The World Economic Forum has selected Nepal’s Pradip Pariyar in its 2020 class of Young Global Leaders for his contribution in empowering the youth and promoting social justice.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Forum of Young Global Leaders said that Pariyar was chosen for the 2020 Young Global Leaders award for his potential in and contribution to youth empowerment, peace building and advocacy for social inclusion of Dalits and marginalised communities.

Pariyar, who is the only member of the class from Nepal this year, shares the list with 115 individuals from over 50 countries. Others on the list include Sanna Marin, the prime minister of Finland, Gaurav Gupta, the co-founder of Zomato; Megan Rapinoe, captain of the US women’s football team; and Chew Shou Zi, chief financial officer of Xiaomi.

Earlier in 2015, Gagan Thapa, a Nepali Congress lawmaker, had been selected as a Young Global Leader.

"It is a very big moment of pride not just for me but also for Nepal's youth movement and marginalised communities," Pariyar told the Post.

Pariyar is the executive chairman of Samata Foundation, an independent think tank that studies caste-based discrimination and marginalisation.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders was launched by the World Economic Forum's founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab in 2004 to help the world address increasingly complex and interrelated challenges.

The World Economic Forum recognises leaders under 40 years of age from across the globe by including them on the Young Global Leaders list and investing in their leadership skills and innovative ideas to prepare them to meet global challenges.

"Being a part of the class of 2020 has encouraged me to step up my efforts toward inclusion, equality and social justice through public dialogue, policy advocacy as well as the implementation of innovative ideas," said Pariyar.

The class will take part in a five-year programme that includes “executive education courses, group expeditions and opportunities to collaborate and test ideas with a trusted network of peers,” according to the World Economic Forum.