Nepal’s youth uprising: Gen-Z’s historic stand for accountability, unity, and sustainable change

Nepal's Gen-Z movement on 8–9 September 2025 represented a defining turning point in the nation's politics, as youth-led protests toppled a government long mired in corruption, political hegemony, and disregard for justice. Sparked by social media restrictions and exposure of political privilege and nepotism, the uprising mobilised youth nationwide, collapsing rooted power structures within 48 hours. This generational reckoning highlighted Gen-Z's resilience, digital literacy, and demand for accountability, but it also exposed harsh realities – tragic loss of young lives, destruction of national administrative buildings, and transient yet severe environmental pollution from smoke and waste. More than a protest, it is a call for systemic reform, underscoring the need for inclusive governance, youth recognition, unity, and accountability in shaping democratic transformation.