The SAARC Regional Dialogue on Promoting Youth Participation in the Implementation of SDGs has brought together young representatives from all the eight SAARC member states to explore ways and means to promote effective youth engagement mechanisms at national and sub-national levels in South Asian countries.The SAARC dialogue is hosted by the Government of Nepal in collaboration with the SAARC Secretariat, and with technical and financial support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
"We are delighted to host the SAARC Youth Dialogue in Nepal," said Nepal's Minister for Youth and Sports Satya Narayan Mandal while addressing the inaugural ceremony. "Youth in the SAARC region have similar problems, opportunities and challenges. Poverty and youth unemployment in particular are noted as significant challenges. These problems can be solved through the development of youth skills, entrepreneurship, leadership, and also by increasing youth participation," he said.
A total of 19 youths and 13 government representatives from the SAARC member states are participating in the two-day event. The gathering is expected to put forward recommendations and strategies that will be instrumental in strengthening youth participation within SAARC countries for achieving the SDGs.
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