Provincial Youth Dialogue on Federalism Held in Pokhara
Pokhara, 01 June 2026
A provincial-level Youth Dialogue on Federalism was successfully conducted in Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province, with the objective of fostering a shared understanding among young people regarding Nepal’s federal governance system, intergovernmental relations, inclusive governance, and fiscal federalism.
The event was organized through collaboration between the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP/UNDP) and the Federalism and Localisation Center (FLC). The dialogue brought together 70 young participants (including 38 men, 29 women, and 3 individuals from gender and sexual minority communities) representing different districts of Gandaki Province, including youth leaders, students, social activists, elected representatives, and civil society actors.
The program created a platform for extensive discussions on federalism implementation, inclusive democracy, intergovernmental relations, youth engagement, social inclusion, and participatory governance. Special emphasis was placed on GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) throughout the thematic sessions.
Using interactive methodologies including group work, role-play exercises, and open dialogue sessions, participants explored practical aspects of federal governance, roles and responsibilities of provincial and local governments, and pathways for meaningful youth participation in policymaking processes. Participants emphasized that representation alone is insufficient and highlighted the need for genuine inclusion and substantive participation.
Throughout the discussions, participants stressed the importance of strengthening inclusive, accountable, and effective governance systems that respect Nepal’s social, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Particular attention was given to ensuring meaningful participation of women, Dalits, Muslims, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities across all levels of government.
Thematic Sessions
The program featured multiple thematic sessions designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of federal governance and its practical application. The session on understanding federalism introduced participants to the foundational concepts, principles, and institutional structures of Nepal’s federal system and was facilitated by federalism expert and Chairperson of FLC, Dr. Khim Lal Devkota. Building on this, a practical budget simulation session enabled participants to explore fiscal federalism through exercises related to resource distribution, intergovernmental transfers, and grant mechanisms.
A responsibility mapping laboratory facilitated by Constituent Assembly Member Prahlad Lamichhane focused on clarifying functional responsibilities among federal, provincial, and local governments. Discussions on inclusion and federalism, facilitated by former National Assembly Member Prakash Pantha, examined the distinction between representation and meaningful empowerment within democratic systems.
The program also included a Youth Accountability Innovation Laboratory facilitated by Mohd Ayub, where participants explored youth-led governance reforms and accountability innovations. Similarly, FLC Senior Program Coordinator Krishna Kumar Sah facilitated an intergovernmental council simulation that provided participants with practical exposure to coordination, negotiation, and decision-making processes between different tiers of government.
The concluding session synthesized the collective learning from the dialogue and enabled participants to collaboratively develop a Provincial Youth Federalism Charter that reflected shared priorities, aspirations, and recommendations emerging from the discussions.
Observations and Participation
The program was moderated by Advocate Lumana Tuladhar Upreti. Distinguished observers and guests included the Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, Kyoko Yokosuka; European Union Program Officer Kalua Vergamota; honorable members of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly; and Dr. Krishna Chandra Devkota, Vice-Chairperson of the Gandaki Provincial Policy and Planning Commission, among others.
Looking Forward
This dialogue forms part of an ongoing Youth Dialogue Series on Federalism. Similar dialogues have previously been conducted in Janakpur (Madhesh Province), Biratnagar (Koshi Province), and Hetauda (Bagmati Province). FLC plans to continue organizing similar initiatives across additional provinces to further strengthen youth engagement and understanding of Nepal’s federal governance system.