Gen Z Movement in Focus as NIICE Hosts Discussion on Youth and Nepal’s Next Election
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Institute for International Co-operation and Engagement (NIICE) on Wednesday hosted a discussion titled “From Streets to Ballots: The Gen Z Movement and Nepal’s Next Election” at its seminar hall in Hattiban, focusing on the growing political involvement of Nepal’s younger generation.
Opening the session, Bibek Dhoj Thapa, Programme Co-ordinator and Research Associate at NIICE, spoke about the recent Gen Z-led protests and their implications for Nepal’s political landscape. He highlighted young people’s expectations from the government and the upcoming polls, noting barriers such as age restrictions and difficulties in building a unified movement.
Gen Z activist Tanuja Pandey described the movement as a response to frustration with systemic failures. She said young Nepalis are calling for a more inclusive democracy “where justice is accessible and inequality is not normalised.” Pandey added that Gen Z activism predates recent protests, often expressed through creative acts like tree-hugging and public reading sessions.
Fellow activist Arnab Chaudhary rejected claims that Gen Z is privileged or detached, pointing out that many grew up during the civil war and other national upheavals. He said the generation shares concerns about corruption, poor governance and undemocratic practices. “We’ve lost faith in the system’s flaws, not in democracy or federalism,” he remarked.
Anurag Acharya, Director of Policy Entrepreneurs Inc. (PEI) Nepal, compared current protests with the 2006 movement, which had the backing of political leaders and civil society. He expressed disappointment that earlier struggles had failed to deliver lasting change, adding that today’s youth are “no longer willing to wait.” He also urged young activists to hold silent civil rights groups accountable.
During the Q&A, Chaudhary clarified that Gen Z activists are “scattered, not divided,” operating through informal networks rather than rigid structures. Responding to online attacks, Pandey said her focus remained on sustaining the movement’s energy and advocating for justice.
Acharya drew parallels with Bangladesh’s youth-led July Charter, noting similar demands for limiting executive power and questioning how Nepal’s youth might approach such reforms.
The event highlighted the determination of Nepal’s Gen Z to push for accountability, equity and stronger democratic participation ahead of the next election.
