Susan Risal, Nagarik Aawaz (Nepal)

For me, Possible Now means believing that change is possible when people come together, share ideas and take collective action. It is about looking beyond the challenges we face today and imagining new ways to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful future in an innovative way, while being modest and humble. There are no easy answers in this complicated situation the world finds itself in, but we can learn from the perseverance and dedication of individuals from around the world. 

I hope the Kathmandu Summit will be an inspiring space for participants to move beyond conventional ideas of development and resource allocation, and to explore possibilities grounded in local knowledge, lived experiences and community-led practices. It is an opportunity to recognize that grief and hope can co-exist, and that even in difficult times, people can nurture their dreams and turn them into reality by building trust, solidarity and connections within their communities. Participants will benefit from a rich and memorable learning experience shaped by cultural exchange, Nepal’s diverse histories, traditions and communities.

I will bring reflections on the importance of creating safe spaces, particularly in volatile contexts and times of negative peace, when the absence of direct violence does not necessarily mean that justice, trust or security have been achieved. Drawing on the five years of Anupam Abhiyan by the Inter-Generational Feminist Forum, I also hope to share learnings on feminist movement-building, inter-generational solidarity, the importance of care and compassion within movements, and the examples and possibilities of collective action.