20 October 2025, NIICE Commentary 11866
Januka Regmi
In recent months, Nepal has witnessed a powerful surge of youth energy under the banner of “Gen Z”, a movement largely driven by young Nepalis demanding accountability, transparency, digital freedom, and political reform. While protests and confrontation often attract negative attention, this youth-led movement has instead sparked optimism, portraying Nepal as a country where the younger generation is awake, engaged, and determined to defend democratic values. The ‘Gen Z Movement’ is not only reshaping domestic politics but also redefining how Nepal is being perceived abroad, raising its international profile, enhancing its soft power, and projecting an image of a dynamic democracy in transition.
Youth Leadership and Civic Courage
Among the most remarkable features of the movement is the courage demonstrated by Nepal’s youth. When the government abruptly banned 26 major social media platforms, following online exposés on corruption and the lavish lifestyles of political elites, young citizens mobilized in massive numbers across the country, demanding the restoration of digital freedom.
Despite the risks of violence, arrests, and even loss of life, protesters persisted. Sudan Gurung emerged as a symbolic leader, negotiating with authorities during the transitional phase. International observers took note. For academics, policymakers, and human rights advocates, the movement signaled that Nepal is not passive in the face of state overreach. It revealed a vibrant civil society capable of defending democratic values, shifting perceptions of Nepal from a politically unstable state to a resilient democracy in progress.
Digital Rights and Freedom of Expression
At its core, the Gen Z movement addressed one of the defining global issues of our time, ‘digital rights and freedom of expression’. The ban on major platforms became a flashpoint for resistance against censorship. Public pressure forced the government to lift restrictions, showcasing the effectiveness of collective civic action. This outcome resonated internationally. It placed Nepal’s youth among global advocates for internet freedom and transparency. For governments, NGOs, and tech stakeholders, Nepal emerged as a potential voice in discussions on digital governance and human rights, an image that strengthens its standing in international democratic circles.
The movement’s ripple effects extended into the political sphere. Its immediate achievements included the revocation of the social media ban and the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Subsequently, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed as interim Prime Minister, parliament was dissolved, and early elections were announced, all within days of sustained youth pressure. These developments illustrated that Nepal’s institutions, though fragile, remain responsive to civic demands. For international observers and investors, this conveyed a message of reform and adaptability suggesting that Nepal possesses the capacity for self-correction, not perpetual instability.
Enhancing Nepal’s Soft Power
The Gen Z protests drew substantial global media coverage and solidarity from international organizations and diaspora communities. Narratives of Nepal’s youth standing up for transparency and democracy captured global sympathy and admiration. Such visibility generates ‘soft power’ shifting Nepal’s image from a state of poverty and political disarray to one characterized by civic courage, digital literacy, and modern democratic spirit. This perception strengthens Nepal’s position in international forums, influencing tourism, foreign aid, academic collaborations, and partnerships with global institutions.
Traditionally, Nepal’s image has been tied to its geography, the Himalayas, trekking, and cultural heritage, alongside political instability and corruption. The Gen Z movement introduces a new storyline: that of a tech-savvy generation challenging the political status quo and demanding transparency. Through digital activism, hashtags, memes, and online mobilization, Nepal’s youth have aligned the country with 21st-century modes of political engagement. The narrative is shifting from “Nepal as a politically volatile state” to “Nepal as a youthful democracy undergoing transformation.” This evolution in perception makes Nepal appear more dynamic and self-driven, inviting deeper engagement from international partners.
Risks and Responsibilities
Despite its success, the movement’s image remains fragile. Episodes of violence, property damage, and loss of life have prompted concern. Critics caution that the movement’s strength lies in its spontaneity but its sustainability depends on transforming protest into policy. If Gen Z fails to institutionalize its activism through policy reform or political organization, momentum may dissipate or be co-opted by established elites. However, the world often assesses democratic maturity not by the absence of unrest, but by how societies manage change. Handled prudently, even turbulence can reinforce Nepal’s reputation as a society capable of reform through civic participation.
A Global Wave and Nepal’s Moment
Youth activism is a global phenomenon from climate protests to anti-corruption movements. Nepal’s Gen Z fits into this broader trend, linking the country to international democratic movements. Nepali diaspora communities and international media have amplified the story, turning domestic resistance into a global conversation. For development partners and human rights organizations, Nepal’s youth movement signals a country with democratic potential and civic vitality, a quality that can attract long-term cooperation. If the Gen Z movement succeeds in institutionalizing reforms in governance, anti-corruption mechanisms, and civic freedoms, it will solidify Nepal’s standing as a resilient democracy in South Asia.
Conclusion
The Gen Z movement is doing more than demanding change; it is rebranding Nepal’s global identity. Through digital defiance, civic courage, and democratic activism, Nepal’s youth have reshaped how the world views the country. Nepal is no longer merely a land of mountains and political transitions, but a nation of engaged citizens shaping their own destiny. The next phase—turning this energy into enduring reform—will determine whether this becomes a fleeting moment or a foundational chapter in Nepal’s democratic evolution.
Januka Regmi is a Research Associate at NIICE.
