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Government committed to ensuring right to housing, Says DPM Prakash Man Singh

Key national and local leaders, policymakers, urban planners, youth advocates, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss youth inclusion in urban planning and sustainable development during a program to mark World Habitat Day 2024,

Kathmandu: “Ensuring the right to housing is a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution of Nepal, and the government is working to guarantee this for every citizen, especially the marginalized and homeless,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh. 

Speaking about the government’s efforts to address housing challenges, he outlined programs such as the People’s Housing Programme, Safe Citizen Housing Programme, and Settlement Development Programme, all aimed at improving access to proper housing, particularly in rural areas.

Minister Singh made these remarks during a program held in Kathmandu to commemorate World Habitat Day 2024, with the theme “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future.”

The event, organized in collaboration with UN-Habitat Nepal, the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), and Nepal National Urban Forum (NNUF), brought together national leaders, policymakers, urban planners, youth advocates, and other stakeholders to discuss the crucial role of youth in shaping Nepal’s urban development. 

Singh emphasized that the 16th periodic plan and budgets at federal, provincial, and local levels prioritize the provision of housing and inclusive urban growth.

During the event, Chandragiri Municipality Mayor Ghanashyam Giri shared insights into the municipality’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our focus on health, education, sanitation, and sustainable urban planning reflects our commitment to inclusive development. We have allocated significant funds for youth training and income-generating programs to involve them in the municipality’s growth.”

Hanaa Singer Hamdy, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal, highlighted the transformative role of youth in urban planning. “Nepal’s youth are its greatest asset, capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and urban growth. They must be engaged in planning decisions now to create cities that are just and livable for future generations,” she said. She urged local governments to replicate the example set by Chandragiri Municipality in linking local actions with global commitments like the 2030 Agenda.

Rabindra Bohara, Deputy Director General of DUDBC, reflected on Nepal’s ongoing commitment to creating safe, resilient, and inclusive cities. He stressed the importance of involving young people in urban decision-making, noting that they are often excluded from such processes despite being key stakeholders in the country’s future.

Dr Sohan Prasad Sah, Vice Chairman of the Province Policy and Planning Commission of Madhesh Province, shared how youth-led initiatives in his province have made visible impacts, especially in preserving the environment and transforming marginalized communities. He pointed out the lack of institutional support for youth despite their critical contributions and called for stronger empowerment to further their efforts.

Voluntary Local Review unveiled

The event also saw the formal launch of Chandragiri Municipality’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR), a significant milestone in localizing the SDGs. The report provides a detailed analysis of the municipality’s progress, highlighting resource and implementation gaps and offering a roadmap for future actions. Several young leaders presented innovative solutions for urban issues in a technical session titled “Youth in Urban Development,” showcasing initiatives on urban greenery, waste management, mobility, and community mobilization.

The afternoon session transitioned into the Nepal National Urban Forum (NNUF), chaired by Prof. Dr. Sangeeta Singh. This segment focused on the theme “Financing Localization and Localizing Finance,” exploring innovative financing models for sustainable urban projects. Poster presentations from organizations such as DUDBC, UN-Habitat, and Kathmandu University emphasized the need for aligning local actions with global urban agendas and ensuring cities remain resilient and livable.

Concluding the event, Pragya Pradhan, Program Manager at UN-Habitat Nepal, presented key takeaways, urging for a youth-centered approach to urban planning. She highlighted the need to invest in addressing gaps in housing, services, and economic opportunities, while adopting sustainable and resilient planning strategies. She also stressed the importance of digital transformation and localizing the SDGs through voluntary local reviews to achieve the 2030 goals, emphasizing that youth must be empowered to drive urban transformations.