July 31: Coca-Cola partnered with AIESEC Lumbini for this year’s Youth Speak Forum held on July 29 with the goal of having youth’s voices be heard.

“As a part of connecting with the youth of the country, Coca-Cola has supported AIESEC in Nepal and the region, supporting AIESEC to organize regional, national and international summits that gives future young leaders a platform to engage and interact,” reads a press statement issued by Coca-Cola.

According to the statement, AIESEC’s Lumbini chapter brought together 200 members and youth from all around the district to engage on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and what young people can do to helping achieve the SDGs.

As a part of the keynote address, Coca-Cola’s Country Marketing Manager Gaurav Ramdev shared key lessons learnt from his experience at Coca-Cola. He encouraged the millennials to seize the moment, to be  optimist, to rise above the noise, change with time, to be passionate about something and to express their feelings to their loved ones.

 “With this partnership, we hope to further cement this connection with the youth through a series of discussions on leadership skills. This is a crucial trait for youngsters from all walks of life to grow and prosper in today's highly competitive world," said Ramdev.

Other speakers at the event included Sonam Shrestha of FPAN, who touched on the sensitive topic of gender equality;. BishamGyawali, youth programme officer  & SDG advocate at the UNDP; Vishal Shrestha, MD of ICAN IELTs; and Abhisekh Maskey RJ, brand & relationship manager at Kings’ College who spoke on the need to re-define quality education in Nepal.