Nepali Researchers in UNESCO Policy Summit

Young Nepali researchers representing South Asia have had the opportunity to participate in the recent High-Level Policy Conference organized by UNESCO in Paris, France.

 Arya Manandhar, a Nepali youth researcher, presented a study on the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic on young people by presenting a study among ministers from different countries.

 Although there were other researchers from South Asia in the research, UNESCO had Nepali researcher Manandhar representing the region in the presentation.

She told RSS, "It is a matter of pride for Nepalis to represent South Asia. The speeches of the ministers were heard in various forums. This time, we have not only listened to the ministers. . ”

 The conference is seen as a significant achievement in addressing the effects of the epidemic and engaging in sustainable management and global planning for crisis resolution.

 Earlier, 34 researchers from different countries spent 16 months researching the effects of the epidemic on young people. Research has shown that covid affects young people from mental health to human rights, from learning skills to livelihoods and from youth leadership to their technical roles.

 At the conference, Manandhar, a Nepali researcher, noted that the impact of the epidemic was unequal in research and found that young volunteer groups lacked access to resources, lack of safe protection and were affected by psychological and psychosocial conditions.

 It has been found that mental health problems have increased among the youth due to lack of labour and employment and double labor. She suggested that a safe and inclusive policy should be adopted keeping in mind the physical and psychological risks of the young volunteers.

She stressed the need for an action plan for an inter-country and inclusive youth policy, which should give priority to the youth of low-income countries, including women. She pointed out the need for solidarity and unity to encourage such young volunteers.

 The conference was also attended by UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Anthropology Gabriela Ramos and Head of Social and Anthropology Juan Pablo. Initially, the knowledge sharing meeting of the research youth was held last October.

 The meeting provided an important basis for the young researchers to exchange experiences with the government, academics, civil society representatives and policy experts. The conference was held on March 25.