KATHMANDU, AUGUST 12

Marking the occasion of the International Youth Day, a three-day residential orientation of European Union-funded Youth Sounding Board members concluded in Budhanilkantha. Kathmandu in coordination with Youth Innovation Lab, Oxfam in Nepal, Helvetas Nepal, Restless Development, and Yuwalaya.

The EU-Nepal Youth Sounding Board's first cohort is composed of 25 youths aged 18-28, from Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces. YSB is a consultative space for Nepali youth to have an influence on the EU's actions by making it more participatory, relevant, and effective for them. It is an all-inclusive multi-sectorial platform of engagement designed to bring together youth voices to guide the EU's development cooperation in Nepal.

Participants during the second day of residential orientation of European Union-funded Youth Sounding Board members, in Budhanilkantha. Photo: Youth Innovation Lab
Participants during the second day of residential orientation of European Union-funded Youth Sounding Board members, in Budhanilkantha. Photo: Youth Innovation Lab

The formation of the YSB started in Brussels and similar boards have been formed in Nigeria and Tanzania. In Nepal, YSB is being piloted by the EU's three grants on youth that were awarded to Youth Innovation Lab, Ox-fam, and Helvetas and consortium members respectively.

According to a press release, 21 YSB members participated in the orientation (August 8-10) event and each day of the orientation was planned to be interactive, informative, engaging, andparticipatory. The first day was all about learning to trust each other, listen to each other and lead the way with exercise and physical activities. The second was about orienting the European Union and discussing the issues of climate change, inclusion, and governance. YSB members also had an interactive networking session with 10 professionals working in the field of Climate Change, Disaster, GESI, Media and Communication, Journalism, Governance, Research, and more. The second day was wrapped with a reception in EU Ambassador Nona Deprez's residence where YSB members got to interact with EU representatives and partner organisations while enjoying raithaane food.

Participants during the third (last) day of residential orientation of European Union-funded Youth Sounding Board members, in Budhanilkantha. Photo: Youth Innovation Lab
Participants during the third (last) day of residential orientation of European Union-funded Youth Sounding Board members, in Budhanilkantha. Photo: Youth Innovation Lab

On the third and the final day of the orientation, YSB members prepared their respective action plans in Climate Change, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, and Governance and these action plans will lead the action of YSB members. Giving closing remarks, EU Ambassador Nona Deprez said that the voices of the youths should be stronger and better heard. Connecting with YSB members, the ambassador said that being a YSB member was a commitment to work with the EU and with other cohort members. Their inputs and recommendations will help to guide the future actions of the EU to make them relevant to the need of youths.

YSB is a consultative space for Nepali youths to have an influence on EU's actions

A version of this article appears in the print on August 13, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.