As a Nepali writer, I often reflect on how our country engages with the world beyond its borders. Nepal’s identity is rooted in centuries of history, culture, and moral principles, creating a unique voice that resonates far beyond its geographic size.

Long before modern diplomacy existed, Nepal projected influence through soft power, and its cultural and spiritual heritage shaped global ideas.

The teachings of Gautama Buddha, born in Lumbini, spread compassion, non-violence, and peace across Asia, influencing societies in Japan, Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, and beyond. Similarly, Goddess Sita of Mithila embodies courage, resilience, and moral integrity, inspiring literature, folklore, and ethical frameworks throughout South Asia.

Buddha’s compassion and Sita’s tenacity are more than historical anecdotes; they are living sources of cultural authority and ethical guidance, forming the foundation for Nepal’s unique approach to diplomacy and global engagement.

Nepal’s long-standing question has been whether it must adopt imported ideologies to engage successfully with the world. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, speaking at the Bandung Conference in 1955, emphasized that nations of Asia and Africa need not define themselves through rigid ideological alignment, whether pro- or anti-communist.

Instead, he urged countries to assert their identity based on their own values, culture, and vision. Nepal’s historical and cultural legacy positions it well to follow this path.

By embracing its own moral principles, spiritual heritage, and ethical frameworks, Nepal has pursued diplomacy grounded in values and culture, rather than mimicking foreign ideologies.

Today, this vision finds new expression in Gen Z diplomacy—a uniquely Nepali approach where young citizens are shaping the country’s international voice based on their heritage, creativity, and ethical consciousness.

Over the past four decades, Nepal has experienced transformative political upheaval that has profoundly shaped its society and governance. The 1990 People’s Movement (Jana Andolan I) restored multiparty democracy after decades of absolute monarchy, ushering in political freedom and citizen participation.

For the first time, ordinary Nepalis had a meaningful voice in governance, and ideas of equality and inclusion began to permeate the political landscape.

Yet, the democratic experiment was not smooth. Political instability, frequent changes in government, and entrenched elite dominance highlighted the challenges of translating democracy into effective governance. In the mid-1990s, the Maoist insurgency erupted, challenging long-standing hierarchies and demanding systemic reforms to address inequality, social injustice, and marginalization.

This decade-long insurgency brought immense struggle and sacrifice but also laid the groundwork for a more inclusive vision of the nation.

In 2008, the monarchy was abolished, marking the birth of a federal democratic republic. Nepal embraced federalism, secularism, and social inclusion as the pillars of governance, enshrining principles that aimed to reflect the country’s diversity and ethical values.

Across these decades of political transformation, Nepal’s cultural and ethical identity remained resilient, providing continuity and a moral compass amid turbulence. This trajectory mirrors Nehru’s vision of nations asserting themselves independently of external pressures, demonstrating that Nepal’s path has always been guided more by internal principles and values than by imported ideologies.

The current era, however, has introduced a profound new dimension: the emergence of Generation Z, born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, whose political awareness and activism are reshaping Nepal’s engagement with the world. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z Nepalis have grown up in a digitally connected, globally aware environment.

They are deeply conscious of issues like social justice, inequality, climate change, and human rights—and are committed to translating this awareness into tangible political action.

This recent Gen Z-led revolution in Nepal is a continuation of the values embedded in earlier democratic movements but reflects the creativity, urgency, and connectedness of a generation that is digitally native, socially conscious, and ethically grounded.

The Gen Z revolution is the root of Gen Z diplomacy. Young Nepalis, inspired by the compassion of Buddha, the courage of Sita, and the intellectual and artistic traditions of Mithila, are translating moral awareness and political engagement into a new form of soft power.

Through protests, advocacy, social media campaigns, and youth-led initiatives, this generation has asserted the primacy of homegrown ideas and values over imported ideologies. Their political activism is not only reshaping domestic governance and pushing for systemic reforms but also laying the foundation for how Nepal presents itself to the world.

Gen Z diplomacy is therefore the natural outcome of this generational revolution: an approach to international influence rooted in ethical principles, cultural heritage, innovation, and youth-driven activism.

This form of diplomacy contrasts sharply with traditional models, which relied heavily on state-to-state negotiations, hierarchical power, or alignment with foreign ideologies.

Instead, Gen Z diplomacy is locally rooted, culturally anchored, and globally aware. Young Nepalis are leveraging digital platforms to showcase Lumbini as a spiritual hub, promote Mithila art, and highlight Nepal’s values-driven social and environmental initiatives.

Through these actions, Nepali youth are turning culture and ethical principles into actionable instruments of soft power—demonstrating that small nations can influence global discourse without succumbing to external pressures or adopting foreign frameworks.

The trajectory of Nepal’s political change underscores the interconnectedness of domestic and international engagement.

The 1990 democratic movement empowered citizens; the Maoist insurgency challenged entrenched inequalities; and the abolition of the monarchy created space for a more inclusive republic. Each of these political milestones has contributed to the fertile ground upon which Gen Z diplomacy has grown.

This generation has inherited a nation where values of justice, equality, and inclusion are codified in law and social consciousness—providing the ethical and political infrastructure necessary to project Nepal’s voice internationally.

Globally, nations have demonstrated that culture and heritage can be powerful tools for influence. Japan projects Zen philosophy and traditional arts; South Korea leverages K-pop and cinema; France extends its influence via the Alliance Française; and India spreads its culture through yoga and Bollywood. Nepal can follow a similar path—but the emphasis is not on imitation.

It is on leveraging homegrown heritage, values, and ethical principles. Gen Z diplomacy exemplifies this approach: young Nepalis combine spiritual teachings, artistic traditions, and political consciousness to engage globally, projecting soft power grounded in authenticity and moral authority rather than imported frameworks.

The impact of Nepal’s Gen Z diplomacy extends beyond cultural promotion. Young Nepalis are at the forefront of global conversations on climate change, gender equality, social justice, and democratic rights. By blending tradition, moral grounding, and technological innovation, they demonstrate that modern diplomacy is not limited to embassies, treaties, or political alliances.

It is a citizen-driven process that builds networks, shapes narratives, and communicates values across borders. In a world increasingly defined by ideological polarization and authoritarian trends, Nepal’s Gen Z offers a model of value-based non-alignment, directly echoing Nehru’s vision at Bandung: nations can assert their identity independently, relying on homegrown values and ethical leadership.

Nepal’s rich heritage, combined with the revolutionary energy of its youth, has created a distinctive form of influence. The compassion of Buddha, the moral courage of Sita, and the creativity of Mithila’s artistic traditions now inform campaigns, youth activism, and global outreach.

From advocating climate policies to promoting Nepali culture online, young citizens are exercising cultural diplomacy and soft power alongside traditional state actors. This demonstrates that influence in the 21st century is not monopolized by governments; citizens can shape global perceptions, forge connections, and advocate for values-driven policies.

Through the Gen Z revolution and subsequent Gen Z diplomacy, Nepal illustrates how moral authority, ethical leadership, and cultural grounding remain central to international influence.

Even a small nation can have a global impact when its diplomacy is values-driven, innovative, and culturally authentic.

By showcasing traditions, leading global advocacy, and participating in international forums, Nepal is shaping its global image while connecting local identity with international engagement, tradition with modernity, and heritage with contemporary diplomacy.

The Gen Z revolution has made this possible: it has created a generation aware of change, committed to homegrown values, and capable of translating local principles into global influence.

From Sita to Buddha, from decades of political upheaval to youth-led activism, Nepal demonstrates that influence today derives from authenticity, homegrown ideas, and values-driven engagement—not from imported ideologies or external pressures.

Gen Z diplomacy, as the outcome of Nepal’s recent political revolution, provides a blueprint for how nations—small or large—can assert themselves on the world stage with moral authority, cultural pride, and creative innovation. In this, Nepal stands as a living testament to the enduring power of heritage, ethics, and youth-led change in shaping international relations and diplomacy.