Earlier this week, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 'International Experiential Education Forum 2024' held at Wuhan Sport University, China. It was an honor to share the stage with world-renowned leaders such as Iain Peter, Executive Director of Outward Bound International; Jeff Baierlein, Director of Viristar; and Nick Cotton, Director of Outward Bound Hong Kong, among others. Over the course of three days, we delved deep into discussions about the pivotal role outdoor education plays in shaping the younger generation and the transformative experiences it offers.

Throughout the event, I was privileged to share my personal 25-year journey in outdoor leadership, starting from my humble beginnings as a porter to my current roles at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and as the founder of Freedom Adventure in Nepal. I spoke candidly about the challenges I've faced along the way, as well as the immense fulfillment a career in the outdoors can bring. What struck me most was the interest and enthusiasm of the young Chinese students, many of whom are eager to pursue outdoor education as a career. Their curiosity and excitement to learn more about outdoor leadership resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the passion that has fueled my own career in this field.

One of the highlights of my presentation was the opportunity to introduce the students and participants to Nepal's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Nepal, home to the towering 8,000-meter peaks, serves as the perfect 'natural laboratory' for outdoor education. Our mountains, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural traditions offer unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning. I emphasized how important it is to appreciate not just the physical challenges of outdoor pursuits but also the cultural and environmental contexts in which they take place.

While sharing my experiences, I couldn't help but reflect on the global nature of outdoor education and the growing recognition of its importance across cultures. This was my first event in China, and it offered me an incredible opportunity to learn about the country, its landscapes, and the shared values we hold when it comes to outdoor education. Meeting Olympic gold medalists and exchanging ideas with some of the brightest minds in the field made this event particularly memorable. More importantly, it highlighted the increasing global collaboration in experiential education and the need for this exchange of ideas to continue.

In addition to the discussions about outdoor education's impact on personal and professional development, I shared my belief that foundational education-starting at the school level-is crucial for the growth of the outdoor industry, especially in countries like Nepal. While there are several organizations that offer higher-level outdoor education programs, there remains a significant gap at the foundational level. If we are to prepare the next generation of outdoor leaders, we must begin by introducing outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and leadership development in our schools.

It is essential for the government and other educational institutions to focus on this foundational education. By integrating the rich assets of our country-such as our mountains, culture, religious history, and land-into the curriculum, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for these resources in young minds. By teaching our youth about Nepal's unparalleled natural and cultural heritage, we can inspire them to be creative, professional, and engaged citizens in the outdoor industry. Outdoor education should not be limited to the higher echelons of academia; it should be a fundamental part of the school experience, allowing students to develop skills, appreciation, and passion from a young age.

In conclusion, the International Experiential Education Forum 2024 was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the global significance of outdoor education. It allowed me to reflect on the steps we must take in Nepal to nurture the next generation of outdoor leaders. By investing in foundational outdoor education, we can ensure that our youth are not only equipped with the skills needed for this exciting industry but also instilled with a deep respect for our nation's natural and cultural assets.