Youth Dialogue on Federalism Concluded in Biratnagar
An event entitled ‘Youth Dialogue Program on Federalism’ has been concluded in Biratnagar, the capital of Koshi Province, with the objective of developing a shared understanding among youth on Nepal’s federal governance system, intergovernmental relations, inclusive governance, youth and accountability, and fiscal federalism, while also strengthening the practical knowledge, analytical capacity, and reform-oriented perspectives necessary for their meaningful participation in policymaking processes.
The program, organized on 6 Jestha 2083, was jointly conducted by the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP/UNDP) and Federalism and Localization Center (FLC). More than 45 youths coming from diverse backgrounds – students and youths from civil society from various districts of Koshi Province actively participated in the event.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on various aspects of federalism implementation, inclusive democracy, intergovernmental relations among different tiers of government, the role of youth in accountability, social inclusion, and participatory governance systems. Various sessions were conducted with special emphasis on GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) issues. Through group work, role plays, and open dialogue, participants reflected deeply on the practical implementation of the federal governance system, the responsibilities and roles of provincial and local governments, and the meaningful participation of youth in policymaking processes. A shared understanding was developed among participants on the need to ensure genuine inclusion beyond mere representation.
During the discussions, participants highlighted the need to strengthen an inclusive, accountable, and effective governance system that respects social, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Participants also expressed the view that all levels of the state must become more responsible in ensuring the meaningful participation of women, Dalits, Muslims, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities.
Various thematic sessions were conducted systematically throughout the program. In the session titled “Understanding Federalism,” Dr. Khim Lal Devkota, Chairperson of FLC, facilitated discussions aimed at developing a shared understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles, and structures of federalism. The session “Budget Simulation – Fiscal Federalism in Practice” focused on the practical aspects of fiscal federalism, including resource distribution and grant systems.
Similarly, the “Responsibility Mapping Lab” session focused on clarifying the functional responsibilities among the federal, provincial, and local levels of government, facilitated by former Constituent Assembly member Prahlad Lamichhane. The “IGR Simulation” session provided practical exercises on intergovernmental coordination and decision-making processes.
In the session “Inclusion & Federalism – Beyond Representation,” former National Assembly member Prakash Pantha facilitated discussions analyzing the gap between representation and genuine empowerment. Likewise, the “Youth Accountability Innovation Lab” session focused on developing practical governance reform solutions led by youth, facilitated by Mohammad Ayub.
The final session, “Consolidation: Provincial Youth Federalism Charter,” integrated the learnings from the entire program and resulted in the preparation of a provincial-level Youth Federalism Declaration/Charter, facilitated by Krishna Kumar Sah.
The event was observed by honorable members of the Koshi Provincial Assembly, officials from the Government of Nepal and the Koshi Provincial Government, representatives from UNDP, and representatives from various development partner organizations. The overall facilitation of the program was carried out by Advocate Lumana Upreti.
According to the organizing institution, FLC, similar programs under the Youth Dialogue Series on Federalism had previously been conducted in Janakpur, Madhesh Province, and will continue to be organized in other provinces in the coming days.