A country's future heavily depends on the capabilities of its youth. As the world grapples with significant transboundary issues like climate change, conflicts, and inequality, it is important for young people like us to view these global challenges as our own and seek ways to address them. Participating in the International Youth Exchange Program 2024 from May 9th to May 19th, organized by AEIN in Luxembourg, was an invaluable opportunity for me, as a youth passionate about international development. This experience allowed me to examine European development practices and compare them with the current situation in Nepal.

Another aspect I loved about this whole exchange program was the opportunity to mentor a group of five youths from Nepal and lead them through an entire pre-exchange course that I designed on my own. This took place well before the actual exchange, but working with energized youths and leading them as a mentor for a course related to sustainable development and basic communication and writing skills was an experience worth being proud of.

Traveling from Nepal, which has one of the world's weakest passports, to Luxembourg, a country with one of the strongest passports and governance systems, involved multiple steps and challenges, including some reluctance at Nepal's immigration. Upon arriving in Luxembourg, I sensed a strong sense of regionalism, especially with the EU elections approaching. The coexistence of multiple nationalities, the robustness of good governance, and the exemplary practice of democracy were prominently evident. Here’s a summary of my insights and learnings from my visit:

Governance and Youth Engagement  

I visited Jugendrot of Luxembourg (National Youth Council of Luxembourg), where I learned about the history of youth engagement and empowerment and the establishment of this institution, which includes over 30 social, political, trade, and scouting member organizations. In Nepal, the National Youth Council is chaired by the Minister of Youth and Sports, unlike in Luxembourg, where the chairperson is elected through a voting system. This democratic process likely contributes to the council's ability to operate without being influenced by the political agendas of specific parties. While Nepalese youth policies are often vague and ambiguous, I observed areas for improvement that our representatives from the youth council could consider to make the council more efficient and accessible for all. For example, youths could participate as watchdogs of the government, prepare policy briefs, and review the government's work to create a strong youth engagement system. A similar idea struck me during our visit to Jugendinfo, which serves as an information center for youth, providing comprehensive resources on employment, wellbeing, accommodation, and education all in one place. It is disappointing that Nepal lacks such an establishment and an effective information flow mechanism. However, this highlights an opportunity to work on youth engagement and empowerment in Nepal.

One of the things I liked as well was access to volunteering opportunities for young people in Luxembourg. For example, I visited Young Caritas of Luxembourg, which gives young people the chance to get involved and make a positive impact on society. I even engaged in creating a “Place of Tolerance” by painting a bench with graffiti art, including Nepal and Luxembourg’s flags. I also loved how active scouts are in Luxembourg. Similarly, the concept of a child parliament for high school students was another aspect I loved because these institutions allow young people to take part in community initiatives and governance activities and understand democracy while being responsible for the environment. Sadly, in a developing country like ours, very little significance is given to engaging people in volunteering and advocacy by the local government because our priorities often lie in building infrastructure. However, some local governments effectively utilize resources to engage children and youths in civic engagement and volunteerism. Additionally, some nonprofit organization-led projects have further contributed to increased engagement.

The Historical Schengen  

Visiting the Schengen region and exploring the European Museum in Schengen was a profound experience for me. It brought to life what I had learned in my International Relations classroom about the region's rich history. Seeing artifacts like a piece of the Berlin Wall made me reflect on the stark differences in development experienced by East and West Germany. It was a powerful reminder of how historical events shape countries and societies in tangible ways.

Education and Skill Development  

Another experience that made me reflect on the educational foundations of Nepal was our visit to ENAD, a school for adults. The concept of providing a second chance for youths who couldn't complete their studies on time is fascinating. In contrast, in developing countries like Nepal, we are still struggling to secure basic education rights for children, especially girls. ENAD offered a comprehensive view of the Luxembourgish education system, which emphasizes practical, skill-based learning with hands-on materials and pedagogies. Unfortunately, such an approach is limited to a few elite schools in Kathmandu and other major cities in Nepal. The digital divide in education in Nepal is immense. I was fortunate to attend a university that offered some courses enhancing real-world working skills, unlike the majority of colleges in Nepal.

Environmental Practices

Another aspect of Luxembourg that impressed me was its waste management system. We visited a recycling center in Schifflange that processes various types of waste, including glass, wood, stationery, textiles, and batteries, to minimize landfill waste. This system's success is largely due to the sense of responsibility embraced by the citizens, who separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at home. In contrast, even cities like Kathmandu struggle to implement this system effectively. Consequently, our rivers are polluted, and our roads are littered with plastic and other waste. This issue is deeply linked to residents' awareness and behavior. Therefore, raising awareness about environmental responsibility and waste management is crucial for Nepal, and we also require a strong system alongside infrastructure to ensure less waste ends up in landfills.

Educational and Cultural Exchange  

The fondest memory for me in Luxembourg was when I visited a kindergarten and primary school in Dudelange. It was interesting to observe how sensitively children are taken care of at schools. The integration of playful and hands-on materials in the classroom was one of the things I liked. Additionally, the presence of children from diverse nationalities in the classroom made it more inclusive. The hugs, cards, and drawings children gave were more of a treasure. I am glad we could tell them about where Nepal is located and teach them something about Nepal because many people in the world mistake Nepal for India due to our close borders and similar clothing.

Historical and Architectural Exploration 

Apart from all these immersive learning experiences, I enjoyed sightseeing around important places in Luxembourg and Trier, Germany. Walking through the ancient fortifications, I marveled at their grandeur and significance. The Grand Ducal Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral left me in awe. These structures, dating back to Roman times and the Middle Ages, made me appreciate the depth of European history in a way that made my Nepali heritage proud.

I also loved how Claire, my Luxembourgish friend, associated the rich story of the Golden Lady with women’s significance in society. Standing in the very place where the Schengen Agreement was signed, I felt a profound sense of unity and freedom that this agreement symbolizes for Europe. The boat ride on the Moselle River was a serene escape into nature on a sunny day. As we cruised past beautiful landscapes and vineyards, I felt a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the region. I also liked how Luxembourg is utilizing its comparative advantage of vineyards and wine production as its culture and heritage. 

In Trier, Germany, I was amazed by the Porta Nigra and the Trier Cathedral. Seeing the impressive Roman city gate and touring Germany's oldest church was like stepping back in time. The history and architectural beauty of these structures were amazing, and I couldn't help but reflect on how different this was from the historical sites in Nepal. 

The history of Gare Usine introduced me to Luxembourg's industrial past. Learning about the transformation from an industrial hub to a vibrant, multicultural community was inspiring. The challenges of integrating such a diverse population of over 140 nationalities were evident, but so was the spirit of inclusivity and resilience. It made me reflect on the importance of fostering inclusive communities back in Nepal, where diversity also plays a crucial role. VEWA, a creative space converted from an abandoned mine, stood out as a hub for artistic and cultural activities. As we explored the space, I appreciated its transformation from an industrial relic to a vibrant center for creativity and community engagement.

Technology in Education

One experience I found particularly worth mentioning is the meeting with the Ambassador of Magrid Learning App Solutions, Prince Louis, about the functionality and effectiveness of Magrid in Nepal and other parts of the world. I am glad that I could step in and provide a few suggestions regarding preparing video manuals, and if necessary, I could volunteer to be the voice of the audios in those manuals in Nepali, facilitating the translation part. I couldn’t be more thankful to AEIN for arranging this opportunity. It was also a new experience for me to learn about the scope of Magrid in helping children with and without learning difficulties learn with ease.

Socio-cultural Discussions  

The conversations with youths in Luxembourg about the socio-cultural aspects of Luxembourg will forever stay in my mind. For example, I learned about the status of LGBTIQA+ in Luxembourg with AEIN’s representative and my friend Claire and got to know that there are no discriminatory practices. However, it was a little disappointing to know that not many people proudly showcase their identity or have pride marches that often. However, I did spot some LGBTQ+ friendly zones mentioned in some communities, which I wish to see in Nepal soon. Some other conversations related to politics, education, social development, and history with Claire were insightful too.

The Project Fair at ENAD was a highlight on the last day of the project week, where we had the opportunity to showcase our projects, including traditional henna art, and walk in our traditional attire. It felt good to showcase our flags and customs to the students at ENAD. It was inspiring to witness the

 creativity and passion of youth from diverse backgrounds coming together to collaborate on various projects on the Project Fair Day. The evening spent at the theater, watching a play by ENAD students on the experiences of newcomers in Luxembourg, was touching. The play resonated deeply with our own cultural transitions, highlighting the challenges and the importance of empathy for immigrants. I even got a little tearful by the end of the play. I think being more open to everyone, being more hospitable to newcomers, and celebrating diversity with love, respect, and festivities is something that Luxembourg can learn from Nepal.

Reflections and Comparative Analysis

  Economic Development Perspectives  

Reflecting on Rostow's stages of economic growth, I think Luxembourg exemplifies a stage that Rostow termed "the age of high mass consumption." This stage is characterized by advanced technological infrastructure, high living standards, and robust governance systems, which Luxembourg clearly demonstrates with its strong passport ranking and efficient waste management practices. Comparing this to Nepal, which is still striving to develop basic infrastructure and improve governance, highlights the disparities in economic development between nations.

Lessons in Regional Cooperation  

Reflecting on my experience in Luxembourg has given me a profound perspective on regionalism, particularly in contrast to Nepal's context within SAARC and BIMSTEC. Luxembourg's integration within the EU, despite diverse national backgrounds, showcases effective regional cooperation where shared governance and collective decision-making prevail. In contrast, SAARC and BIMSTEC often face challenges due to political tensions among member states, hindering their ability to address common issues collaboratively. The European model highlights the importance of setting aside differences for the collective benefit, offering valuable lessons for Nepal and other regions seeking to strengthen their cooperative frameworks for sustainable development and mutual prosperity.

Way Forward

As I look back on my time in Luxembourg, it feels like flipping through a photo album filled with vivid memories. From exploring historic sites to learning about waste management and governance systems, each experience has left a lasting impression on me. The trip also made me realize how much we can learn from each other globally. Luxembourg's approach to empowering youth and women has inspired me to bring similar ideas back to Nepal. I want to use what I've learned to create projects that make a real difference in my community. Now, as I return home, I carry with me not just memories but a renewed sense of purpose. I want to use what I've learned to create projects that empower children, youth, and women in my community. I'm grateful for the friendships and connections made in Luxembourg, and I look forward to collaborating with these new partners to make a difference in Nepal.

Words of Gratitude  

I have heartfelt gratitude to ARD Kavre and AEIN Luxembourg for providing me with the invaluable opportunity to participate in the Youth Exchange Program 2024 in Luxembourg. This experience has been transformative, enriching my understanding of global issues and fostering personal and professional growth. While Luxembourg offered me incredible insights into global issues and cultural diversity, I couldn't help but miss Nepali food. A heartfelt thank you to our hosts for taking us to a Nepali restaurant, where the taste of familiar flavors brought a piece of home to this unforgettable journey.