Lumbini youths demand policy participation

By Our Correspondent, Bhairahawa, June 8: Youth in Lumbini Province have demanded meaningful participation in the state’s policy and decision-making processes by unveiling a joint manifesto focused on education, health, employment, entrepreneurship, digital security, climate justice and good governance.

The two-day Lumbini Province Youth Conference-2083, jointly organised by the NGO Federation Nepal and Youth Campaign in Bhaluwang, Dang, issued a manifesto incorporating the suggestions, experiences, and concerns of youths from all 12 districts of the province.

The manifesto covers a wide range of issues from digital rights protection to education, health and employment.

Recognising the challenges of the digital age, young people have called for the enactment of a Digital Rights and Privacy Act. 

They stressed the need to include the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), digital literacy and technical education in school curricula from the school level onwards. 

Emphasis was also placed on developing youths’ digital marketing skills to promote digital entrepreneurship and business.

In the education sector, the manifesto demands completely free education up to Grade 12, which should be technology-friendly, skill-oriented and linked to employment opportunities. 

In the health sector, this calls for the appointment of at least one licensed psychosocial counsellor at every local level, the allocation of at least five per cent of the total health budget to mental health, and the implementation of special programmes to control drug abuse. 

Youths also stressed effective enforcement of laws related to tobacco control.

Prioritising employment and entrepreneurship, the manifesto calls for concessions in business registration for young entrepreneurs, tax exemptions during the first three years of operation and access to collateral-free concessional loans. 

It also recommends expanding investment in enterprises based on agriculture, tourism, forestry and domestic production, while creating an environment to utilise the skills and capital of returnee migrant youths in productive sectors.

The manifesto highlights the need for effective implementation of laws related to Chure conservation, carbon emission control and environmental protection to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Youth representatives have also demanded at least 20 per cent meaningful and inclusive youth representation in decision-making processes at local, provincial and federal levels.

Through the manifesto, youths also expressed a collective commitment to conduct awareness campaigns against misinformation, cyber abuse and hate speech, connect out-of-school children to education, advocate against social discrimination related to mental health, and implement environmental conservation programmes.

Addressing the programme, Ghimire said that as youths play a decisive role in nation-building, the state should formulate policies and programmes centred on enhancing their capacity, skills and leadership.

Meanwhile, the conference formed a 13-member Lumbini Province Youth Civil Society Network under the chairpersonship of Barsha Thakuri. 

The network is expected to raise common issues of youths across the province in an organised manner and promote greater youth participation in policymaking.