In Kathmandu this week, the energy of Nepal’s youth was on full display as the Gen-Z Movement, a surge of activism driven by the country’s youngest political actors, entered a new chapter. The government, after days of intense negotiation, ratified a 10-point accord with Gen Z representatives—a deal that both signals hope for reform and exposes the complexities of generational change in Nepali politics.
On December 12, 2025, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel addressed a gathering at a programme on Social Accountability: Media and Youth Dialogue, organized by the National Youth Council. His message was clear: “Participation of Gen-Z should be ensured in each programme,” he declared, according to RSS. “Any dialogue and programme organized by avoiding the Gen-Z Movement will remain incomplete.” Kharel’s words reflected a new political reality in Nepal, one where young voices are not just heard but are becoming indispensable to the national conversation.
This candid acknowledgment came on the heels of a dramatic two days. On the night of December 10, government officials and Gen Z representatives signed a 10-point accord, aiming to address longstanding demands for political, legal, and constitutional reform. Yet, even as the ink dried, the unity of the youth movement was tested: some young activists tore up copies of the agreement in front of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, signaling dissatisfaction and a rift within the movement itself, as reported by The Himalayan Times.
Despite these visible fractures, the government wasted no time in moving forward. On December 11, the Cabinet ratified the agreement, with Minister Kharel announcing that the relevant ministries would implement its provisions with high priority. He also revealed that the scope of the Gen Z Movement Inquiry Commission would be expanded, as stipulated in the agreement. “The government has already approved the agreement signed between the government and Gen Z representatives,” Kharel told reporters, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the process.
The Gen-Z Movement, which erupted on September 8 and 9, has been credited with shattering the stereotype that Nepal’s youth are politically apathetic. “The time is of youth. The Gen-Z Movement has dismantled the illusion that youth cannot do anything. They have shown that they can sacrifice for transformation,” Minister Kharel said, lauding the activists’ resolve. He went further, asserting that “massive changes can happen in 27 hours if the youth wanted so,” a nod to the swift and impactful nature of the recent protests.
But what exactly does the 10-point agreement promise? While the details span a range of reforms, the core focus is on enhancing transparency, promoting good governance, and creating employment opportunities—demands that have animated Gen Z activists since the movement’s inception. Kharel emphasized that the movement was “selfless,” explaining, “They did not want to join the government; they just asked for good governance and employment.”
Other leaders echoed the sentiment that youth must be at the forefront of Nepal’s future. National Assembly Member and General Secretary of the Parliamentary Network on Population and Development, Ganga Kumari Belbase, called for young people to be engaged in “problem-solving, energy and innovation.” Sriram Haridass, Nepal Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Nirmala Sharma, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, also lent their support, highlighting the essential role of youth in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
Yet, the path forward is anything but simple. The very public act of tearing up the agreement was a stark reminder that not all youth are satisfied with the government’s overtures. According to The Himalayan Times, Gen Z leaders attributed this dissent to a handful of individuals acting out of “vested interest,” noting that some were not present during the original protest. Still, the majority of Gen Z representatives remained committed to the deal, recognizing its potential to drive meaningful change.
“The majority of the Gen Z representatives have agreed on this, but we cannot make everyone happy,” one leader told the newspaper. “The collective question is that of the implementation and the political ownership of the document for which we are working round-the-clock now.” This sentiment was echoed by Pradeep Gyawali, who said, “We are all in on the same mandate, but a few of them acted based on their vested interest in yesterday’s meeting. We are working towards the implementation of the agreement as the Cabinet recommends it.”
For many, the challenge lies in translating promises into action. Amit Khanal, another Gen Z leader, acknowledged the hurdles ahead: “It’s daunting and certainly not possible to fulfil everyone’s demands. However, we all who believe in constitutionalism and democracy are on the same page.” Arjun Shah, meanwhile, voiced concerns about the government’s motives, suggesting, “This government is just focused on election and sidelining Gen Z demands, which raises questions on the validity of the document.” He insisted that “the president should sign the agreement, and a formal date should be announced for the implementation to not let the Gen Z revolution and sacrifices be compromised.”
The road to implementation is further complicated by the need for constitutional amendments, a process that requires broad political consensus. Aditya Karn, another Gen Z leader, stressed that the government should act swiftly on matters within its executive authority before the upcoming March 5, 2026, House of Representatives election. “However, the matters requiring constitutional amendments must be addressed through the proper parliamentary process. Political parties should recognise this as a mandate from the Gen Zs and act responsibly within the constitutional framework,” he said.
Minister Kharel, for his part, remains optimistic. He has called on the youth to step into leadership roles and predicted that “youth will prevail in Nepali politics now and no one can prevent this trend.” He believes that the upcoming election will be a litmus test for the youth-friendliness of Nepal’s political parties. “The future of the country’s youth in politics is bright,” he stated, adding that youth representation at party conventions and in parliament will be a key indicator of progress.
The government has also pledged to support the media, recognizing its vital role in fostering accountability and transparency. Kharel assured journalists that the administration would back their efforts to “lead the nation towards transformation.”
As Nepal stands at this crossroads, the Gen-Z Movement has already left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape. Whether the 10-point agreement will usher in lasting reform depends not only on government action but also on the continued vigilance and unity of the youth who sparked this moment of change. For now, the world watches as Nepal’s youngest generation pushes the boundaries of what’s possible—and what’s next.
