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The YUVA Project, implemented by FORWARD Nepal, officially concluded with a series of closeout and social audit meetings held between April 24 and April 28, 2025, across three municipalities in Lumbini Province. Following a stop work order by Trump Administration on January 25 and formal project termination notice on February 25, resulted in this series of events to inform local stakeholders of the project’s closure and ensure transparency through social auditing. Key project representatives, including Krishna Prasad Sapkota (South Asia Regional Hub Manager), Rishikesh Dhakal (PI), Ram Dayal Tharu (Senior Admin and Finance Officer), and Nagendra Bastakoti (PhD Scholar), facilitated the visits. Meetings were hosted in Sandhikharka (Arghakhanchi), Tulsipur (Dang), and Buddhabhumi (Kapilvastu), drawing participation from mayors, deputy mayors, municipal officials, agriculture officers, NGO representatives, and social auditors.

Independent auditors led the social audit sessions in each district, with Prem Narayan Acharya, Santosh Subedi, and Praveen Shrivastav facilitating in Arghakhanchi, Dang, and Kapilvastu, respectively. Each submitted comprehensive audit reports at the event’s conclusion. These events have strengthened stakeholder relationships and reaffirmed FORWARD Nepal’s commitment to accountability. Local governments showed appreciation for the project’s contributions and expressed willingness to collaborate on future development initiatives.