Kathmandu:

International Youth Day was celebrated with great galore by youth nationwide on August 12. Youth Initiative, which is an organisation “led by the youth for the youth of the nation,” organised a series of programmes in coordination with many other youth-oriented organisations to mark this day. The theme of this year’s celebration was “WPAY + 10 and Making Commitments Matter.” Youth Initiative has partnered with the youth and sports section of the ministry of education and sports and various other youth organisations. The other organisations that participated included Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum (NYEF), Youth Action Nepal, United Youth, YATRA, Bahai Youth, HRERLIC-Nepal, Kathmandu Infotiser, WAVE, Leo Clubs, Rotaract Clubs, Development Studies Society. The Himalayan Times was the official media for the event.

The rally started at 7:30 am from Bhotahity and was divided into two groups. One led by RK Mainali, Minister for Education and Sports and the other led by the Loktantra followers. The former rally concluded in Lainchaur while the latter concluded at Basantapur with a total of 500 youth participants making it a huge success. The second half of the programme consisted

of a Round Table Discussion on Programmes and Policies for Youth of Nepal at Hotel Dwarikas

organised by Youth Initiative and Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum. Youths from 14 different organisations and other decision makers from various other organisations like Ministry of Education and Sports, World Bank, Social Welfare Council, National Planning Commission, UN, UNDP, ILO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, USAID, etc participated in the discussion. “The main objective of the roundtable was to discuss and implement youth policies and a strategic framework for nationwide alliance of youth organisations,” said Robin Sitaula, General Secretary, Youth Initiative. The entire day was celebrated for making the best they could for the youth.