for young people to participate actively in matters that impact their lives. While concerns persist about declining political engagement among youth globally, there is also an acknowledgement of evolving forms of political participation, presenting avenues for revitalising democratic practices and fostering civic engagement. This is a more optimistic and hopeful narrative that Nepal ought to embrace moving forward.

Though a watered-down version of inclusivity has contributed to a sense of complacency among Nepali youth, driving mass emigration in search of better opportunities abroad, there is also progress in civic engagement and political participation. Ultimately, by adopting a youth-centric approach to development, Nepal can unlock the potential of its youth population, creating an enabling environment that not only acknowledges the value of youth inclusion but actively facilitates their meaningful participation. As Nepal navigates its development journey, harnessing the energy and hopes of its youth is integral to sustainably realising development aspirations.