Youth power puts Nepal on global stage in 2025

By Pallav Bhusal,Kathmandu, jan,1 : The year 2025 marked politically turning point for Nepal. The Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9 that overthrew a powerful government in less than 30 hours, not only demonstrated the power of citizens but also made news headlines globally.

The Gen Z movement stemmed from a combination of widespread corruption, nepotism, economic stagnation and poor governance, was further fuelled by a nationwide ban on social media platforms. The movement was largely coordinated online and highlighted accountability, transparency, restoration of freedoms and governance reform.

The merciless killing of 19 youths, mostly in school dresses, on September 8 triggered nationwide protests the following day. The demonstrations turned violent, leading to the destruction of major public infrastructure, including the Federal Parliament, Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court and the President’s House. Several political leaders' houses were set on fire. According to Nepal Police Headquarters, 486 police units across the country were either fully or partially damaged, and 1,247 firearms were looted. In addition, 36 heavy trucks and buses, 127 light vehicles and 170 motorcycles were set on fire. Similarly, assessments by the Department of U rban Development and Building Construction found that, out of 440 buildings belonging to 287 federal offices, 134 were completely destroyed, 176 partially damaged, and 130 sustained minor damage.

On September 12, an interim government was formed under Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, Sushila Karki. According to the government, 76 people lost their lives during the protests, of them 45 are declared martyrs.

Former Prime Minister and NC president Sher Bahadur Deuba, his wife, then Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana, were assaulted by protesters on September 9. Many ministers and politicians fled under the protection of the Nepal Police and the Army. The House of Representatives was dissolved and fresh elections were announced for 5 March 2026.

Traditional parties have begun reform efforts to regain public trust, while new parties and coalitions have emerged. A prominent new alliance involving Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah, Rabi Lamichhane and Kulman Ghising has shifted the country’s political momentum. Many young voters have placed their faith in this coalition, while established parties believe they still retain electoral strength.

In 2025, Nepal also faced significant natural disasters, mainly due to heavy monsoon rains and extreme mountain weather. The monsoon season (June to October) caused widespread floods and landslides. The downpour of October 4 hit Ilam and parts of Koshi as well as Bagmati, destroying major highways and sweeping away bridges. According to a report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), as many as 140 people lost their lives in the disasters caused by rainfall during the monsoon that lasted for around 135 days.

Almost 1,454 incidents of disasters were registered during the monsoon period, and 30 people are still missing. Another 300 people were injured.

In July 2025, severe flash flooding in the Rasuwa (Rasuwagadhi) area washed away the Miteri Bridge over the Trishuli River, a vital trade route between Nepal and China. Earlier, in May 2025, a glacial lake outburst flood in Humla district damaged bridges, irrigation systems and homes, forcing communities to relocate. Later, in early November, snowstorms and avalanches struck high Himalayan regions, killing several climbers and guides.   

On a positive note, Nepal made progress in climate dialogue and mountain advocacy, and in sports, the Nepali cricket team qualified for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Overall, 2025 was a year when Nepal’s youth united for meaningful change, and their acts inspired youths in several countries like the Philippines, Peru and Madagascar to wage similar movements.