'SAARC Regional Dialogue' begins in Kathmandu

The 'SAARC Regional Dialogue on Promoting Youth Participation in the Implementation of SDGs' formally kicked off in Kathmandu today.

This is the first time Nepal is hosting the SAARC-level event, which is aimed at promoting youth participation in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.

The main objective of the event is to share best practices and experiences across the SAARC countries in policy development and to involve the young people in this process.

Youth representatives and government stakeholders from all eight SAARC member states are participating in the event to explore ways and means to promote effective youth engagement mechanisms at national and sub-national levels in South Asia.

The SAARC dialogue is hosted by the Government of Nepal in collaboration with the SAARC Secretariat and technical and financial support from United Nations Population Fund.

Minister for Youth and Sports Satya Narayan Mandal while addressing the inaugural ceremony expressed his delight over the fact that Nepal is hosting the SAARC Youth Dialogue.

"The youth in the SAARC region have similar problems, opportunities and challenges. Poverty and youth unemployment in particular are noted as significant challenges," Himalayan Times quoted Mandal as saying.

"These problems can be solved through the development of youth skills, entrepreneurship, leadership and also by increasing youth participation," he added.

A total of 19 youth and 13 government representatives from the SAARC member states are participating in the two-day regional event.

This event will make recommendations on future plans and strategies to strengthen youth participation within SAARC countries in achieving the SDGs.