Starting in 2023 and led by Associate Director for Peacebuilding Research Dr. Teri Murphy, the Mershon Center partnered with International Alert Nepal on a three-year research initiative examining how Nepal’s transition to a federal system is shaping inclusion, governance, and peacebuilding. Established under the 2015 Constitution, federalism was intended to redistribute political power, strengthen local governance, and address longstanding patterns of exclusion. The research explores how these reforms are being realized in practice.

International Alert recently shared the final research reports at a learning event that convened approximately 70 participants from government institutions, NGOs and INGOs, embassies, the Human Rights Commission, National Information Commission, Nepal Bar Association, Free Media Network, and journalists.

The event featured a presentation of key findings, followed by a screening of the podcast Tea Politics. In the episode, two young speakers from Madhesh reflected on the research and highlighted pressing challenges facing marginalized communities, including corruption, barriers to inclusion, and limited opportunities for meaningful youth participation.

The session created a dynamic space for reflection on Nepal’s evolving socio-political landscape and for discussion of practical pathways forward. Participants engaged actively throughout, raising thoughtful questions about how young people can more effectively contribute to inclusive governance.

Read the reports