Sambhavya Youth Mental Health Summit 2026: Lived Experiences Heard

EDUCAST, Stakeholders have pointed out that to improve the mental health of youth, it is essential to create an environment where their voices are heard, their emotions are understood, and they are trusted and given opportunities in decision-making and leadership. They noted that the increasing use of social media, differences in intergenerational understanding, social pressure, and the tendency to seek immediate results are posing additional challenges to youth mental health.

The “Sambhavya Youth Mental Health Summit 2026” was held on Saturday at Nepali Chulo in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, in celebration of World Mental Health Day. Organized by the Sambhavya Foundation—an organization working in the field of school-based mental health since 2018—in collaboration with the Watson Institute, the summit’s theme was “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.

Before the formal program began, pre-summit activities including a sound bath, a wellness camp, and registration facilitated by Mahalaxmi School and mental health professionals took place at 9:00 AM. The opening session commenced at 11:00 AM, featuring guest chairing, the national anthem, the traditional Panas lighting, and an orchestra performance by Euro School. This was followed by a youth spotlight featuring a student from Euroschool, Nepal, poetry recitation by Leo Aakriti Niroula, remarks by Gadi Charge co-founder Presha Shrestha, and a cultural dance by Aksharaa School. Additionally, Dr. Dinesh Rijal delivered a presentation titled “The Young Brain in a Changing World–From Neuroscience to Lived Experience,” and Stephen Radhley presented on “The Last Human Skill” followed by live polling.

Under the summit, an open-chair conversation and panel discussion were held on the topic “Redefining Normal: How Youth Lived Experience is Rewriting Mental Health in 2026 and Beyond”. JCI Global International Vice President and entrepreneur Rajani Thapa, psychological counselor Dr. Aarti Chand Regmi, and Kantipur Children’s Hospital consultant psychiatrist Dr. Shubha Shrestha shared their perspectives on various dimensions of youth mental health.

During the discussion, JCI Global Vice President Rajani Thapa stated that the mindset of viewing youth as inexperienced or incapable of handling responsibilities must change, emphasizing that youth should be trusted and given opportunities. Furthermore, psychological counselor Dr. Aarti Chand Regmi mentioned that physical, mental, and emotional health are interconnected, urging individuals to stay mindful of their feelings and build self-acceptance. Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Shubha Shrestha discussed the emotional and behavioral challenges observed in adolescents due to social media usage, generational gaps, and the expectation of instant results, suggesting that communication between parents and youth should be strengthened.

The program also featured role plays, a workshop on connection, advocacy, and leadership, and a hope activity. The summit successfully concluded with closing remarks, distribution of tokens of love, and a networking lunch session.