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Stakeholders have emphasized that Nepal’s public debt should not be debated solely in terms of its size, but also in terms of how it is used, its cost, returns, sustainability, and its implications for future generations. A dialogue on “Debt, Development & Us: A Dialogue on Nepal’s Public Debt” was organized on Monday by Youth Initiative and AIDS Healthcare Foundation Nepal (AHF Nepal). The program brought together young people and experts to discuss Nepal’s public debt situation, its role in development, debt sustainability, and its links to employment, education, healthcare, and the future of young people.

During the program, Resham Thapa, Associate Professor of Economics at Tribhuvan University, delivered a context presentation on “What is Public Debt? Global Context and Nepal’s Scenario.” He provided participants with an overview of the concept of public debt, the global context, and Nepal’s public debt situation. The main attraction of the program was a panel discussion titled “Voices Behind the Debt.” Moderated by Dipesh Kumar Ghimire, the discussion featured Kalpana Khanal, economic journalist Gajendra Budhathoki, Devendra Singh, Program Development Manager at ActionAid International Nepal, and Nischal Dhungel, a PhD student at the University of Utah.

The panel discussed Nepal’s current public debt situation, debt sustainability, public expenditure, economic growth, taxation, social justice, transparency, and the returns from debt-financed projects. The discussion also focused on the need to understand public debt not merely as a government issue, but as a matter closely linked to young people’s employment, education, healthcare, skills development, entrepreneurship, and future tax obligations. Participants emphasized that Nepal’s public debt should not be assessed solely by looking at its total volume or its ratio to GDP. The source of the debt, borrowing costs and terms, areas of investment, economic and social returns, and the country’s future repayment capacity should also be considered when assessing the sustainability and effectiveness of public borrowing.

Speaking at the program, Yogesh Kafle, President of Youth Initative, said public debt should not be viewed merely as a government issue but as a matter directly connected to young people’s employment, opportunities, and future. “Public debt should not be viewed merely as a government issue; it directly concerns young people’s employment, opportunities and future. Meaningful youth participation is essential to ensure that public debt is used transparently and productively,” said Kafle.

The Capstone Accelerator program, supported by the US Embassy in Nepal as part of its Entrepreneurship Skill-Building Program, successfully concluded in Kathmandu on Friday.

The initiative brought together 20 top entrepreneurs selected through a competitive process from over 200 participants across regional workshops held in Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Hetauda, Bhairahawa, and Pokhara. The finalists participated in a three-day residential program focused on business expansion, investment readiness, artificial intelligence integration, export potential, and strategic communication.

As part of the program's culmination, the entrepreneurs pitched their business models to a panel of prominent investors, industry leaders, and sector experts during a dedicated investment and global market session. Participants also showcased their products and services at the Capstone Main Street Showcase, drawing inspiration from the American "Main Street" concept to network directly with investors, business executives, and leaders from AmCham Nepal.

Addressing the event, US Embassy Public Affairs Chief Mike Harker noted that the showcase highlights the strong economic partnership between the United States and Nepal, emphasizing a commitment to economic diplomacy and private sector collaboration by investing in a new generation of innovative Nepali entrepreneurs.

The overarching Entrepreneurship Skill-Building Program was implemented by the International Development Institute (IDI) in partnership with Aadyanta Advisory. The selected entrepreneurs represent diverse sectors, including agriculture and food processing, information technology, manufacturing, creative industries, consulting, digital services, natural products, handicrafts, and social enterprises.

Approximately 80,000 children across Nepal participated in a tree-planting initiative on World Environment Day under the nationwide campaign “One Child, One Tree.” The initiative was led by the World Vision International Nepal in collaboration with local governments, schools, and community stakeholders.

The campaign was conducted across 46 municipalities in 17 districts, spanning various ecological regions including the hills, mountains, and the Terai plains. Participating districts included Udayapur, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sindhuli, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Lamjung, Jumla, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Achham, Doti, Dailekh, Jajarkot, Banke, and Bajhang.

According to organizers, children planted thousands of saplings—including fruit-bearing and locally suitable species such as mango, litchi, guava, and orange—in schools, residential areas, communities, and ward offices. The initiative also recorded the participation of 573 children with disabilities.

The implementation of the campaign involved coordinated schedules throughout the day, supported by local governments, schools, community forest groups, families, and 27 local implementing partner organizations.

To support the survival and growth of the saplings, the organizers stated that they are working with families and local stakeholders to provide follow-up care, including the distribution of organic fertilizers.

Prakash Tiwari, Associate Director of Technical Programmes and Head of Resilience & Livelihoods at World Vision International Nepal, stated that the campaign aims to address environmental degradation and climate change by fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among youth. Roslyn Hanson Gabriel, National Director of World Vision International Nepal, concluded that the successful execution of the project highlights the impact of integrated planning and cross-community collaboration in addressing environmental challenges through youth engagement.

Local government representatives and educators noted both the environmental and educational aspects of the initiative.

Dip Narayan Mandal, Chairperson of Ekdara Rural Municipality, remarked that the distribution of fruit saplings like mango and litchi serves to promote conservation while supporting future food security and nutrition. Ram Ishwor Mandal, Principal of Rastriya Basic School in Baheda, added that providing fruit saplings integrates practical environmental education into the school system.

Similarly, Yagya Prashad Neupane, Ward Chair of Tikapur-7, highlighted that the activities encourage children to understand environmental protection from an early age.

Children and parents from various districts expressed their engagement with the program. Young participants, including Roshani Yadav (8), Gautam Sah (14), Vivisha Chaudhary, Astha RC, Shruti Bhandari, and Elisa, shared their intentions to care for the saplings they received and noted that the experience increased their interest in nature.

Basmati Budha, a 34-year-old parent from Jumla, observed that the hands-on event allowed children to gain practical environmental knowledge and take a leadership role in field activities.

The new travel memoir ‘Jaganmukti’, authored by veteran journalist Dharmendra Jha, was officially released during the Baglung Media Mela-2082. The book was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, at a special ceremony organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Baglung Chapter. Known in the literary world as ‘Dharmendra Bihwal,’ Jha chronicles his spiritual and cultural journey from the sacred heights of Muktinath in Mustang to the coastal Jagannath temple, aiming to bridge the cultural and religious ties between Nepal and India.

According to the author, this 102-page travelogue marks the first book written in the Maithili language regarding Muktinath. Jha expressed confidence that the work will serve as a vital guide for Maithili speakers, noting that the Shaligram stones worshipped in Mithila households originate from the Muktinath region. The book is structured into three sections: the first focusing on Muktinath across the Himalayas, the second on Jagannath by the sea, and the third detailing his experiences at the Mahakumbh and the Kali river.

Dharmendra Jha brings a wealth of experience to this publication, having served as the former Central President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists and the immediate past Executive Chair of the National News Agency (RSS). A prolific writer with numerous titles in poetry, drama, and journalism history, Jha has also held leadership roles in the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Nepal Press Union. This latest work adds to his extensive literary portfolio, which includes titles such as Mithila Mithak and The History of Nepalese Maithili Print Journalism.