Banking News – Glocal Pvt. Ltd. has announced the top six finalists for the Golchha Group Presents Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2026, a national platform recognizing outstanding teenagers in Nepal.

The program received 791 applications from teenagers across all seven provinces this year. The highest share of applications came from Bagmati Province at 26.27 percent, followed by Koshi Province at 20.34 percent and Madhesh Province at 19.49 percent. Of the total applicants, 66.95 percent were male and 33.05 percent were female.

Applicants were involved in areas including youth empowerment and leadership, education and skills development, environmental and climate action, community development, technology and innovation, gender equality, health and civic engagement.

Launched in Kathmandu Valley in 2015, Glocal Teen Hero has grown into a platform recognizing young changemakers across Nepal. This year, the program has expanded its regional scope under Glocal Teen Hero South Asia 2026, covering Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Top Six Finalists

The top six finalists for Golchha Group Presents Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2026 are:

• Arjun Chaudhary, 15, Biratnagar, Koshi Province — STEM and technology innovator specializing in cybersecurity
• Atal Dev Dhakal, 19, Achham, Sudurpaschim Province — Climate and environmental advocate
• Jasmine Bohora, 18, Pokhara, Gandaki Province — STEM and technology innovator
• Kishor Neupane, 17, Surkhet, Karnali Province — Climate and environmental activist
• Manzil Basnet, 17, Bardibas, Madhesh Province — Civic engagement and governance innovator
• Sabnam Sunar, 19, Nawalpur, Gandaki Province — Gender and social justice advocate

Meet the Finalists

Arjun Chaudhary, 15, is a cybersecurity researcher, entrepreneur and community builder. He founded Araniko Hack Club, described as Nepal’s largest teenage technology community, with more than 400 active members. He is also developing technology solutions with global ambitions.

Atal Dev Dhakal is a climate justice advocate focused on Himalayan communities, climate finance and youth participation in global climate policy. He leads the youth-focused Mountains and Glaciers Working Group and is working to amplify 100,000 youth voices ahead of COP31.

Jasmine Bohora is a young STEM innovator from Pokhara who connects artificial intelligence, environmental innovation and space education. She has introduced more than 400 students to STEM and space technology and is currently developing an AI-powered forest fire detection application.

Kishor Neupane is a climate activist from Karnali who has reached more than 20,000 students and supported the planting of more than 3,230 trees. He also organized Karnali’s first Trash Collection Race, turning climate awareness into practical community action.

Manzil Basnet is a young civic innovator from Madhesh who connects students directly with local governments. He founded Youth Civic Launchpad, an initiative aimed at turning community issues into practical policy solutions. His initiatives have already influenced decision-making at the municipal level.

Sabnam Sunar is a youth advocate for girls’ leadership, gender equality, menstrual health and social justice. She has represented South Asia at global platforms, including Women Deliver, and contributes to UNICEF’s Global Girls Leadership Advisory Group.

Selection Process

The top six finalists were selected from 20 outstanding teenagers following document verification and assessment of their initiatives, achievements and impact.

A three-member jury evaluated the six finalists, aged between 13 and 19, based on their achievements, initiatives, creativity, impact and, most importantly, the sustainability of their work.

The jury comprised Sneh Rajbhandari, Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal; Vijay Sharma, Country Manager of KFC and Pizza Hut; and Jeffrey Suzian, Senior Education Specialist at the Asian Development Bank.

Next Steps

From August 27 to 31, the six finalists will participate in a self-competency workshop, including visits to corporate houses and Glocal’s partner organizations, interactions with industry experts, and opportunities to expand their knowledge and networks.

The jury panel will conduct individual interviews with the finalists on August 31, 2026. The SMS voting round will remain open from 5 p.m. on August 18 to 5 p.m. on August 30. Public voting will also contribute to determining the winner of Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2026.

Grand Finale

The six finalists will compete for the Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2026 title, with the winner to be announced and honored at a grand ceremony on September 1, 2026.

The Golchha Group Presents South Asian Glocal Teen Hero 2026 program will be held at The Plaza, Lalitpur, bringing together national winners and finalists from Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The event will also bring together ambassadors, politicians, academics, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, public figures and other distinguished personalities from across Nepal.

The gathering will celebrate the achievements, leadership and impact of young changemakers while marking the historic crowning of the first South Asian Glocal Teen Hero.