KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 20
#ListenToTheFuture: Nepal's Children and Young People Call for Climate Action, a report capturing the impact of climate change on children and young people in Nepal, along with their rallying call for adults to join them in securing a sustainable future, was presented to Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri today.
The report was handed over by a diverse group of young representatives: Anuska Rawal (11, Karnali Province), Shreya Thapa (13, Bagmati Province), Matrika Prasad Upadhaya (16, Sudurpaschim Province), Ram Sunari Magar (18, Lumbini Province), and Pinki Kumari Sharma (21, Madhesh Province). Their presentation coincided with the global observance of World Children's Day, a day that marks the adoption anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and is recognized internationally as UNICEF's Global Day of Action for children.
This year, UNICEF is calling on the world to listen to the future - to engage children in discussions about their vision and aspirations, fostering intergenerational conversations on both global challenges and personal dreams.
Notable attendees included Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission Prof. Dr. Shivaraj Adhikari, Virginie Corteval, the French Ambassador to Nepal; Her Excellency Torun Dramdal, the Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal; Jose Luis Vinuesa-Santamaria, Head of Cooperation, the European Union Delegation to Nepal; Shivani Mishra, Education Advisor, British Embassy; UNICEF Representative to Nepal Alice Akunga, representatives from Ministries of Women, Children and Senior Citizens; Health and Population; Education, Science and Technology; Water Supply; children and young people, and the media.
The report is a culmination of UNICEF's year-long consultations and interactions with around 400 children and young people across Nepal, including at provincial levels and at the Local Conference of Youths Nepal (LCOY) as well as through national multi-stakeholder consultations supported by UNICEF, in coordination with the Government of Nepal, youth networks and development partners. It comes at a crucial moment with Nepal currently preparing to finalize its third generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) and other key climate actions and policies, as per the release issued by the UNICEF.
Minister Thakuri emphasized,"As Nepal prepares to finalize our next set of climate commitments, including the NDC 3.0, this report is a critical reminder to place children and young people at the center of decision-making, ensuring their voices shape our climate-resilient future."
In addition to sharing about how climate change is impacting the lives of children and young people, the report calls on adults to take specific actions:
- Actively involving children and young people in climate policy-making.
- Establish eco-friendly schools and equip youth with job-ready skills.
- Strengthen climate-resilient health and water, sanitation and hygiene systems to address environmental health risks and to ensure continuity in essential services during disasters.
- Promote food security by supporting climate-smart agriculture, food storage and access to reliable climate data.
- Build disaster-resilient communities using clean energy, through afforestation and by preparing communities for climate-induced disasters.
- Ensure inclusivity by amplifying marginalized voices and integrating indigenous knowledge into climate action.
UNICEF Representative Alice Akunga commended the insights and leadership of children and young people, saying, "The energy, ideas, and determination of children and young people inspire us all. Listening to them today builds a foundation for climate action that is inclusive, bold and rooted in the realities of those most affected by climate change."
She also highlighted the urgent need to invest in resilient social services to reduce climate risk for millions of children.
"Prioritizing the resilience of social services that children and young people rely on, along with including young people's voices in climate policies and plans, is one of the best investments governments can make," Akunga said.
According to UNICEF estimates, US$ 1 invested in adaptation may yield up to US$ 10 in economic gains.
During the event, children and adults co-created their visions of a "sustainable future." Following the creative session, participants shared their artwork, highlighting key actions they commit to taking in support of a sustainable future for Nepal's children.
"Children represent our future", says 21-year-old Pinki Kumari Sharma from Madhesh Province. "Just as we care for young plants to ensure future generations enjoy their fruits, we must nurture and invest in children today to equip them for a brighter and sustainable tomorrow."
