Young people across the world are stepping forward as contributors to peace and social change, and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nepal’s Global Peacebuilders Leadership Program (GPLP) offers an example of how this transformation begins at the community level. Through values-based education, service, and leadership development, the program is equipping youth with the tools to understand local challenges and respond with compassion, creativity, and purpose.
A young leader presents during a GPF Nepal workshop.
In October 2025, GPLP Cohort V Fellows led a dynamic capacity-building workshop in Kathmandu focused on two critical issues affecting young people today: the psychological impact of body shaming and the urgency of environmental awareness. The sessions explored how harmful stereotypes, negative comments, and societal expectations around physical appearance can deeply affect mental health and self-esteem among youth. By reflecting on personal experiences and cultural influences, participants learned strategies to promote body positivity, foster self-acceptance, and create supportive environments within their homes and communities. As Rajan Tamang, a participant, noted, the discussion made clear that judgmental attitudes carry real psychological weight and that youth themselves can help shift these norms through more mindful interactions.
The second session placed environmental education at the center of youth leadership. With Nepal increasingly vulnerable to environmental disruptions, from shifting rainfall patterns to biodiversity loss, the workshop highlighted the importance of empowering young people with the knowledge to take informed action. Participants connected global environmental trends to their local realities and explored practical ways they could contribute to environmental stewardship. Many left feeling newly committed to conserving resources and advocating for sustainable practices in their communities. Shraddha Tahapaliya, another participant, shared that the workshop made her “more conscious about using resources wisely,” reinforcing how awareness can lead to everyday acts of responsibility.
Youth participate in a workshop on the psychological impact of body shaming and the urgency of environmental awareness.
These educational sessions were grounded in the Global Peace Foundation’s values-based approach, inspired by the vision of “One Family Under God.” Through this lens, youth were encouraged to recognize their own capacity to build peace starting at home, strengthening family relationships, practicing respect, modeling empathy, and bridging differences across religious and cultural lines. The program’s emphasis on interfaith leadership helped participants see the power of shared identity in reducing prejudice and fostering social cohesion. As participant Bhawana Khadka expressed, “With the knowledge and understanding gained from the session, I am now confident to share and educate youths about body shaming and climate education. I believe if each individual starts to act in a mindful manner, we can change the world.”
The spirit of service, another cornerstone of the Global Peace Foundation’s approach, came to life two days later during a flood relief program in Sarlahi District. GPLP Fellows, youth volunteers, and community partners joined GPF Nepal and Global Peace Women Nepal to distribute essential supplies to 125 families affected by recent floods. Many of these families had lost homes and livelihoods, and the relief effort reached a total of 894 individuals with food staples and basic necessities. The initiative strengthened community bonds and reminded youth of the profound impact that even small acts of service can have during times of crisis. As one volunteer expressed, participating in the effort revealed how meaningful it is to help others, inspiring him to continue contributing to such programs in the future.
At the Global Peace Foundation, the commitment to nurturing youth leadership continues to be central to building peaceful, resilient communities. When youth are guided by strong values and given opportunities to lead, they naturally become catalysts for positive change. They learn to understand societal issues as challenges they can help solve. They gain confidence to speak out, act responsibly, and inspire others through example. And they begin to see themselves as part of a wider human family, one that thrives when its members uplift one another.
