Young, Bold, Global: KMC Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol Among World’s Top Young Leaders

Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, has been named Young Global Leader 2025 by the Forum of the Young Global Leaders, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Selected among an inspiring cohort of leaders from over 120 countries, Dangol stands out as one of the 11 representatives from South Asia—and the sole honoree from Nepal.

The Forum serves as a global platform for cultivating the next generation of strategic minds – those ready to lead with integrity, curiosity, and bold vision. “We convene the Young Global Leaders Community, an international network of exceptional individuals committed to shaping the future. Through immersive learning, global convenings and deep peer exchange, we promote a culture of shared growth and forward-looking dialogue,” the forum website reads. 

Dangol, on receiving the recognition, remarked that she was excited to be recognised as a Young Global Leader of 2025, and was honored to join a community of leaders from over 120 nations. Taking to her social media, she shared, “One out of 11 leaders from South Asia that made it this year – and the only one from Nepal. Together, we are dedicated to driving transformative change and making a positive impact on our world.”

Dangol’s recognition reflects her longstanding dedication to public life and engagement. She began her journey by founding the youth-led initiative, Callijatra, focused on preserving local scripts. She later won the Miss Newa pageant and went on to become the youngest member of the City Planning Commission at the KMC. At 29, she was elected the Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu with the largest margin of victory across 753 municipalities in Nepal. 

Her voice has reached global platforms, including the University of Oxford and the World Tourism Cities Federation Summit. In 2024, Dangol organised the Women of World Festival (WOW Nepal 2024) in Kathmandu, showcasing her commitment to promoting cultural heritage, youth empowerment, and urban innovation.

A dedicated advocate for inclusive governance, Dangol works tirelessly to represent the voices of Kathmandu’s diverse communities. The Deputy Mayor, also an art enthusiast, is passionate about preserving and revitalizing the city’s rich traditions, while also fostering sustainable urban development. She is a new-age politician dedicated to bridging the gap between heritage and modernity, ensuring that the city’s future is progressive, while being rooted in its cultural identity. 

During her recent Europe visit, Dangol observed proceedings at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, gaining firsthand insights into the judicial process. “It was insightful to observe the practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution and follow the journey from Forum Filing to Judgment: Handling a Case File. Gaining a deeper understanding of the EU’s judicial procedures—and sharing our own unique practice of Judicial Committees at the local government level—sparked meaningful exchanges,” she noted. She also engaged with senior officials of the Court of Justice during the visit. 

During an official visit to Brussels hosted by the European Union, Dangol received the opportunity to learn about the EU governance system and exchange insights regarding respective administrative frameworks.