Nepal urged to build jobs for youth to curb brain drain

Nepal, home to one of the world’s youngest populations, is facing a significant outflow of its brightest young people seeking opportunities abroad. Hundreds of thousands leave each year, leaving villages and families without their most productive generation and threatening the nation’s long‑term development.

Officials and policymakers argue that the solution lies not in discouraging overseas work but in creating a domestic environment that turns job seekers into job creators. They call for a robust entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem supported by stronger collaboration among universities, industry, investors, financial institutions and government agencies. Harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital tools, biotechnology and clean energy is seen as essential for Nepal to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and retain its talent.

The push emphasizes that Nepal does not lack talent; it lacks the structures that connect ideas with opportunity. By fostering innovation and investment, the country aims to build industries, institutions and economic growth that give young Nepalis a future at home.