Reducing inequality in Nepal remains a major challenge, as the co untry continues to struggle to meet its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets.

Among those tackling this issue is Aishworya Shrestha, a young Nepali social worker recently named a UN Young Leader for the SDGs.

Ms. Shrestha leads community-driven mental health and empowerment programmes in some of Nepal’s most remote areas and works to engage young people around the world in advancing the SDGs.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 aim to create a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world.

Each year, 17 Young Leaders are selected globally to help inspire action and accelerate progress toward these shared goals.

UN News’s Charlotte Frantz spoke with Ms. Shrestha about what this recognition means to her and how she plans to leverage the role to create meaningful change.