Provincial Youth Dialogue on Federalism Held in Dhangadhi

Dhangadhi, 05 June 2026

A provincial-level Youth Dialogue on Federalism was successfully conducted in Dhangadhi, the capital of Sudurpashchim 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 Localization Center (FLC). The dialogue brought together 39 participants representing different districts of Sudurpashchim Province, including youth, 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 the practical implementation of federal governance, the 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 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.

A Responsibility Mapping Laboratory facilitated by Constituent Assembly Member Prahlad Lamichhane focused on clarifying functional responsibilities among federal, provincial, and local governments. In addition, he facilitated a Budget Simulation: Fiscal Federalism in Practice session, where participants engaged with budget principles, priority setting, and fiscal decision-making processes within provincial governance structures.

Discussions on Inclusion and Federalism: Beyond Representation, facilitated by former National Assembly Member Prakash Pantha, explored 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 practical solutions for youth-led governance reforms and accountability innovations.

Similarly, FLC Senior Program Coordinator Krishna Kumar Sah facilitated a Provincial Coordination Council simulation exercise under the broader theme of intergovernmental relations, providing participants with practical exposure to coordination, negotiation, and decision-making processes among 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 Honorable Prakash Bam, State Minister for Economic Affairs of Sudurpaschim Province; members of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly, including Dharma Raj Pathak and Janaki Air (Bam); along with other stakeholders and representatives.

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), Hetauda (Bagmati Province), Pokhara (Gandaki Province), and Dang (Deukhuri) in Lumbini Province.

The next provincial dialogue is scheduled to be held in Surkhet, Karnali Province, on 08 June 2026, continuing efforts to strengthen youth engagement and understanding of Nepal’s federal governance system across the country.

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