Promoting youth participation in urban governance in Nepal

Inclusive urban governance fosters youth participation, yet a gap persists between policy commitments and everyday realities in Dharan, Nepal.

Despite inclusive constitutional and policy frameworks, young people face multiple barriers to participation, including unemployment, economic insecurity, migration pressure and exclusion from adult-dominated decision‑making spaces.

This briefing recommends institutionalising youth representation in local governance, enhancing budget transparency, investing in youth-focused development and integrating digital participation in municipal decision making.