Kathmandu, June 29: Youth leaders and stakeholders have called for greater investment in young people and youth-friendly climate governance, emphasizing the importance of ensuring youth participation in local policymaking, especially on climate and environmental issues.
This call to action came during the National Workshop on Youth, Climate Change, and GESI, organized by Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (Jcycn) in collaboration with the British Council Nepal on June 27 in Kathmandu.
Participants highlighted the need for stronger implementation of existing frameworks and increased resources for youth-friendly local governance. Meaningful sharing by youth participants from Madhyabindu and Sunwal municipalities of Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces, who led impactful community actions despite monsoon challenges, emphasized that investing in youth builds their capacity and access to contribute effectively to climate action. Ms. Reetu Gharti, youth of Madhyabindu Municipality shares, “My house is very near from the river side and we are facing the disaster challenge every year.
The disaster response is very slow in the municipality and there is no pre-disaster preparedness. For this year also we are very much worried. After this program implementation in our municipality, I am doing smaller action from my level. Like I have gathered youth from my community and started plantation campaign in my community, the children’s garden. I gathered small children and taught them about the environment and its importance.”
The event brought together youth leaders, civil society organizations, government representatives, and development partners to reflect on the achievements and lessons learned from the Climate and Social Action Project. Keynote speaker Associate Professor of Central Department of Environmental Sciences, Tribhuvan University, Dr. Sudip Thakuri stressed the urgency of youth leadership for climate resilience and inclusive action.
Binita Karki, Head of Solutions Mapping at UNDP Nepal, underlined the importance of mentorship and digital advocacy, sharing insights from Madi and Tilottama municipalities. Kewal Shrestha, Program Manager at British Council Nepal, shared the vision behind the program and recognized youth as powerful voices capable of addressing unanswered questions in society related to climate and conservation. Gobinda Prasad Pokharel, conservation officer of NTNC highlighted youth engagement in Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and community-level approaches.
Nanimaya Thapa, Senior Vice President of the NGO Federation Nepal, called for sustained, long-term investment in youth beyond short project cycles, stating, “The NGO Federation is always with youth, let’s work together not only when we have funding. Our campaign should always move forward together.” Hon. Surya Dhakal, member of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Cooperative and Natural Resources, commended the youth-led initiatives and announced plans to integrate climate education into school curricula and implement nationwide disaster alerts through mobile phones. He concluded, “We, the stakeholders, are the second needle of the watch if we move, the youth will move too.” Tilottam Paudel, president of Jcycn reaffirmed the need for long-term, collaborative commitment to climate justice. He advocated for integrated approaches that are youth-friendly, child-sensitive, inclusive, and aligned with sustainable development, green economy, and entrepreneurship. A total of 28 CSOs including the representative from government agency, UN agency and other funding partners counting to total 60 youths have participated in the program. The event concluded with a unified call to action: climate resilience and justice require ongoing collaboration, beyond budgetary limitations, rooted in shared vision and sustained engagement.
Jcycn is a youth-led, non-profit organization established in 2001. It advocates for the rights of children and youth through various community-focused strategies, including child- and youth-friendly local governance and climate action. Jcycn works in partnership with national and international stakeholders to promote sustainable development, peace, and prosperity. It aims to empower children and youth for meaningful, inclusive participation in all aspects of society. #Nepal
