KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 28
A four-year EU-supported initiative that mobilised thousands of young Nepalis for climate action, green entrepreneurship and data-driven resilience concluded in Kathmandu on Wednesday, celebrating four years of transformative, youth-driven climate leadership across the country.
The closure event of the Nepali Yuwa in Climate Action and Green Growth (YouthCAN.org) project was hosted by Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab) with its consortium partners. Launched in 2022, the project engaged more than 9,800 youth, 1,970 government officials and 14,000 community members across Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.
Over its implementation period, the project mapped 4,274 critical infrastructures, identified 3,110 landslide-prone areas, and recorded 5,005 waste-dumping sites, data that local governments are now using for disaster preparedness and environmental planning. The initiative also embedded 40 Climate Fellows in municipalities and supported 37 Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Plans (LDCRPs). Eighteen young entrepreneurs received backing to grow climate-smart ventures.
At Wednesday's programme, participants interacted with fellows and explored youth-developed tools, including the TagMe App, an event-management platform highlighted as a model of youth-led innovation. Two publications - a Youth Profile and a Story Book documenting the journeys of young changemakers - were also launched.
YouthCAN Project Lead Goma Karki said the initiative proved the effectiveness of trusting and investing in young people. "This project has shown that when young people are provided with the right support, they become powerful drivers of climate solutions," she said.
EU Deputy Head of Cooperation Dr. Louwagie praised the commitment of fellows and partners. "YYour contributions-including the development of tools like the TagMe App-showcase how youth can drive meaningful, informed action. The TagMe App is a remarkable example of youth-led innovation, and it holds great potential to be highly useful and productive in the future." The European Union remains committed to supporting young people and creating spaces for their innovation and leadership," he said.
YI-Lab Executive Director Pradip Khatiwada highlighted the project's hands-on, localized approach, noting that embedding fellows in municipalities strengthened planning processes, improved service delivery and demonstrated how evidence-based, youth-led interventions can enhance local governance.
Fellows from different cohorts shared personal accounts of how the programme shaped their professional paths, strengthened their leadership skills, and helped convert ideas into viable green enterprises.
Although the project concludes this year, organisers said the foundation laid, from climate data systems to youth entrepreneurship, will continue to support Nepal's efforts to build resilient, climate-ready communities.
