KATHMANDU, JULY 27

Kathmandu Don Bosco College organised a panel discussion on 'Meet for Constructive Future' today in the capital, shedding light on vital issues pertaining to Nepal's agriculture and education sectors.

The panel discussion saw the participation of experts from diverse backgrounds, including Nona Deprez, European Union Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Goder, Ambassador-Israel Embassy to Nepal, Ayshanie Labe, Resident Representative, UNDP, and Biju Kumar Thapalia, Dean, Faculty of Management, Purbanchal University. The panelists contributed valuable insights and perspectives, thereby enriching the discussions and offering potential solutions to the challenges faced by Nepal's agricultural and educational sectors.

Anan Goder emphasised on the innovative techniques and sustainable practices employed in Israeli agriculture and how Nepal could implement similar programmes to empower the younger generation in the agricultural sector. 'Agriculture is not a hobby. It is a business,' he said. He further said, 'Israel only has 2 per cent of its population in farming, yet they have been able to export food with their innovative approach.

Nepal with 68 per cent of its population in agriculture can definitely be self-sufficient in food. Agriculture and education can develop any nation.'

Biju Kumar Thapalia ex-plored the importance of collaborative efforts of the government, educational institutions and businesses to retain talented youths within Nepal.

'There is a need to improve the quality of education system in Nepal and all the stake holders must come together to bolster the academics that are accepted worldwide and can generate job opportunities for all,' said Thapalia, adding, 'International programmes should run in Nepal but they must have an Investment model. That way our nation will also benefit from the association.'

Similarly, Nona Deprez stressed the role of youths in developing Nepal. She also focused on how the EU had been supporting Nepal and its youths through different programmes. 'This year 53 students (27 girls and 26 boys) have received the Erasmus programme scholarship.

I see huge capacity in Nepali youths and they are ready to be explored. Their collective energy can help Nepal become one of the most developed nations,' she said.

Likewise, UN Resident Representative Ayshanie Labe highlighted the critical policy recommendations and strategic actions to create a conducive environment for the youths to contribute to Nepal's development. She stressed the need to enhance the quality of education in Nepal's universities to meet international standards.

'Nepal's poverty rate has declined. Maternal and child mortality is going down. People have started living in adequate housing structure. Nepal has definitely become better in terms of development but is vulnerable in terms of climate change as it lies between two developed giants,' she said, adding, 'Nepal has to learn to maintain carbon footprints and to ensure its migrant workers with social protection. About 90 per cent of the workers lack security that Nepal is responsible for. As the life line of the country is remittance, Nepal has to givesocial protection to migrant workers.'

Board of Director & Principal of KDBC Rashmi Sharma Mainali asked all the stakeholders of Nepal's development to help build hope in the youths and stop them from mass exodus.

Prof Sriram Bhagut Mathe highlighted the importance of changing along with the world dynamics. 'If Nepal wishes to be called a developed nation, then it will have to embrace all the positive changes,' he said. The event witnessed over 100 delegates, comprising representatives from corporate and institutional heads, along with esteemed academic scholars.

KDBC is planning to organise similar events in the future, aiming to shape the future of Nepal's youths positively.

A version of this article appears in the print on July 28, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.