Linkfest: Facing Our Time

PROCEEDINGS REPORT

LINKFEST : FACING OUR TIME Conversations on exploring the emerging discourses from a multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach

31 JANUARY 2019

In a series of debates designed to stimulate thinking and get the ideas flowing, the French Embassy, Nepal Economic Forum and the Alliance Française came together for the 5th session of Linkfest which focused on “Facing our Time” to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the diplomatic relationships between France and Nepal.

Nepal aims to be a middle income economy by 2030. Although a commendable aspiration, it takes persistence and direction.

While there are many impediments in regards to climate change, consumption pattern and conservation, the road to middle income economy can be smoother with proper dialogue. With changing time and dynamics, the young people and the country have to brace themselves not just for the future but also for present. The 5 th edition of Linkfest themed on ‘Facing Our Time,’ is aimed at discussing on the challenges of the time today.

LINKFEST—FACING OUR TIME OPENING REMARKS Time can have multidimensional perspective. While time is something one cannot control, the meaning of time can be interpreted in different ways. From the culture around time to the discourse around time; from comparative perspectives to deep spirituality; from reference to the future and the past, from keeping time constant through conservation. There is an ocean of perspectives to explore.

When looking at the future, there are many dimensions to ponder upon. By 2030, Nepal aims to be a USD 100 billion economy as well as meet many global deadlines. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) aim at keeping the global warming within 1.5 degrees, which will require a transformational shift in how production and consumption are undertaken. There are societal shifts that are taking place which are

H.E. AMBASSADOR François Xavier LEGER

changing the way people consume and produce media. There are also new trends emerging where there is more interest in the world of history, nature and culture, bringing back people to explore cities and civilizations through different lenses.

“There is an ocean of perspectives to explore.”

LINKFEST—FACING OUR TIME PANEL DISCUSSION Arnico Panday stressed on climate change as the major issue of the time. Newer assessments have highlighted on the narrative of climate change and made it clearer and crisper. These narratives elucidate that global warming doesn’t just mean warmer winter but also an erratic weather pattern. With economic and environmental harms already evident, there is limited time to stabilize the climate.

Carbon dioxide is a big driver to climate change, however with accelerating activities, limiting carbon dioxide is a challenge. Hence, the time today demands major switch in energy consumption and behavior patterns. Panday expressed that the switch can be a major business opportunity. As seen over the recent years, awareness has caused many consumers to switch to biodegradable options, especially in

ARNICO PANDAY

the West, which allowed emerging ventures to cash on the opportunity.

“With economic and environmental harms already evident, there is limited time to stabilize the climate. “

LINKFEST—FACING OUR TIME PANEL DISCUSSION Camille Hanesse opinionated on the importance of incorporating locals in the tourism activities of today. If compared the past with the present, the Nepali communities have seen many of its people moving out of the country in search of opportunities. Thus, finding a means to help local owners stay back and make a living should be a priority in the time today. Conservation can serve as a major tool to innovate and retain the young people in the country. However, communities should not be attempting to create a heritage nor should they be conserving for the sake of conserving. What is important is also to preserve the authenticity of matters. Quality both in terms of product and services must be of utmost priority in the time today.

CAMILLE HANESSE

“Finding a means to help local owners stay back and make a living should be a priority in the time today. “

LINKFEST—FACING OUR TIME PANEL DISCUSSION Shiwani Neupane stressed on the need to promote a culture of hope in Nepal.

Despite being a nation with beauty, opportunity and potential, Nepal isn’t seen as a booming economy but is perceived as a sad one, even by its own people.

Neupane opined that the culture of hope should arouse with the citizens themselves. She also marked that the government should be supportive of entrepreneurs/startup founders who see hope in Nepali economy and develop policies that would flourish incubation and innovation practices.

Concerning the media landscape, Neupane marked that in a time of thriving click bait news, it is important to focus on the quality of the content. Today, the people do not just have access to content but also have the ability to create one. To lev-

SHIWANI NEUPANE

erage the power of social media, we must carefully assess what we chose to believe and what not.

“To leverage the power of social media, as people, we must carefully assess what we chose to believe and what not.“

LINKFEST—FACING OUR TIME PANEL DISCUSSION Shrinkhala Khatiwada marked that the way youth are getting optimistic about Nepal is changing the overall scenario in the international platform, and this is ultimately changing the way the world is perceiving Nepal and Nepali people. She emphasized on how media could influence this switch of perceptions.

Shrinkhala acknowledged the role that social media played in influencing for her journey in Miss Nepal World 2018. She opined that, today, one does not have to be famous to make use of social media, one can simply catch on the trend and gain recognition for personal development. However, it also has its demerits with the ability to create room for fake and sellable news. Khatiwada emphasized that media, having the power to spread words in a fraction of seconds, should pro-

SHRINKHALA KHATIWADA

mote ideas on startup cultures to facilitate the well-being of Nepali economy.

“The way youth are getting optimistic about Nepal is changing the way world is perceiving Nepal and Nepali people.”

LINKFEST—FACING OUR TIME MODERATOR Sujeev Shakya concluded the session by stating the importance of focusing on what Nepal is good at and the need to optimize them. The importance of conservation was also highlighted, stressing the need for industrial parks and protection zones. Furthermore, Sujeev emphasized that young people need role models to look up to and get inspired from in order to gain clarity in regards to the challenges and opportunities of today. He stressed on the importance of circular economy to balance the debate on environment and economy.

Pauline Vengeon closed the session with a vote of thanks to the panelists and organizers.

SUJEEV SHAKYA

“Young people need role models to look up to and get inspired from in order to gain clarity in regards to the challenges and opportunities of today.”