Nepalese mayors skip Kerala Urban Conclave amidst Gen-Z protest

Kochi: Three mayors from Nepal, who had confirmed their attendance at the Kerala Urban Conclave 2025, have cancelled their trip due to the ongoing Gen-Z protest and political turmoil in their country. The organisers of the conclave confirmed the cancellation, stating that the mayors officially informed them of their inability to attend.

Krishna Hari Maharjan, the mayor of Tarakeshwor municipality; Bhim Prasad, the mayor of Nilkantha Municipality and president of the Municipal Association of Nepal; and Prahlad Sapkota, the mayor of Ratnanagar municipality, were scheduled to participate in the mayors’ conference held as part of the high-level political forum at the conclave.

"They have officially informed us that they would not be attending the event due to the current political situation in Nepal. Also, Kathmandu airport was shut for many days. We have cancelled the flight tickets for them already," said sources.

The political unrest and violence, fuelled by a powerful youth-led movement, have disrupted daily life and travel across Nepal. The Gen-Z protest, primarily driven by students and young professionals, was mobilised through social media platforms, demanding government accountability and systemic reform.

Despite the absence of the Nepalese delegates, the mayors’ conference continues with participation from mayors and officials from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Brazil, and South Africa. The two-day conclave aims to shape Kerala’s first comprehensive urban policy.