Become a European Union Youth Sounding Board Member and Shape Nepal’s Development (Fully-funded)

Youth in Nepal: A Powerful Force for Development

Nepal is a young country — nearly 41 percent of its population is between 16 and 40 years old. This large youth population holds huge potential to accelerate Nepal’s sustainable development. To fully unlock this potential, young people must play an active role in planning, designing, and implementing solutions to the challenges their communities face.

What is the European Union Youth Sounding Board?

The European Union Youth Sounding Board (YSB) is an official consultative platform that empowers Nepalese youth to directly shape and influence European Union (EU) policies and programs in Nepal. By ensuring that young people’s ideas and experiences are heard, the EU Youth Sounding Board helps make development cooperation more inclusive, effective, and youth-friendly.

What European Union Youth Sounding Board Members Do

Youth Sounding Board members volunteer for a 13-month term, with all related costs covered by the European Union. During this time, they contribute to meaningful change at both national and local levels through several roles:

1. Shape EU Policies and Programs

YSB members provide practical input to help design, monitor, and improve EU-funded projects in Nepal. They attend events, participate in field missions, interact with communities, and share insights to ensure EU development actions address real youth needs.

2. Lead Communication and Advocacy

Members actively participate in or lead youth-focused campaigns and public events. They use digital platforms to tell stories and raise awareness about youth priorities, climate action, education, gender equality, and other key themes related to EU cooperation in Nepal.

3. Build Networks and Partnerships

Youth Sounding Board members connect with national and international youth leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners. These networks strengthen youth influence and promote collaboration for positive change.

4. Develop Skills and Share Knowledge

Members benefit from workshops, training sessions, and exchange programs that build leadership, advocacy, and communication skills. They share what they learn with their peers to encourage collective growth and build wider youth capacity.

5. Drive Community Impact

Each Youth Sounding Board member designs and leads an “Action at Home” project to tackle a local issue, such as youth employment, climate change, or access to education. Members manage the planning, budgeting, and implementation of these initiatives, demonstrating youth leadership and sustainable solutions.

6. Review Policies and Provide Evidence-Based Feedback

Members analyze national and international policies and programs on topics like youth development, climate change, education, and disaster risk reduction. They provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen EU development cooperation and ensure that policies reflect youth perspectives.

Who Can Apply for the European Union Youth Sounding Board in Nepal?

The European Union encourages applications from motivated young people from all backgrounds and regions of Nepal. Diversity and inclusion are key principles of the EU Youth Sounding Board. Young people with disabilities, from minority communities, or in vulnerable situations are strongly encouraged to apply.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 26 years old by the application deadline.

• Be available from August 2025 to September 2026.

• Have at least a secondary level education.

• Be committed to volunteerism and community development.

• Be willing and able to travel to rural areas.

• Be fluent in spoken and written Nepali and have basic English communication skills.

Participation is voluntary, but all travel, accommodation, and internet expenses are fully covered. Members gain valuable skills, leadership experience, and networking opportunities through their involvement.

How to Apply for the European Union Youth Sounding Board

Applications are open from 14 June to 30 June 2025 (deadline: 11:59 PM NPT). Late submissions will not be considered.

Apply Here

The selection process has three steps:

Step 1: Application Review (1–7 July 2025)
Applications are assessed based on eligibility and motivation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by 9 July 2025.

Step 2: Online Interviews (13–21 July 2025)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short virtual interview in Nepali or English (one question must be answered in English).

Step 3: Final Selection (23–28 July 2025)
Selected European Union Youth Sounding Board members will receive an official confirmation by email on 28 July 2025.

Be Part of the European Union Youth Sounding Board and Lead Change

Join the European Union Youth Sounding Board to help shape EU policies and programs in Nepal and inspire other young people to lead transformative change in their communities and beyond.

For any questions or clarifications, please email: YSBCoordinator@vjwinternational.com

Apply Here