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Every year the Government of Japan invites South Asian youths such as students, journalists, public officers, researchers, volunteers, engineers, academics and professionals to participate in the South Asian Youth Invitation Program. This year, 39 participants from South Asian countries including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives and Nepal took part in a twelve day programme from September 25 to October 5. Mr. Hem Prasad Neupane, Ms. Neeti Aryal, Mr. Ramesh Ghimire and Mr. Yek Raj Pathak attended the programme as representatives of Nepal.

The main purpose of the program was to promote the mutual understanding of cultural, economic and political relations between Japan and South Asian countries. It included programs such as an audience with Their Imperial Highness Prince and Princess Akishino and a visit to cultural and industrial facilities. In addition to this, there were sightseeing trips to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima and a home-stay with a local family.

This year's main feature of the program was "Japan and South Asia Youth Forum", in which the youth of Japan and South Asia held discussions over a wide range of issues including regional security and terrorism, international relations and regional socio-economic development.

During the 3-day long forum, all of the participants came up with ideas about how to strengthen the ties among Japan and other South Asian countries as well as promoting peace and stability in the region. In the area of economic cooperation, Japanese participants emphasized the effective utilization of ODA for achieving sustainable development goals in the entire South Asian region. Regarding regional security, all participants proposed that Japan and South Asia cooperate further and that Japan take the role of a neutral facilitator in the regional conflict. The delegates also agreed upon the need for intelligence sharing as well as joint patrolling to check the illegal spread of weapons and the control of international criminal activities such as human and drug trafficking.

One of the participants from Nepal said, "The program has increased our knowledge of Japan and its culture as well as benefiting us enormously, both personally and professionally. We will share the experience and knowledge gained in Japan with as many people as possible and make efforts to promote peace and stability in Nepal." Another participant said, "The Japanese culture of politeness and humility really touched our hearts and gave us a lesson that will last forever in our lives."