Policy Dialogue on Youth Political Engagement in Nepal

Within the framework of the EU-funded WYDE Civic Engagement project, elbarlament e.V., in partnership with Accountability Lab Nepal, has been supporting a national policy dialogue process to strengthen youth political engagement in Nepal. The dialogue follows the INSPIRED methodology developed by the European Partnership for Democracy and has unfolded as one continuous, evolving process responding to the country’s changing political landscape.

The dialogue was initially centred on youth political participation in general. Through extensive consultations with public institutions, youth organisations, political actors and civil society representatives, the process produced a Participatory Policy Assessment, an Integrated Support Framework and a draft Roadmap for Reform outlining shared priorities to enhance young people’s inclusion in democratic processes.

As Nepal entered a period of political upheaval marked by youth-led protests, the formation of an interim government and the lead-up to the March 2026 parliamentary elections, the dialogue adapted to the new context. The focus shifted toward federating youth groups and emerging Gen Z activists around concrete demands for good governance, accountability and anti-corruption measures.

Building on earlier findings, the process convened workshops, consultations and high-level meetings with stakeholders including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, youth wings of political parties, student unions and grassroots youth movements. The dialogue has aimed to translate shared concerns into actionable commitments — particularly regarding young people’s role in political reform initiatives, electoral processes and integrity-driven governance reforms.

The process is now advancing implementation and coordination efforts to ensure sustained collaboration among stakeholders and to anchor youth voices more firmly within Nepal’s democratic reform agenda.

Through this structured, inclusive and adaptive approach, the initiative contributes to strengthening youth leadership, democratic participation and accountable governance in Nepal.