From a Kanchanpur Classroom to New York: Grade 10 Student Swarnima Kandel Heads to UNGA 81

Kathmandu, September 21, 2026

From Belauri to a Global Stage

Grade 10 student Swarnima Kandel from Belauri, Kanchanpur, is heading to New York to participate as a UNICEF Nepal youth advocate in programs connected with the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where she will engage with young people from different countries and share perspectives on child rights, youth wellbeing and girls’ empowerment. A student of Ugratara Bal Vidyalaya in Belauri Municipality-4, Shantipur, Swarnima received the opportunity following her involvement in child-rights advocacy, girls’ empowerment, and UNICEF-related initiatives.

Who Is Swarnima Kandel?

Swarnima is a Grade 10 student at Ugratara Bal Vidyalaya in Shantipur, Belauri Municipality-4 of Kanchanpur district.

Alongside her studies, she has been involved in activities promoting children's rights and girls' empowerment and is identified by her school and local reports as a UNICEF Nepal youth advocate.

Her school says her continued participation and commitment to these issues led to the opportunity to take part in UNGA-related activities through UNICEF Nepal.

What Will She Do in New York?

During the UN week in New York, Swarnima is expected to participate in discussions, interactions and side events involving young people from different countries.

Her school says she will have opportunities to share her experiences and perspectives on issues concerning children and young people, child wellbeing, child rights and girls’ empowerment.

Swarnima herself told local media that she was excited about the opportunity and intended to raise issues concerning Nepal's children, adolescent girls and young people on the international stage.

UNICEF's Focus at UNGA 81

Swarnima's participation comes as UNICEF is using the 81st UN General Assembly to draw international attention to challenges affecting children.

UNICEF says its activities around UNGA 81 will focus on children's health, nutrition, protection and overall wellbeing, while calling for continued international investment in children at a time of conflict, economic pressure, climate-related challenges and declining development funding.

The organization also highlights young people's voices as an important part of efforts to protect children's rights and shape decisions affecting their future.

School Sends Swarnima Off

Before her international trip, Ugratara Bal Vidyalaya organized a special farewell program for Swarnima.

School principal Keshav Singh Bisht said her participation was a proud moment for the school and an opportunity to introduce Belauri, Kanchanpur and Nepal through an international youth platform. Local education and municipal representatives also attended the farewell and wished her success.

Reports said Swarnima was scheduled to leave Belauri for Kathmandu on Friday before continuing her journey to the United States.

Why Was Swarnima Selected?

According to her school, the opportunity came through Swarnima's active participation and commitment to promoting child rights, empowering adolescent girls and participating in UNICEF programs and advocacy initiatives.

Rather than simply attending as a student visitor, she is expected to take part as a young advocate, interacting with other young people and sharing experiences and ideas connected with issues affecting children.

A Student From Far-West Nepal Goes Global

Swarnima's journey is particularly significant for her school and community because it takes a Grade 10 student from Belauri in Nepal's far-western Kanchanpur district to international discussions in New York.

Her school believes the opportunity can also encourage other students to become involved in social issues and demonstrate that young people from communities outside Nepal's major cities can have their voices represented internationally.

For Swarnima, the journey will provide an opportunity not only to listen to young people from around the world but also to bring perspectives from Nepal's children and adolescent girls into conversations taking place around one of the world's biggest annual diplomatic gatherings.