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Participants at an interaction program titled “The Current Political Landscape: Reality and the Way Forward” have said that addressing the demands raised by the GenZ movement is essential to steer the country towards development. The participants noted that successive governments have failed to adequately address youth concerns related to good governance, transparency, and democratic practices, leading to growing frustration and disillusionment in society.

The interaction was jointly organized on Friday in Kathmandu by Youth Initiative, NGO Federation Nepal, and the Association of International NGOs in Nepal. The programme featured direct dialogue between youths and speakers including NGO Federation Nepal President Arjun Bhattarai, former minister Sumanā Shrestha, Monika Niraula, Pratigya Basyal, and journalist Hari Bahadur Thapa.

During the discussion, youths emphasized the need to ensure good governance, provide political space based on merit, and end nepotism. They also stressed the importance of sustaining anti-corruption campaigns and conducting elections in a transparent manner.

The program also discussed the perceived gap between rural and urban movements, challenges faced by traditional mainstream media in maintaining credibility in the digital age, and the need to reduce growing distrust between the state and young people. Participants further exchanged views on measures to address digital security risks.

The 11th National Congress of the CPN-UML is set to begin today, with party chairperson KP Sharma Oli scheduled to inaugurate the event this afternoon at the open ground in Sallahghari, Bhaktapur.

Party leaders and cadres arrived at the venue early in the morning. Security arrangements have been tightened, with police teams, including trained sniffer dogs, deployed at the inauguration site.

Parking arrangements have been made at Gaththaghar and Jagati for leaders and cadres attending the inaugural ceremony. According to the organizers, vehicles coming from the Kathmandu side will be parked at Gatthaghar, while those entering through the eastern route will be directed to Jagati. Parking facilities have been arranged at brick kilns, plotted lands, and other open spaces in the Jagati area.

Participants are expected to reach the Sallahghari venue in organized processions. The party has described the convention as a demonstration of the strength of a democratic political party. CPN-UML Politburo member Mahesh Basnet said efforts have been made to ensure that the processions proceed as much as possible through service lanes along the main roads.

CPN-UML Publicity and Publication Department chief Rajendra Gautam said all preparations for the convention have been completed and that around 300,000 participants from across the country are expected to attend the inaugural session. He added that more than 200 cultural tableaux reflecting Nepal’s unity and diversity will be displayed during the ceremony.

According to the party, a model of the Changunarayan Temple has been constructed on the stage, alongside an electronic lamp, which will be lit remotely by Chairperson Oli to inaugurate the convention. As this is the party’s 11th national convention, 11 party flags will be displayed, with 10 flags hoisted at the outset and one flag raised remotely. The closed session of the convention will be held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.

The inauguration ceremony of the 11th National Convention of the CPN-UML is set to begin shortly. The opening session is being held at Sallaghari in Bhaktapur, while the closed-door sessions will take place at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.

Delegates and leaders from across the country have been arriving in Bhaktapur since early today. For the inauguration ceremony scheduled for midday at the open ground in Sallaghari, representatives of 16 political parties and six social organisations have been invited.

The convention venue at Sallaghari has begun filling up with participants. Strict security checks are being carried out before entry into the inauguration site.

A total of 2,262 delegates will take part in the 11th National Convention. As per the party statute, five percent of the delegates can be nominated, bringing in 108 nominated members. Including 309 central advisers, the total number of participants will reach 2,571.

The 11th National Convention of the CPN-UML is now getting underway, with a steady flow of delegates heading towards Sallaghari. Rallies comprising delegates from various sectors are marching towards the convention venue, while several participants have already arrived at the inauguration site. Party leaders are also reaching Sallaghari one after another.

Cultural programs are currently underway at the venue. Participants are being subjected to rigorous security screening before entering the inauguration area. A total of 20,000 chairs have been arranged at the open ground to accommodate those attending the ceremony.

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) and the University of Nepal (UoN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to establish a strategic partnership aimed at developing skilled manpower by bridging the gap between academia and industry.

NICCI Director General Keshab Man Singh and University of Nepal Registrar Dr Suresh Acharya on behalf of their respective institutions signed the MoU.

Both organizations will collaborate to link academic knowledge with industry needs, build capacity, and work together in areas including training, workshops, conferences, and summits under this agreement.

Prof. Dr Bindu Lohani, Chancellor of the University of Nepal, said that the university is developing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model for financial (non-academic) operations and embraces an Industry–Government–Academia (IGA) approach.

He further said that the university is moving toward an interdisciplinary curriculum model, where the first-year curriculum emphasizes breadth of knowledge, followed by subject-specific depth. “Our courses are designed to equip students with the skills that the country urgently needs today,” he added.

The MoU aims to create a dynamic interface between academic knowledge and industry practices, enabling students to gain practical skills, foster innovation, and promote entrepreneurship through collaborative efforts.