When Balendra Shah took the oath of office at Sheetal Niwas recently, it was more than a routine transfer of power. It symbolised the culmination of a Gen Z-led political shift that has reshaped Nepal's landscape. The strong mandate secured by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has given Nepalis – both at home and abroad –a renewed sense of hope. Amid this optimism, one pressing question remains: can this government reverse the growing exodus of youth? For years, young Nepalis have left their families and country in search of better opportunities abroad, driven by limited prospects at home. Addressing this trend will be the real challenge for an administration confronting widespread public disillusionment. At his swearing-in ceremony, Shah pledged, 'I, Balendra Shah, in the name of the country and people, declare that I will be loyal to the Constitution... and that I will serve in the position as prime minister.' His words have resonated widely, contributing to a noticeable shift in public sentiment. From corporate offices to public spaces and educational institutions, political engagement, once avoided by many young people, is now gaining momentum. For individuals like 22-year-old Sujal Shrestha, the change feels personal. Having prepared applications for graduate study in the United States out of concern for his future in Kathmandu, he now sees new possibilities at home. 'The appointment of a young and well-educated cabinet has changed my perspective,' he says. 'For the first time, I feel I can build a successful and transparent future here.' This renewed optimism extends beyond Nepal's borders. Among the large Nepali diaspora, conversations are shifting from settling abroad to the possibility of returning home. Raman Kafle, based in Sydney, once viewed permanent residency as his ultimate goal. Now, he feels differently: 'The new administration's emphasis on utilising the global talent of Nepalis made me realise it may be time to return, where my skills are both needed and valued.' The mandate given to the current government has opened possibilities rarely seen before. While the initial enthusiasm surrounding the oath-taking will inevitably be tested by the type of governance it provides, there is a growing sense that long-standing barriers to swift and effective policymaking may be easing. This presents a rare opportunity to introduce meaningful structural reforms. Across Nepalis both inside and outside the country, a shared sense of cautious optimism is emerging. There is a belief that the country may finally be laying the groundwork to unlock its potential – and, perhaps, to bring back the talent it has long been losing.