Feb 20, Kathmandu - Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that education should not be limited to formal certificates alone.

Addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of Pokhara University today, Prime Minister Karki, who is also the Chancellor of the university, emphasized that the focus should be on skills, employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and the production of ethical human resources as per the needs of contemporary society.

Stating that it is necessary to promote academic activities based on new technology development and research, she stressed that university programs should be directly linked to strengthening the economy. She said that if they cannot be linked to economic prosperity and human welfare, knowledge or curriculum will be irrelevant.

“It is a matter of our common concern that a large number of youth are attracted to foreign countries after completing their university studies. Therefore, both students and universities need to focus on how to adapt to new technology and the rapidly changing global environment, how to make themselves competitive and capable,” said Prime Minister Karki.

She said that embracing change as an opportunity and taking the path of innovation and entrepreneurship has become an essential need of the present time. She praised Pokhara University for making significant contributions to expanding access to higher education in the fields of management, science and other fields since its establishment.

“Now, it seems that special efforts need to be made to produce human resources and knowledge that can truly compete in the global market demand and competition, focusing on quality,” said Prime Minister Karki. “The certificate obtained by the graduate is not only the basis for employment, but it is also an indicator of the ability to identify the complex problems of the Nepali society and nation and find long-term solutions to them. We must be successful in that.”

Prime Minister Karki said that in today's era, the youth are the politicians, administrators, policy makers and activists of social transformation, and their foundation should be strengthened from today. She said that the voices raised by the Genji Youth on Bhadra 23 and 24 are also connected to very profound and fundamental issues.

Prime Minister Karki said, “It is necessary to self-evaluate where and why we have failed in such matters. If we can move forward with a positive mindset towards the future, a sense of responsibility on our shoulders, and loyalty and honesty in our hearts, the expected change is possible.”

She called on everyone to actively and responsibly participate in this democratic process, as the upcoming elections are a very important opportunity to strengthen democracy, promote good governance, and build a nation free from corruption.