KATHMANDU, JUNE 29
Youth leaders and stakeholders have urged for increased investment in climate-resilient and youth-friendly governance, calling for meaningful participation of young people in local climate and environmental policymaking.
The call came during a national workshop on Youth, Climate Change, and GESI held in Kathmandu on June 27. The event was organized by Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (Jcycn) in collaboration with British Council Nepal.
Young participants from Madhyabindu and Sunwal municipalities shared grassroots initiatives they led despite facing monsoon-related challenges. Reetu Gharti, a youth from Madhyabindu, said she launched a plantation campaign and environmental awareness sessions in her community, highlighting the need for local disaster preparedness.
The workshop reviewed the achievements of the Climate and Social Action Project and brought together representatives from civil society, government, and development agencies.
Dr. Sudip Thakuri, Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University, emphasized youth leadership for climate resilience. Binita Karki of UNDP Nepal highlighted the role of mentorship and digital advocacy, while British Council's Kewal Shrestha encouraged harnessing youth voices for sustainable change.
NTNC's Gobinda Pokharel noted youth involvement in Nepal's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and NGO Federation Nepal's Nanimaya Thapa called for sustained investment beyond project cycles.
Surya Dhakal, a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, lauded youth-led actions and shared plans to introduce climate education in school curricula and nationwide disaster alerts via mobile phones.
Jcycn President Tilottam Paudel stressed the need for long-term, inclusive, and collaborative action aligned with climate justice, sustainable development, and green entrepreneurship.
The event saw participation from 60 youths and 28 organizations, including government agencies, UN bodies, and development partners. The workshop concluded with a joint call for continued engagement and shared responsibility in advancing climate resilience.
