Background and Rationale
South Asia is evolving a lot in terms of society, politics, and technology. This region is at a historical crossroads, with changes in government, shifts in the federal system, civic movements led by young people, fighting natural disasters, and technology-enabled governance. The demographic change, technological progress, and cultural heterogeneity present challenges as well as possibilities for resilient and inclusive governance in South Asia. Generation Z networks along with techno-savvy citizens in South Asia have efficiently utilized social media to voice against governments, mobilize amid disasters, enabling relief initiatives, locating missing people, and advocating climate justice. Thus, the digitally native citizens function as initial responders and builders of resilience in the face of ecological crises. The theme “Resilience and Renewal: Reenvisioning Governance through Youth Engagement, Digital Transformation, and Cultural Narratives in South Asia” reflects this generational and institutional transformation, inviting reflection on how South Asian societies are rebuilding trust, reimagining leadership, and renewing governance models in the digital age.
Youth movements are changing the governance landscape of South Asia. The participation and responsibility towards society along with the opinions of the citizens are transforming while trying to find a connection with the government entities ruling the nation. The Gen Z protests in Nepal was fueled by the disparity seen in the lifestyle of the political elites led to internet movements and campaigns. People of all age groups were seen on the streets supporting the protest. The old parliament disbanded, and Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal's first female prime minister. This digital inclusion shows that institutions need to reform1. Youths in Bangladesh organized "Gen Z revolution" against government repression, unfair civil service job quota system, high youth unemployment, economic troubles after COVID, and prevalent corruption. As a result, their government was toppled2. The "Aragalaya" movement in Sri Lanka began with the fall in economy and inability of people to pay their debts. This led to the fall of governments that were already in power. This changed the focus of the younger generation, becoming disconnected from their problems3. Gen Z rallies were also prevalent in India against corruption and the lack of jobs4. The trend also shows that such movements are learned and replicated around the world using digital technologies. So, it is a matter of time for all other countries in South Asia to be prepared.
Within these movements, South Asia requires integrated disaster governance that incorporates technology, youth engagement, and local knowledge. This is because the area is prone to natural calamities and effective and efficient technology can help people stay safe and rebuild. This requires adaptive learning, digital coordination, and participatory government. People were quite upset with the government response to disaster, but social media got young people interested in developing solutions that were accessible for mitigating crisis. The digital networks for risk reduction developed by the government and citizens help individuals who need it, discover people who are missing, and fight for climate justice. This shows that youths often become first responders and support those who
are having trouble with the environment5. The digital creators are also leveraging their cultural legacy as a venue to discuss, do things, and come up with new ideas. They are transforming ways of sharing stories, developing art, and accomplishing things as a collective. This has made it imperative for the future government of South Asia to include everyone, respect culture, encourage democracy, and push technology ahead. This also highlights the cruciality of turning public institutions into systems that can learn and adapt. The 6th South Asian Conference on Public Policy and Governance serves as a forum to discuss the interconnected dynamics of youth agency, governance reform, mitigating disaster and crisis, digital transformation, and cultural narratives, with the aim of collaboratively envisioning strategies for a resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented South Asia through six sub themes.
Aim
The 6th South Asian Conference on Public Policy and Governance aims to provide a platform for dialogue, reflection, and knowledge sharing on the evolving governance landscape of South Asia. It seeks to explore how youth engagement, digital transformation, and cultural narratives can strengthen resilience, rebuild trust, and
Objectives
- To examine the role of youth movements and civic engagement in shaping governance, public
policy, and institutional reform across South Asia. - To explore how digital technologies, innovation, and artificial intelligence can improve public service
delivery, enhance transparency, and foster citizen participation. - To analyze the influence of cultural values, identity, and social transformation on governance
practices, public trust, and inclusive development. - To discuss strategies for adaptive and responsive public administration capable of addressing
natural disasters, climate risks, and socio-political uncertainties. - To foster collaboration and dialogue among scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and youth for
knowledge exchange and policy learning.
1. Guidelines for All Participants
All participants are requested to observe the following:
- All participants must register in advance to access the conference. On-site registration will not be available, except in exceptional cases as determined by the organizers.
- Complete registration and check-in as instructed by the organizers.
- Wear the conference badge during official sessions, where applicable.
- Arrive at session halls before the scheduled start time.
- Keep mobile phones on silent mode during sessions.
- Participate in discussions in a professional, respectful, and inclusive manner.
- Follow instructions provided by conference staff, session chairs, and venue personnel.
Keep questions and interventions brief and relevant during discussion periods.
2. Guidelines for Speakers, Presenters, and Panelists
Speakers, presenters, and panelists are requested to:
- Adhere strictly to the presentation time allocated by the organizers.
- Submit presentation slides by the specified deadline in the required format.
- Ensure slides are clear and legible, considering varying hall sizes (use appropriate font size, contrast, and minimal animation).
- Note that printing facilities may not be available at the venue; any handouts or materials should be arranged in advance by the presenter.
- Bring a backup copy of presentation files (USB drive or cloud access).
- Report to the session room or technical desk prior to the start of the session.
- Focus presentations on key arguments, findings, and policy implications.
- Avoid exceeding the allotted time to allow for discussion and interaction.
3. Guidelines for Session Chairs and Moderators
Session chairs and moderators are requested to:
- Open the session on time and briefly introduce the theme and speakers.
- Ensure that each speaker has a fair and orderly opportunity to present.
- Maintain the session schedule through effective time management.
- Facilitate discussion in a balanced and focused manner.
- Encourage concise and relevant audience questions.
- Close the session on time and, where appropriate, summarize key points.
4. Conduct and Professional Courtesy
The conference is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment. All participants are expected to demonstrate courteous engagement, openness to diverse perspectives, and professional behavior at all times. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive conduct will not be tolerated.
5. Environmental Responsibility
Participants are encouraged to help maintain cleanliness and use resources responsibly throughout the conference.
Guidelines for Presenters: https://nasc.yipl.net/sites/default/files/2026-07/Guidelines%20for%20Presenters%20v2.pdf
Conference Track
Day 1: April 9, 2026 (Chaitra 26, 2082), Thursday, Vrihaspati Sadan (Auditorium Hall) | |
Time | Program |
11:00 – 12:00 | Registration and Networking / Khaja |
12:00 – 13:00 Opening Ceremony | Welcome Address –Basanta Raj Sigdel, Deputy Executive Director, NASC Welcome Address - Madhu Raman Acharya, President, Public Administration Association of Nepal Opening Remarks - Chief Guest |
13:00-14:00 Keynote | Keynote Address on Government Functions and Reforms during Transition Speaker: Hari Sharma, Public Policy Analyst |
14:00-14:30 | Tea Break |
14:30-16:30 Panel Discussion | Panel Theme: Youth Protest and Public Voice |
16:30 | Hi-tea |
Day 2: April 10, 2026 (Chaitra 27, 2082), Friday | |
Time | Program |
8:45- 9:00 | Registration and Networking |
9:00 – 11:00 Parallel Sessions | Sub-theme 1: Mass Uprisings and Future of Governance – Swoyambhu Hall, Diksha Sadan |
Sub-theme 2: Avenues for Responsive Public Administration – Room A - Janaki Hall, Diksha Sadan | |
Sub-theme 2: Avenues for Responsive Public Administration – Room B - Manjushree Hall, Diksha Sadan | |
Sub-theme 3: Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Digital Governance - Araniko Hall, Sampada Sadan | |
Sub-theme 4: Culture, Identity, and Social Transformation – Room A - Annapurna Hall, Sampada Sadan | |
Sub-theme 4: Culture, Identity, and Social Transformation – Room B - Rara Hall, Diksha Sadan | |
Sub-theme 5: Responding to Climate and Disaster Risk for a Sustainable Future - Lumbini Hall, Diksha Sadan | |
Sub-theme 6: Youth Leadership for Adaptive Governance - Pathivara Hall, Diksha Sadan | |
Sub-Theme 4: Culture, Identity, and Social Transformation and Sub Theme 5: Climate & Disaster Risk for a sustainable Future - Prithvi Hall, Diksha Sadan | |
Thematic presentation in the form of Art by students of Kathmandu University School of Arts – Khaptad Hall, Diksha Sadan | |
11:00 – 11:30 | Hi- tea |
11:30 – 13:30 Panel Discussion | Panel Theme: Towards Ethical Governance: Public Value, Trust, and Commitment- Vrihaspati Sadan (Auditorium Hall) |
13:30 – 13:45 | Closing address, conference summary and reflections by Mr. Ram Sharan Pudasaini, Executive Director, NASC |
13:45 onwards | Lunch and Networking |
Schedule: Parallel Technical Sessions:
Keynote Theme: Government Functions and Reforms During Transition
The keynote focuses on how government functions evolve during periods of political, social, or institutional transition. It examines how administrative responsibilities such as policy implementation, service delivery, and public accountability are maintained when systems face uncertainty.
The discussion highlights the need for reforms that strengthen institutional capacity, ensure transparency, and uphold the rule of law. Attention is given to the restructuring of government institutions to respond effectively to citizens’ needs, manage change, and rebuild legitimacy. Leadership and coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments are emphasized as key to maintaining continuity and coherence during transition.
The keynote also underscores the importance of resilient institutions and reform-minded leadership committed to restoring trust and building a sustainable foundation for good governance in South Asia.
Panel Discussion Theme
Panel Discussion Theme 1: Youth, Protest, and Public Voice
This sub-theme explores how innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the landscape of governance in South Asia. It examines the potential of digital tools, social media and intelligent systems to enhance decision-making, improve public service delivery, and strengthen accountability. The discussion highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into public administration, including issues of ethics, data privacy, and digital inclusion.
Attention is given to how governments can build the institutional capacity and technical competence required for effective digital transformation. The sub-theme also considers how innovation can promote transparency, citizen participation, and evidence-based policymaking. It emphasizes that responsible and inclusive use of AI is key to advancing digital governance and creating more efficient, adaptive, and trustworthy public institutions
Upon successful completion of this module, officer trainees will orient and align themselves with the core values and ethos of civil service and enhance essential managerial skills to perform effectively as serving managers after placement in their respective duty stations. This module covers the following areas of self-transformation and managerial proficiency in 36 learning sessions.
Panel Discussion Theme 2: Youth, Protest, and Public Voice
This sub-theme explores how innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the landscape of governance in South Asia. It examines the potential of digital tools, social media and intelligent systems to enhance decision-making, improve public service delivery, and strengthen accountability. The discussion highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into public administration, including issues of ethics, data privacy, and digital inclusion.
Attention is given to how governments can build the institutional capacity and technical competence required for effective digital transformation. The sub-theme also considers how innovation can promote transparency, citizen participation, and evidence-based policymaking. It emphasizes that responsible and inclusive use of AI is key to advancing digital governance and creating more efficient, adaptive, and trustworthy public institutions
Upon successful completion of this module, officer trainees will orient and align themselves with the core values and ethos of civil service and enhance essential managerial skills to perform effectively as serving managers after placement in their respective duty stations. This module covers the following areas of self-transformation and managerial proficiency in 36 learning sessions.
