Established by the United Nations in 1999, International Youth day is celebrated every year globally to celebrate youth, raise awareness about the challenges faced by young people and to promote their active participation in social, economic, and political spheres. 

Over the years, International Youth Day has evolved from a symbolic observance to a platform for concrete action. The global community has made strides in areas such as education, employment, health, and digital access for youth. Initiatives like global youth forums, policy dialogues, and youth-led movements have contributed to increased recognition and inclusion of young voices in decision-making processes. Recognizing their potential, many organizations and nations are emphasizing the importance of integrating youth into leadership and decision-making processes. Youth often bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the energy needed to drive societal progress. Their involvement is crucial for fostering inclusive growth, addressing global challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and social justice.  

With the same consideration, world celebrates the month of August to cherish and celebrate youth power with different themes. The theme for this year’s International Youth Day, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” emphasizes the critical role that local actions can play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It serves as a reminder that while global challenges may feel overwhelming, the power of collective local actions can spark significant change. Whether it’s through environmental campaigns, community service projects, or advocacy for policy change, young people are actively contributing to the SDGs by mobilizing their peers, engaging community stakeholders, and developing innovative approaches to address local needs. Engaging in local actions cultivates a sense of ownership among youth and fosters a deeper connection to their communities, ensuring particiopatory approach. This, in turn, can lead to lasting impacts and inspire other generations to continue the work toward sustainability and social justice. Moreover, integrating local youth actions into the broader framework of the SDGs showcases how essential partnerships between young leaders, local governments, and civil society organizations can amplify efforts. Shared knowledge and resources can enhance the effectiveness of local initiatives, ensuring that youth are not just involved but leading the charge toward transformative change. 

Nepal’s Context: Youth and Development 

Nepal, with over 40% of its population under 25, exemplifies both the opportunities and challenges of youth empowerment. The Government of Nepal defines youth as individuals aged 16 to 40 years, according to the National Youth Policy.  It largely covers both Millennials and Generation Z. The country has seen remarkable youth-led movements advocating for democracy, social justice, and climate resilience. The democratic transition and recent constitutional reforms reflect a growing acknowledgment of youth voices. 

However, Nepal still faces hurdles such as high unemployment rates among youth, limited access to quality education, and socio-cultural barriers that restrict active participation. The government and civil society have initiated programs to empower youth through skill development, entrepreneurship support, and inclusion in governance. Yet, ensuring meaningful engagement requires further strategic efforts, creating platforms for youth participation, fostering leadership skills, and addressing systemic inequalities. 

Strategic Directions for Youth Empowerment 

Despite the significant progress made, there are still challenges to overcome. One of the key challenges in youth integration is bridging the generation gap, the differences in values, communication styles, and work ethics between older generations and young leaders. Youth today tends to favor collaborative, flexible, and technology-driven approaches, contrasting with traditional hierarchical models. This divergence can lead to misunderstandings, resistance, or even missteps if not managed thoughtfully. Embracing intergenerational collaboration can harness the strengths of all age groups, creating a more dynamic and adaptive workforce. This requires deliberate strategies to promote mutual respect, open dialogue, and shared learning. 

While empowering youth is essential, it is also vital to instill a sense of responsibility, critical thinking, and ethical conduct in youth leaders. Equipping them with the skills to analyze complex situations, communicate effectively, and uphold integrity ensures that their rise to leadership is both impactful and sustainable. 

To maximize the positive impact of youth engagement, a strategic framework should encompass the following key elements: 

• Capacity building and education: Invest in continuous learning programs that enhance leadership skills, digital literacy, and ethical decision-making. 

• Mentorship and support networks: Establish mentorship programs connecting youth with experienced leaders to transfer knowledge, provide guidance, and build confidence. 

• Inclusive policy formulation: Involve youth in policy discussions at local, national, and global levels, ensuring their voices are heard and their insights inform decision-making. 

• Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship: Create platforms and funding opportunities that encourage youth-led initiatives, startups, and social enterprises. 

• Cultural Shift towards respect and collaboration: Promote intergenerational dialogue to bridge gaps, foster mutual understanding, and build cohesive working environments. 

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement mechanisms to assess youth-led projects and initiatives, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement. 

Empowering youth is not just about handing over authority; it is about strategic, phased, and supportive integration that aligns with societal values and long-term goals. By doing so, we can harness the true power of youth, transforming them from eager learners into effective, ethical, and innovative leaders of tomorrow. In essence, strategic youth integration demands a balanced approach, recognizing their potential, addressing generational differences, and safeguarding against premature or misguided leadership. Only then can youth truly become catalysts for positive, lasting change in our world.  

CREASION has, as of today, directly impacted over 21000 youth who are embracing the strategies we have outlined. Our mission focuses on educating, engaging, and empowering individuals to take the lead in driving environmental sustainability and promoting a circular economy.  

In pursuing these goals, we emphasize a regenerative approach to sustainable development, which also highlights the importance of intergenerational collaboration through local youth action. This year marks the 20th anniversary of our impactful journey, which initially focused on mobilizing youth. What started as a volunteering platform has now blossomed into a significant initiative, thanks to the support of our partners, engaging countless young individuals. From local community actions and advocacy events to policy dialogues and coordination with local governments, youth are effecting real change in local solid waste management strategies and driving behavioral shifts. We have remarkable examples of youth leadership, such as Puja Dallakoti, who has established her own Material Recovery Facility after participating in youth training. Likewise, Pratiksha Paudel is making strides in societal behavioral change through the Youth Advocacy Group. Additionally, our youth fellowship program has successfully revived the municipality's solid waste management plan, which had been stalled due to various technical challenges. Today, we take pride in leading a model centered on the circular economy. 

As we celebrate International Youth Day and reflect on progress, it is crucial to acknowledge that youth empowerment is an ongoing journey. Countries like Nepal, and organization like ours demonstrate that with strategic planning, inclusive policies, and genuine support, young people can lead transformative change. However, the broader global community must continue to invest in youth development, foster responsible leadership, and create environments where youth can thrive responsibly and ethically.