About the Summit
The Global Youth Summit 2025, organized by the Institute for Rural Development (IRD), brought together a rare gathering of Nepal's academically accomplished and civically engaged young leaders — highlighting the growing importance of globally trained youth in the country's nation-building efforts. Held at DAV College, Lalitpur, the Summit convened students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and development practitioners at a critical time — when Nepal faces persistent development challenges alongside increasing youth participation in public and institutional life. The event underscored a powerful message: Nepal's global talent, if effectively channeled, can be a transformative force for the country's future.
9+
Universities Represented
12+
Countries Connected
150+
Participants
10+
Speakers
20+
Sessions & Talks
Who Was in the Room
Participants and speakers included Nepali youth from some of the world's most prestigious institutions — the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), University of Oxford, Dartmouth College, MIT, Princeton University, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, and Tsinghua University, among others. The Summit brought together a remarkable cross-section of Nepal's emerging talent:
- Glocal Teen Heroes
- International and National Olympiad Medalists
- Schwarzman Scholars
- Opportunity Funds Grantees
- IRD Global Fellows
- Nationally and globally recognized scholars working across science, law, policy, education, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, climate research, and the arts
Keynote Address
Laxman Bista
Co-founder, IRD | Schwarzman Scholar, Tsinghua University
In his keynote, Laxman Bista reflected on IRD's journey and impact throughout 2025 — celebrating milestones, honoring the collective efforts of project leads, members, volunteers, advisors, and donors, and acknowledging the growing support from Nepal's diaspora abroad. Drawing on his background in physics, neuroscience, and global affairs, he reiterated the importance of connecting global learning with local realities through leadership grounded in research, ethical responsibility, and public service.
Sessions & Speakers
Sagar Dhakal
Engineer, Oxford University Graduate
"Youth-Led Political Leadership & iVoting"
Sagar spoke on youth-led political leadership and lessons from the iVoting campaign, exploring ongoing dialogues with Nepal's Gen Z and the need to bridge civic energy with sustained institutional participation.
Advocate Arnab Chaudhary
Lawyer & Gen Z Movement Leader
"Elections, Youth Leadership & Legal Advocacy"
Drawing from his work in public interest litigation and grassroots mobilization, Arnab addressed democratic accountability, inclusion, and the role of legal advocacy in strengthening Nepal's institutions.
Rahul Aryal & Yadav Singh Dhami
Researchers
"Rural & Urban Development Under Climate Stress"
Presenting field-driven research on development vulnerabilities in regions including Sudurpaschim and Kathmandu's informal settlements, they stressed the urgent need for evidence-based policymaking rooted in ground realities.
Asmod Khakurel
Kenyon College Graduate, International Policy & Diplomacy
"People-to-People Diplomacy & Nepal's Global Engagement"
Asmod explored how youth-led cultural and academic exchange can complement formal foreign policy — and how informal diplomacy can expand Nepal's international relationships.
Rohan Bhattarai
Caltech Scholar
"Analytical & Scientific Thinking in Governance"
Rohan illustrated how disciplined scientific reasoning and research methodologies can inform complex social and governance challenges well beyond the walls of academia.
Key Themes
Education Reform
Rural & Urban Development
Climate Change
Youth Participation in Governance
Diplomacy & Global Engagement
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Legal Advocacy & Democratic Reform
Science & Research
Beyond the Discourse — Culture & Community
The Summit wasn't only about policy and research. Cultural performances — singing, dance, and artistic expression — were woven throughout the day, reflecting the diverse talents within the IRD community and grounding the intellectual discourse in culture, identity, and shared humanity.
Summit in Photos
A Vision for Nepal's Future
In a context where many highly trained young Nepalis pursue opportunities abroad, the Global Youth Summit 2025 offered a compelling alternative narrative — one centered on engagement, return, and long-term contribution to Nepal. As Nepal navigates ongoing development challenges and institutional reform, the Summit served as a powerful reminder: the country's capacity for transformation will depend significantly on how effectively it recognizes, connects, and mobilizes its emerging generation of globally trained, locally committed leaders. IRD is committed to making this Summit not a one-time event, but the foundation of a sustained platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action among Nepal's global youth.