KATHMANDU, May 9: The Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT), in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), organized a book launch and discussion program on “Youth Movements in South and Southeast Asia” at a special event in Kathmandu on Saturday.
The publication highlights the growing role of youth movements in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance across South and Southeast Asia. The event brought together scholars, media professionals and regional experts to discuss the evolving role of youth in democratic movements and political transformation in the region.
The book features 11 research-based articles focusing on youth movements in Bangladesh, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Nepal. It also includes analytical essays on themes such as legitimacy and the rupture of the social contract in South and Southeast Asia, institutional pathways and democratic renewal, and the geographical, demographic, sociological and governance dimensions of youth movements in the region.
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Addressing the event organized under the convenorship of Dr. Nishchal N. Pandey of COSATT, Andreas Klein, Director of the Political Dialogue Asia Programme at KAS Singapore, underscored the growing significance of youth participation in shaping democratic discourse and regional cooperation in Asia.
Speaking at the event, Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, Executive Director of the South Asia Foresight Network, Colombo, stressed the need for stronger regional engagement among young leaders to address emerging geopolitical and social challenges.
Prof. Sanjay K. Bharadwaj of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, shared insights into youth-led political and social transformations in South Asia, while Kosh Raj Koirala of Republica Daily discussed the role of the media in amplifying youth voices and movements.
Dr. Pitambar Bhandari of Tribhuvan University and Assistant Professor Chhatra Karki of Kathmandu University also presented their perspectives on youth activism, academic engagement and civic participation in Nepal and the wider region.
Similarly, journalist Parshuram Kafle of Naya Patrika highlighted the importance of constructive youth engagement in democratic institutions and policymaking.
Janak Pokharel and Shreeti KC, contributors to the publication, reflected on the research themes and key findings explored in the book.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pandey expressed confidence that the publication would serve as an informative and valuable resource for readers interested in youth movements and democratic transformation in Asia.
The event served as a platform for dialogue among academics, journalists and policy experts on the challenges and opportunities facing youth movements in South and Southeast Asia.
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