By FFWPU Nepal
150 bright youth and students from esteemed colleges and institutions in Kathmandu completed the 3-Day Youth Leadership Workshop under the theme “Raising Youth Leaders in Nation Building.” The workshop was held at the Peace Embassy Building and jointly organized by FFWPU-Nepal and Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ward No. 1, Naxal, aimed to foster leadership skills, empower youth, and underscore their pivotal role in national development and peace-building efforts.
The workshop commenced with a dignified opening ceremony featuring the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and the rendition of the National Anthem of Nepal, complemented by an engaging Unified Martial Art performance by the Tong-IL Moo Do Association of Nepal. Rev. Prakash Babu Thapa elucidated the history of FFWPU and the significance of youth in nation-building. Prof. Richel Jalipa delivered insightful lectures based on the Divine Principle, while Rev. Santosh Kumar Paudel, Sub-regional Director of FFWPU-South Asia, led a session on the “Founder’s Life Course and the Importance of Marriage and Family.” Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, Chair of UPF-Asia Pacific, shared nuanced perspectives on leadership through his lecture on “Head Wing Ideology.”
Participants actively participated in team-building exercises, talent shows, and competitive events, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. To sustain engagement beyond the workshop, the Youth and Students Club (YSC) was inaugurated, appointing 12 team leaders as Presidents alongside other participants as members. The pinnacle of the event was the graduation ceremony, featuring performances by the second generation, participant testimonials, and the conferral of prestigious awards such as the Ambassador for Peace Awards, graduation certificates, and Certificates of Achievement for outstanding second-generation participants who excelled in them
Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal emphasized the pivotal role of youth in nation-building, inspiring participants to assume leadership roles within their respective communities. The workshop not only celebrated the potential of young leaders but also reaffirmed their significance in shaping a promising future for Nepal and beyond.
Significance of the Event
The 3-Day Youth Leadership Workshop, concluded on July 13, 2024, at the Peace Embassy Building in Kathmandu. The Workshop was organized by the Family Federation for World Peace (including all of Nepal’s Providential organizations) and in collaboration with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ward No.1. The event aimed to empower youth, impart leadership skills, and highlight their critical roles in fostering national development and peace.
Despite heavy rain, the opening day saw 150 eager participants register and receive a warm welcome. The ceremony officially started with a patriotic song, the national anthem, and the lighting of a ceremonial lamp. Key speakers, including Rev. Prakash Babu Thapa and Rev. Santosh Kumar Paudel, emphasized the transformative potential of youth leadership. Chief Guest Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal inspired attendees with insights on the qualities of transformative leaders. Sessions led by Rev. Thapa and Mr. Richel Jalipa focused on “The Role of Youth in Peace and Nation Building” and “Principle of Peace (Ideal),” respectively. The day ended with team-building exercises, fostering camaraderie and unity among participants.
Day two began with morning refreshments, followed by in-depth discussions on the “Principle of Peace (Ideal)” led by Mr. Jalipa. The agenda also included topics such as the “Cause of Human Conflict (Reality)” and “Solution of Human Conflict and Peace Building,” derived from the Divine Principle. Engaging exercises, games, and team activities reinforced the teachings, creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the root causes of conflict and the principles of peace essential for effective leadership.
The final day began with a talent show, showcasing the diverse skills of the participants. Subsequent sessions included “Founder’s Life Course and Importance of Marriage and Family” by Rev. Santosh Kumar Paudel and “Head Wing Ideology” by Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal. A competition/class test assessed participants’ understanding, with awards given to top performers. To ensure ongoing engagement, the Youth and Students Club (YSC) was formed, with team leaders promoted to club presidents, fostering continuous development and support among youth leaders. The graduation ceremony at the Peace Embassy Building featured distinguished guests, 2nd Generation dance performance by the second generation of Nepal Ms. Sadhana Khadka, followed by the distribution of the Ambassador for Peace Award to Dr. Bimla Kumari Gurung, lecturer at the Katmandu Model College, (KMC) for receiving Ambassador for Peace from the UPF Nepal and participant testimonies.
Certificates were distributed to 150 graduates, with special awards presented. Special congratulatory remarks were delivered by Mr. Sarbagya Raj Poudel, Ward Secretary of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 1 Naxal, adding a note of encouragement and pride. Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, Chair of UPF-Asia Pacific and former Minister of Nepal gave the Chief Guest Message, emphasizing the importance of Youth leadership in nation-building. His words were inspirational, motivating the graduates to take on leadership roles in their communities. Two Second Generation, Ms. Shin Hye Khadka and Ms. Sachha Kshetri received the achievement award for their best performance in the SEE exam. The event concluded with congratulatory remarks and a vote of thanks from Hon. Milan Rajbanshi, Secretary General of UPF/IAPP-Nepal. A group photo captured the joyous moment, symbolizing the collective achievement and the beginning of a new journey for the young leaders. Master of Ceremony Mr. Birendra Shrestha, Program Coordinator ensured the smooth flow of the program, marking a successful conclusion to the workshop.
This graduation ceremony celebrated the hard work, dedication, and future potential of the young leaders, reinforcing the workshop’s theme and the importance of youth in nation-building. FFWPU-Nepal plans to continue this transformative workshop every 40 days, visiting colleges and institutions to invite participants and maintain momentum in cultivating the next generation of youth leaders dedicated to peace and nation-building.
Reflection
Ms. Jina Bhattarai – KIST College (+2 running)
I recently had the privilege of attending a 3-day transformative leadership workshop, which was a truly life-changing experience. The workshop was designed to challenge conventional notions of leadership and invite students and other personals to embark on a journey of deep, personal transformation. Attending the three-day transformative leadership workshop centered around Father and Mother Moon was a profound experience that left a lasting impact on my perspective and approach to leadership.
One of the most memorable aspects of the workshop was the opportunity to hear personal anecdotes and success stories from the lecturers themselves. They shared challenges they had faced and how they applied Father Moon’s teachings to navigate complex situations and inspire positive change within their organizations and communities. Throughout the three days, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie among participants as we engaged in role-playing exercises, team-building activities, and reflective exercises designed to deepen our understanding of ourselves as leaders. The workshop wasn’t just about theory; it was about introspection and personal growth.
By the end of the workshop, I had not only gained a deeper appreciation for Father Moon’s philosophy but also developed a clearer sense of my leadership style and goals. I left with practical tools and frameworks that I could immediately apply to foster a more inclusive, visionary, and compassionate approach to leadership. Overall, the transformative leadership workshop on Father Moon provided me with invaluable insights and inspiration, equipping me with the knowledge and motivation to make a meaningful difference in my professional and personal life.
Ms. Aahista Rajbanshi – Texas International College (Bachelor’s -2nd year)
As a participant in this program, I am very thankful to all the members of this organization who added so much of their effort to make it work. Initially, On the orientation day I was obliged to meet new people and a thought that was put forward to transform the youngsters gave me an enlightenment persuasion. How can it be possible to transform within three days in sequence? Well, I was taught the word ‘Transformative ‘ and its impact on us. Such that because of the blessings of Mother moon Father moon this workshop was more impactful. It’s because they both were loving couples who pursued, cared, thought about each other, and generously perceived to bring world peace that starts within us.
In the three-day session, I learned the deepest thought as a human being we must be grateful for what we have and for the sake of others, we must be happy, be kind, and try to provide generosity to people even if they are strangers to us. Additionally, the importance of relationships with our loved ones who we as humans create and sustain the humanity in us. It reflects the differences and circumstances that can be a cause in relationships break down. One must always seek spiritualism to be a better person – it creates an individual to seek for physical, mental, social, psychological wellbeing being to fit in the society and get due respect as for others and for themselves. The workshop provided me with the idea of how family relationships, divorce, sexual relationships with multiple partners, family dynamics can create ‘poverty and economic discrepancies ‘ in the nation and as well as the spread of diseases affecting the lives of connected people.
Mr. Ram Rajak – Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus (BSc 1st Year)
Attending the youth leadership session was an enlightening experience, providing valuable insights into effective leadership strategies and community engagement. The interactive discussions fostered a deeper understanding of the critical role young leaders play in driving positive change. Overall, the session was inspiring and equipped me with practical tools for future leadership endeavors. I want to thank to the organizer FFWPU – Nepal who granted me a precious opportunity to take part in this workshop. I realize the role of youth is essential in national building. If we youths unite and work for the betterment of the nation, then we can bring changes.
Mr. Prajwal Rajbanshi – Trinity International S.S (Bachelor running)
I’m very grateful to be invited as a participant in this program. I learned many things from this youth workshop, and I will try to implement it in my daily life. The three-day transformation program was an eye-opener for me, and I also will start to spread this peace spreading agenda to start development in myself and my fellow related people as it is important to develop ourselves first to develop our country and environment. Through this workshop, I felt change does not come automatically and we should not expect only from the political leaders. Change starts from each individual, we everyone has a huge role in building peace and development of the nation, Nepal.
Ms. Rashmi Shrestha – KIST Medical Collage (MBBS, Internship running)
Over the past three days, we have embarked on a journey together – a journey that has not only sharpened our leadership skills but has also touched the very core of who we are as individuals. As we come to the final day of this transformative leadership workshop. In these lecture sessions, I have realized that effective communication is not just about conveying a message but about connecting with others on a deeper level, understanding their perspectives, and building bridges of trust and empathy. This workshop has taught me about true human goals, our moral values and about True love. I want to thank Honorable Milan Rajbanshi madam who invited me to this workshop. Thank you to everyone who made this workshop possible and especially I want to the main organizer FFWPU – Nepal who Hosted the Workshop on the theme of raising youth leaders in nation-building. Thank you very much.
Ms. Anusha Koirala – Nepal Law Campus (Level: LLB)
The 3-day transformative leadership workshop was an enriching experience for me. As a law student, this workshop broadened my perspective and taught me the importance of collaboration. Engaging with the youth from diverse backgrounds was particularly inspiring. Together we exchanged ideas and learned so many things like social justice, environmental protection, the role of the young generation in building a peaceful nation, the Importance of family values, true love, and so on. I can’t explain the joy of listening to Professor Richell Jalipa and his explanation of universal peace principles in an understandable way. Overall, the workshop was a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Thank you all and see you again!!
Dr. Kajol Rauniyar – Dental Practitioner
Thank you very much to the organizer FFWPU – Nepal and other supporter organizations who organized such a great youth workshop. Attending this leadership workshop was a life-changing experience. The workshop made me more conscious and reflected about our leadership, life vision, and personal growth too. I learned that being a good leader starts with being a good human. Selfless love and integrity are the foundations of genuine leadership. The workshop ignited a deeper love for my nation and encouraged me to contribute to the nation. The workshop emphasized to me about the power of continuous learning and personal development for the contribution of the nation. This workshop was not just an event but a significant milestone in my life. I am deeply grateful to the organizer organizations for organizing the productive and quality workshop for youth. With a heart full of gratitude, I conclude my reflection. Thank you very much.