National Conference of Youth with Disabilities Issues 35-Point Declaration
The first National Conference of Youth with Disabilities was held in Lalitpur on December 4-5. More than 100 young people with disabilities from across Nepal attended the two-day event, which ended with the release of a 35-point Lalitpur Declaration.
The conference coincided with the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities, following the theme "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future." It also helped prepare for the upcoming third Global Disability Summit in 2025, where the views of young people with disabilities will be shared with the international community.
The participants discussed five main topics:
- Inclusive education and access to technology
- Sexual and reproductive health services and mental health equity
- Meaningful participation and leadership in political and public life
- Inclusive employment, self-employment, and economic empowerment
- Disability-inclusive climate response
Young people with different types of disabilities took part in the conference. Mr. Dev Raj Ghimire, Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, opened the event. Members of Parliament Prem Maharjan and Sobita Gautam, and UNESCO Nepal Representative Michael Croft were also present at the opening.
The Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security, Sharad Singh Bhandari, attended the closing ceremony. Other guests included Members of Parliament Chandra Bhandari, Rajan Dahal, and Rekha Yadav, and UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, along with other government and non-government officials.
At the closing ceremony, the participants presented their 35-point declaration to the guests. The officials promised to work on the demands listed in the declaration.