Kathmandu, 1 Jan 2026: Today marks the first day of the New Year 2026—a first day of hope and trust as well. The year 2025 passed while teaching important lessons to Nepal and the world. Peace prevailed in some places, while traces of conflict persisted in others. The world has moved from the digital age into the age of artificial intelligence (AI). While China has already developed “DeepSeek,” the United States has allocated a large portion of its budget to AI innovation and collaboration.
Learning from the bitter moments of the past, the responsibility of formulating strategies on how to hand over a beautiful planet and a strong nation to future generations has been passed from 2025 to 2026.
With the end of the Israel–Hamas war that had been creating global tension last year, efforts were also initiated to end the Russia–Ukraine war. Some positive developments took place around the world as well. Among them, the United States—considered a global power—prioritized rebuilding its own nation over war and emerged as a mediator in conflicts in various countries, which became a matter of reassurance for others. In South Asia, however, less developed countries including Nepal fell into the bitter grip of internal conflicts.
The year 2025 was not sufficient to reform the fragmented political situation in Bangladesh following the student movement of 2024. Sri Lanka continued moving toward easing its economic crisis. For India, Pakistan, the Maldives, Afghanistan, and Bhutan, the year largely remained one of maintaining the status quo. In Nepal, the Gen Z movement of Bhadra 23 and 24 led to a change in power and pushed the country onto an electoral path. The government is prepared to make the New Year 2026 result-oriented.
Senior cultural scholar Tejeshwar Babu Gwang emphasizes that the past should not be forgotten; rather, past shortcomings should be carefully corrected while moving forward into the new year. He says, “All forms of pretension and arrogance shown in the past—by leaders and citizens alike—must be abandoned. Thinking about the country and its future children, we must unite to build the nation.” According to him, the new year requires fresh enthusiasm, new perspectives, and new plans—and a firm commitment to realize them.
He further adds, “The president of a country like the United States, Donald Trump, has exercised restraint and caution to prevent escalating conflicts between nations from turning into a third world war. Along with mediating wars, he has also been advancing scientific breakthroughs.” The United States appears aware that if it acts arrogantly, China and Russia will not remain silent and could unite to confront it. He suggests that Nepal, too, should evaluate past conflicts and create an electoral environment along with the new year.
Gen Z leader Menuka Niroula recalls that 2025 was extremely frightening for her generation. She says, “May the terrifying events of Bhadra 23 and 24 never be seen or heard again in 2026 or in the years to come.” She shares that Gen Z hopes 2026 will bring a new spring for the younger generation like herself. For that to happen, she believes the historical roots of conflict embedded in Nepal’s politics and society must come to an end.
There are countless facts and statistics related to corruption and injustice in the social sphere as well. She expresses hope that the New Year 2026 will inspire the post-election government to completely eradicate the sources of corruption and injustice.
Looking Back at 2025
In 2025, significant events took place in Nepal and around the world. Political conflicts driving change, the climate crisis, human rights violations, and various related incidents made the year tense—ranging from Nepal’s Gen Z movement in Bhadra to the end of the Israel–Hamas war.
