Kathmandu: Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of Nepal’s National Assembly, called for youth-centred policies, inclusive governance, climate justice and digital inclusion while addressing the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul.
Speaking under the theme “Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations,” Dahal said the world is facing interconnected challenges including geopolitical tensions, climate change, economic crises, inequality and youth unemployment. He stressed that collective and inclusive action is essential to address these global issues.
Highlighting Nepal’s recent political developments, Dahal noted that nearly half of the members elected to the House of Representatives are youth, which he said has injected new energy, ideas and perspectives into Nepal’s lawmaking and development agenda. He emphasized that youth-centred thinking and programmes are vital to preserving hope and confidence in the future.
Dahal also underscored inclusivity as a prerequisite for peace, prosperity and sustainability. He said Nepal’s federal democratic republic, guided by proportional inclusion, has ensured representation of women, Dalits, Indigenous peoples, Madhesis and other marginalized communities. He informed the Assembly that women currently constitute 35.32 percent of Nepal’s Federal Parliament.
Emphasizing development and peace as mutually reinforcing, he called for accelerated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and increased support for countries in special situations, including landlocked and least developed countries. He urged development partners to fulfill official development assistance commitments, expand trade opportunities and support technology transfer and capacity-building.
On climate change, Dahal warned that Nepal faces disproportionate risks despite negligible greenhouse gas emissions. He pointed to rising temperatures in the Himalayan region, glacier melt and glacial lake outburst floods affecting livelihoods and ecosystems. He reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and called for climate finance, clean energy promotion and stronger adaptation measures for vulnerable countries.
The National Assembly chair also highlighted the importance of technological advancement and digital inclusion, noting that rapid growth in artificial intelligence and digitalization is transforming governance, agriculture, health and education. He stressed the need to bridge the digital divide through policy reforms, investment in digital infrastructure and youth employment.
Concluding his remarks, Dahal said hope, peace and justice are interconnected foundations for a better future. He reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and called for joint global efforts to ensure dignity, security and prosperity for future generations.
