Government committed to fulfilling youths’ expectations: Minister Khanal

Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, has said the government formed in the aftermath of the Gen-Z Uprising is committed to delivering on the expectations of young people and fulfilling the trust they have placed in the new administration.

At the ‘Research Dissemination and Closing’ programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Summer Fellowship and Internship Programme, 2026 in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Khanal said that research, evidence-based analysis, and informed public debate play an important role in strengthening Nepal’s foreign policy.

He urged young researchers to contribute to Nepal’s diplomatic practice and policy-making by studying the evolving international developments. Minister Khanal shared he was also engaged in the field of public education at the school level before entering politics.

Expressing confidence that Nepali youth can produce knowledge and help in policy-making, he extended greetings on International Youth Day and noted that the government is moving forward by collaborating with the youth.

“The programme was introduced at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after I assumed the ministerial berth so as to work with young people,” Minister Khanal said. The Summer Fellowship and Internship Programme covers various areas including climate change, labor migration, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology.

Through the programme, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) were able to directly collaborate with young people both inside and outside the country, it is stated.

“Through this programme, the Ministry and IFA have been able to work directly with young people inside and outside the country,” he said. Minister Khanal clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims not just to expand relations between two countries or institutions, but also to bring improvements on domestic matters.

At the event, Rojina Tamrakar, Executive Director at IFA said that the programme has helped young researchers and professionals gain practical experience in diplomacy and foreign policy, as well as establish a connection between academic research and policy practice.