By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Aug. 13 : Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said that the government had always been prioritising new thoughts, enthusiasm and hard work of the young generation.
Extending best wishes on the occasion of 'International Youth Day 2021' in a virtual programme organised by the National Youth Council, Prime Minister Deuba said, "The future of the upcoming generation is determined by the thoughts and ideologies of today's youths."

He said that the role of youths is vital in preparing the nation's development roadmap.

Calling all youths to join hands to give life to the government's plan in improving the nation, Deuba said that the government was committed to ensuring a good environment for youths in order to encourage their participation in creative areas along with the development of Information Technology.

"The youths today have the responsibility of making recommendations to the government regarding new areas, especially in the field of information and technology, and play their parts in ensuring overall development of the nation," said the Prime Minister, urging the youths to contribute in each and every activity of the nation.

He added that the International Youth Day had played a crucial role in connecting youths of all castes, religions and genders from all over the world.
"By bringing light to the strength and capacity of

youths, the government will move forward in cooperation with youths to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," said Prime Minister Deuba.

The International Youth Day, 2021 was also marked in Nepal on Thursday with the theme 'Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health '.

Prizes were distributed to the winners of the Dohori competition in the programme organised by the Council.

Nepal has been celebrating International Youth Day since 2004.

Speaking in the programme, Kamal Prasad Pokharel, secretary at Ministry of Youth and Sports, said that even though various programmes were being introduced for the capacity development of youths, the government was lagging behind in effectively implementing the programmes.

Similarly, Surya Prasad Gautam, secretary at the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, stressed on generating employment opportunities within the nation to prevent the problem of brain drain.

"If a favourable environment is created for youths to work within the nation, their enthusiasm and skills will be utilised for the good of nation itself," he said.