Abiral Khadka

Growing up in Nepal, a developing country in the Global South, I witnessed the economic struggles that people faced, especially as they entered adulthood. In Nepal, even individuals in their 30s, at the peak of their careers, struggled to find stable jobs, earn a steady income, and meet basic needs. Many households had difficulty making ends meet, which led to complex problems such as a lack of essential resources and economic insecurity. Inflation, weak market regulations, and limited financial empowerment exacerbated these challenges. However, when I moved to Australia as a 20 year old student, I encountered a vastly different economic environment. Living independently here, I observed that Australia had various factors that made economic stability more attainable for individuals. It wasn't solely about government policies or geographical advantages; there was something more profound at play. Hello and welcome, everyone. My name is Abiral Khadka. Today, I will share three key factors that I believe are central to Australia's economic success. By comparing these elements to the realities in Nepal, I hope to highlight practices that could foster positive change in other developing regions. The first significant difference I observed is the value of hard work and early economic independence. In Australia, hard work is instilled in young people from an early age. Imagine a high school student in Nepal coming home from school and asking their mother for pocket money. In many cases, they'd hear a lecture about studying hard or the family's limited finances. On the other hand, a student of similar age in Australia might already be working part time, earning pocket money, and learning financial responsibility early. This cultural attitude means that young people in Australia often have opportunities to contribute to their expenses, which builds their confidence and independence. In Nepal, the opportunities for young people to earn while studying are limited, not only by social expectations but also by a lack of part time job opportunities. I've been to rural areas in Australia, still underdeveloped in infrastructure. Still, I've seen people in these areas applying the same hard working mindset as city dwellers, working jobs and finding solutions rather than shifting blame. Australia has established a resilient society emphasising self reliance by creating spaces for youth to earn and empowering them to work hard from a young age. The second significant factor is Australia's investment in knowledge and skill development. By this, I don't just mean formal education but also practical and diverse skills. In Australia, people often pursue side jobs and learn new skills outside their primary careers. For example, I once met a cafe barista with a PhD in philosophy. While waiting to find a job that matched his academic background, he was earning money and learning barista skills. He explained that this side income gave him flexibility while he decided on his long term career path. In Nepal, however, many people see a university degree, especially an advanced one, as a ticket to a high status job. If graduates can't find such positions, they often face disappointment and criticism from society, which views this situation as a failure rather than an opportunity. A more flexible attitude toward skill development could empower Nepalese individuals to earn money, learn various skills, and adapt to different roles while pursuing their dreams. Australia's approach to knowledge as a versatile asset could be a valuable lesson for countries like Nepal, where traditional views on employment often limit people's potential. The third factor that sets Australia apart is its transparent government policies and adequate social support systems. Australia's government has created a legal framework that ensures fair wages, workplace safety, and equal pay, and these policies are respected across the country. For instance, minimum wage regulations ensure that even entry level workers can sustain themselves. Additionally, the government steps in during crises, providing financial support to help people recover and rebuild. After a natural disaster like an earthquake, the Australian government offers subsidies to affected businesses to help them restart, ensuring that people don't lose their livelihoods entirely. In Nepal, government policies can be inconsistent, and support systems are often unreliable, especially during natural disasters. People frequently blame government decisions and laws rather than adhering to them, leading to instability. A more transparent approach to policy making, like Australia's, could provide a stable foundation for Nepalese citizens, ensuring they feel supported by their government rather than let down by it. In summary, Australia's economic stability isn't just about geography or wealth; it's about fostering a culture of hard work, valuing knowledge and flexibility, and implementing effective, reliable policies. By adopting these values and practices, Nepal could empower itself and make meaningful changes toward economic stability. Imagine if we, as young people, worked hard, sought knowledge beyond traditional limits, and supported transparent policies. We could set ourselves on the path to economic empowerment and inspire our communities to do the same. Economic progress in Nepal won't happen overnight. If we can start with small steps, like embracing hard work, adapting our skills, and promoting trustworthy policies, we can create positive change. If it's not us, then who? And if it's not now, then when? Because Nepal needs empowerment, youth need empowerment, and our country needs development.