Kathmandu: The Nepal Institute for International Co-operation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a discussion on “From Streets to Ballots: The Gen Z Movement and Nepal’s Next Election” at its seminar hall in Hattiban on November 12.
Opening the session, Bibek Dhoj Thapa, Program Coordinator and Research Associate at NIICE, spoke about the recent Gen Z protests in Nepal and their implications for the country’s political landscape. He discussed the expectations of young citizens, challenges such as age barriers to participation, and the difficulty of forming a unified youth platform.
Gen Z activists Tanuja Pandey and Arnab Chaudhary highlighted that the youth movement is driven by frustration with systemic failures and a desire for a more just and accountable democracy. They emphasized that Gen Z stands for creative, peaceful activism and remains united despite diverse ideologies and regional differences.
Anurag Acharya, Director of Policy Entrepreneurs Inc. (PEI), compared the current youth movement with the 2006 people’s movement, noting that today’s protests are led by young citizens rather than political parties or civil society groups. He urged the youth to continue questioning inactive institutions and push for meaningful change.
During the discussion, participants reflected on misinformation challenges, intergenerational gaps, and lessons from regional youth movements, underscoring that Nepal’s Gen Z remains hopeful and determined to reshape the nation’s democratic future.
