Glocal announces '20under20' honourees for Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2025

KATHMANDU: Glocal, organiser of Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2025, has announced its “20under20” list, celebrating 20 outstanding Nepali teenagers who have driven positive change across technology, social activism, entrepreneurship, research, SRHR advocacy and environmentalism.

Selected from 786 applications and a nationwide outreach exceeding 150,000 young people, this year’s cohort showcases the breadth of talent shaping Nepal’s future. Collectively, the programme generated 2.5 million engagements across digital and offline channels.

The 20 honourees are:

•    Aawish Khanal, aspiring entrepreneur (Butwal)
•    Dhurbesh Dhami, campaigner (Bajura)
•    Gokul Shrestha, researcher (Baglung)
•    Krish Yadav, content creator (Dhanusha Dham)
•    Manushi Neupane, SRHR advocate (Syangja)
•    Mohammad Aftab Sheikh, aspiring entrepreneur (Birgunj)
•    Nischal Dhungana, climate justice advocate (Kapilvastu)
•    Nishant Raj Sarraf, AI researcher (Birgunj)
•    Osish Niraula, child rights activist (Sunsari)
•    Oxford Acharya, policy advocate (Jumla)
•    Phurwa Tsering Gurung, documentary filmmaker (Dolpo)
•    Pooja Mainali, teen leadership advocate (Jhapa)
•    Rakshit Poudel, STEM educator (Butwal)
•    Renuka Singh, agropreneur (Sarlahi)
•    Ritu Gharti, peer educator (Nawalpur)
•    Ruchi Ojha, menstrual health advocate (Kathmandu)
•    Safal Poudel, AI developer (Rupandehi)
•    Sajan Adhikari, SDG activist (Chitwan)
•    Saksham Ghimire, policy advocate (Rupandehi)
•    Saksham Rupakheti, social entrepreneur (Kapilvastu)

A distinguished jury comprising Chandrika Kalia (Country Director, Coca-Cola Nepal), Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung (Country Director, WWF Nepal), Seema Golchha (Director, Golchha Group), Suraj Vaidya (President, VOITH) and Thomas Miller (Chargé d’affaires, European Union to Nepal) oversaw a rigorous selection process.

Title partner Golchha Group and strategic alliances with the European Union, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and Plan International strengthened the initiative. Embark College joined as educational partner, while Honda, Coca-Cola, WWF, Panchakanya Group, KFC, Toyota and Real provided sponsorship. Banking support came from Global IME Bank, Nabil Bank and Nepal SBI Bank. The Nepal Tourism Board promoted the programme, with The Plaza as hospitality partner and WorldLink as internet partner. Media partnerships included The Kathmandu Post, Kantipur App and Himalaya TV HD; Yeti Airlines served as airline partner; Prisma Advertising managed PR; NNQ? (No Next Question) led outreach; and additional support was offered by Nutriplus, Pizza Hut, Nepal Life Insurance and Begani Group.