Kathmandu, April 10 Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel said on Friday that "impartial judicial justice would be the true tribute to the Gen Z martyrs".
At least 76 people, including around two dozen young people, were killed in the Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9 last year, which erupted following a ban on social media and allegations of corruption, and led to the ouster of the coalition government led by K P Sharma Oli.
Addressing a joint session of both houses of parliament at the Singha Durbar secretariat for the first time since the Gen Z movement, the president stressed the need for the speedy delivery of public services so that people feel the presence of the government at their doorstep.
Paudel outlined a 17-point agenda covering governance, economic reform, employment, and foreign policy priorities of the government.
Addressing the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, Paudel said the newly-elected government has a serious responsibility to strengthen good governance, improve service delivery, and accelerate economic development.
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives during Nepal's democratic movements, the president thanked political parties, election officials, security personnel, and voters for ensuring "peaceful and credible" parliamentary elections.
He said that the new parliament reflects unprecedented participation of young representatives, signaling growing youth engagement in Nepal's federal democratic system.
Paudel said that public aspirations include transparent governance, an end to corruption, job opportunities within the country, social justice, and faster economic and social development.
He stressed the need to create employment at home, reform the education system to match labour market demand, and address the growing outflow of young workers abroad.
He also underscored the importance of efficient public services, stronger coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments, and the rule of law.
On foreign policy, the president said Nepal should maintain balanced and mutually respectful relations with neighboring and friendly countries while safeguarding national interests.
He also called for greater global cooperation to address the impacts of climate change, stressing the need to advance climate justice for vulnerable nations.
Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal's prime minister last month, making history as the youngest leader to be democratically elected to the top office of the Himalayan nation.
The 35-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader, popularly known as 'Balen', was sworn in by President Paudel at a ceremony at the President's Office. The RSP had registered a landslide victory in the March 5 parliamentary elections.