IIDS ANNUAL POLICY CONCLAVE 2025
Date: Friday, 26 December
Theme: Next Nepal: Reimagining Governance, Growth, and Equity in the Post Gen-Z Movement
Introduction
The Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS), now in its 46th year of policy research and national thought leadership, presents the third edition of the IIDS Policy Conclave. As Nepal undergoes a political and social transformation driven by Gen-Z’s unprecedented civic awakening, fueled by decades of frustration over corruption, elite capture, and economic stagnation, the need for a reimagined governance and economic framework has never been more urgent.
This year’s conclave, “Next Nepal: Reimagining Governance, Growth, and Equity in the Post Gen-Z Movement,” brings together policymakers, youth leaders, researchers, private-sector innovators, diaspora voices, and development partners to shape a shared vision for Nepal’s next chapter.
The discussions focus on accountability, equitable growth, and citizen-centric governance, recognizing that political shifts alone are insufficient without deep institutional, economic, and societal reforms. The conclave serves as a national forum to map the foundational pillars for a future-ready Nepal.
Context & Rationale
The Gen-Z protest wave of September 2025 challenged entrenched political norms, demanding transparency, meritocracy, service delivery, and equal opportunity. This movement redefined public expectations from the state and revitalized discourse on governance failure, economic stagnation, and widening inequality.
Simultaneously, Nepal grapples with structural economic constraints—slow growth, a shrinking labor force due to outmigration, limited industrial dynamism, and rising fiscal pressures. Yet opportunities exist in digital transformation, global remote work markets, diaspora investment, regional trade integration, and a youthful population seeking systemic change.
The conclave positions itself at this intersection of crisis and possibility to convert the Gen-Z movement’s civic momentum into actionable governance and economic reforms.
Overall Objective of the Conclave
To inspire a national conversation on building “The Next Nepal” grounded in accountability, equity, and inclusive growth by reimagining the political economy, leveraging diaspora potential, investing in human capital, and articulating a forward-looking economic manifesto aligned with the aspirations of the next generation.
Session-Wise Overview
Session 1: Reimagining Nepal’s Political Economy
Towards the Next Nepal of Accountability, Growth, and Equity
This session examines how Nepal can transition from a politically driven economy to one based on accountability, efficiency, and rule-based decision-making. Key discussions include reforming public institutions, modernizing governance systems, strengthening economic competitiveness, and ensuring that growth is broad-based and equitable. The session sets the conceptual foundation for the entire conclave, anchoring the debate on governance reforms required for a functioning “Next Nepal.”
Session 2: The Nepali Diaspora & the Remittance Paradox
A Constituency Without Reciprocity: Reimagining Citizenship, Voice, and Engagement
Nepal’s diaspora is one of the world’s most influential relative to population size, contributing billions in remittances yet lacking meaningful platforms for civic, economic, and political participation. This session explores how to move beyond remittance dependency toward productive engagement—diaspora voting rights, dual citizenship debates, knowledge and skill transfer, and investment-friendly reforms. The goal is to reimagine the diaspora as partners in nation-building.
Session 3: Roots of Knowledge Routes to the World
Education, Skills, and Technology as Gateways to Global Integration
Human capital remains Nepal’s most underutilized asset. This session addresses mismatches between education and labor markets, the global shift toward digital and remote work, and the need for technology-driven reforms. Discussions highlight how Nepal can embrace the knowledge economy through STEM education, digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and industry–academia collaboration. The session underscores that economic transformation is impossible without human capital transformation.
Session 4: Nepal’s Manifesto—Governance, Growth, and Equity
Charting the Economic Vision for the Next Generation
The concluding session synthesizes insights from all discussions to articulate a coherent reform agenda. It maps the core pillars of “Next Nepal”: accountable governance, a competitive economy, diaspora-linked growth engines, and a skilled, future-ready workforce. The outcome is a draft Next Nepal Economic & Governance Manifesto, outlining priority actions for policymakers and stakeholders.
Conclusion
The IIDS Policy Conclave 2025 aims to translate the energy of Nepal’s Gen-Z civic movement into a concrete blueprint for national renewal. Through cross-sector dialogue and evidence-based debate, the conclave positions itself as a catalyst for shaping “The Next Nepal,” a nation defined by accountability, equitable opportunity, and sustainable growth.
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