Graduation is not the end of learning, but the beginning of even greater opportunities: Vice-Chancellor Marahatta

Kathmandu. Kantipur City College (KCC) organized the 'SDG Ambassador Graduation Program–Batch 3' to honor 26 students who completed a one-year SDG Ambassador program.

At the event held on Friday at Bogenvilla Events on Tripura Marg in Kathmandu, students were awarded certificates and various prizes. The program was organized by the SDG Club in collaboration with Kantipur City College and Kalpa Academy.

The chief guest, Vice-Chancellor of Purbanchal University, Prof. Dr. Sujan Babu Marahatta, said that youth have a crucial role in promoting youth leadership, education, and sustainable development. He stated that the knowledge, skills, and active participation of youth are necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said that 'graduation is not the end of learning but the beginning of even greater opportunities.' He emphasized that students must use the knowledge, skills, and experience gained in the program for society and sustainable development in the coming days.

Special guest and Head of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department at KCC, Prof. Ram Krishna Regmi, said that the graduation program inspired students to identify opportunities to work in sustainable development along with leadership development. He said that through the SDG program, students got the opportunity to not only study society but also understand it and work connected to social issues.

Principal of KCC, Raju Kattel, said that such programs provide students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in social and environmental fields. He said that the SDG Ambassador program is useful for translating youth creativity, leadership capacity, and social responsibility into practice.

Director of the SDG Ambassador program, Er. Ravi Khanal, said that all parties must continuously move forward together to build a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future. He emphasized prioritizing youth participation and collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Head of the Engineering Department at KCC, Dr. Deepak Bikram Thapa, said that an SDG-related ecosystem is being developed at the college. He pointed out the need to continue sustainable development activities.

Gender and social inclusion expert Samjhana Wagle Bhattarai said that while doing every task, one must think about 'what can we give to society.' She emphasized translating social responsibility and inclusiveness into practice.

Head of Administration at the French Embassy in Kathmandu, Stanislas Lajugie, said that the real foundation of success is the quality of consciousness. Similarly, Dr. Vinayak Krishna Thapa of Kathmandu University said that KCC has provided a path for youth to move toward empowerment and leadership development.

Likewise, President of Nepal Rural Reconstruction Association, Ratna Karki, said that youth should seek opportunities for innovation within the country and connect society with productivity.

The program was attended by educators, development experts, representatives from the business sector, and representatives of various organizations active in youth leadership. Senior Program Manager of the European Commission, Mim Hamal, Head of Administration at the French Embassy Stanislas Lajugie, and Country Director of DG Foundation Rakesh Karna, among others, participated. Also present were representatives affiliated with organizations such as FNCCI, NGCCI, Rural Reconstruction Nepal, Kathmandu University, Practical Action/Global Voice, JCYCN, and NYCL.

The program discussed youth participation, sustainable development, cross-sector collaboration, and practical solutions to social and environmental challenges. In a panel discussion, experts shared their views on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development and youth leadership.

In the 'Success Story' session, participating students presented projects they conducted over the year, their experiences, and learnings. They shared information about their activities and contributions related to various Sustainable Development Goals. Opportunities for interaction and networking between participating students and experts were also provided.

Professors Janet Sanders, Robertson Work, and Dr. Rita Dhungemal from universities in Canada and the US congratulated the students who completed the SDG Ambassador program through video messages.

The program included a panel discussion, cultural performance, 'Success Story' session, and student honor ceremony.