What I learned at the National Volunteer Summit in 2023
Attending the National Volunteer Summit 2023 in Pragya Pratisthan, Nepal, was a very inspiring experience that reinforced my belief that helping can lead to social change. As a volunteer, being around hardworking people and respected leaders made me feel proud of my country and hopeful about its future.
Mr. Dig Bahadur Limbu, the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports, attended the summit and delivered a speech that infused the event with a spirit of empowerment. He said that volunteers and young people play a big role in setting the country’s growth goals. Not only were his words encouraging, but they also acted as a reminder for all of us to continue working and volunteering in our communities.
The vice president of the National Youth Council was also there, and during his speech, he talked about how important it is for organizations to support youth programmes. The UN Country Resident and the UN Volunteer Regional Manager for Asia Pacific gave us a global view during our talks. Their comments reminded us that volunteering doesn’t matter where you are or that neighbourhood efforts help reach global goals.
The presence of volunteers and officials from many civil society organizations (CSOs) caught my attention the most. It was very educational for everyone in this giant network to share their ideas, problems, and experiences. It was a strong reminder of how powerful it is when governments, foreign organisations, and citizens work together.
As I sat with these people who are making a difference, I, Bishnu Neupane, felt a strong sense of duty. The stories told, the successes recognized, and the strategies discussed all point to volunteers as the key to changing a community. This summit not only helped us see what we had already done, but it also gave us new motivation to go back to our neighbourhoods and do even more.
Upon leaving the summit, I felt inspired and determined to achieve my goal. The 2023 National Volunteer Summit wasn’t just an event; it was a movement. I’m proud to be a part of it.
