Youth Gear Up for Climate Leadership: 32 Point Action Plan Adopted at National Workshop

Nagarkot, April 22 : A four-day Capacity Enhancement & Technical Training on Climate Governance concluded with participants committing to a 32-point, two-year action plan to sustain and strengthen the climate governance network. The workshop was organized by Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (Jcycn) and Youth in Climate Governance Network (YCGN) in collaboration with the National Youth Council, UNDP, and YECAP.

THe training brought together 33 young leaders from all seven provinces of Nepal, all under the age of 30, to advance youth-led climate action and policy engagement. Among the participants, 18 were females and 15 males, with representation from persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA++ community, indigenous groups, and other marginalized and vulnerable backgrounds, ensuring full inclusivity.

Administrative Chief Officer of the National Youth Council, Gehanath Gautam, highlighted that thematic youth networks are being formed and mobilized in line with the National Youth Policy 2082. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing youth participation in climate governance.

UNDP representative Rassu Manandhar underscored the vital role of youth in implementing and improving climate-related goals, policies, and plans in Nepal.

President of Jcycn, Tilottam Poudel, stressed the importance of building self-confidence, enhancing rights awareness, and strengthening networking among youth to create meaningful impact. He emphasized that youth voices must be heard at the policymaking level, highlighting the need for increased campaigns such as youth-friendly local governance, girls’ empowerment, nutrition-friendly,Environment Friendly and gender-friendly governance to ensure inclusive participation from all groups.

During the sessions, Binita Karki (UNDP) facilitated a discussion on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), introducing it as a key safeguarding policy of UNDP. She emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to violence, encouraging participants to report any form of discomfort, abuse, or misconduct to the designated safeguarding focal person. She highlighted that creating a safe and supportive environment is essential, as participants can only fully engage and learn when they feel secure and respected.

Dr. Dipesh Ghimire, Assistant Professor at Tribhuvan University, highlighted the need for active youth participation in policy formulation, system development, and the implementation of climate change frameworks.

Adding a youth perspective, Anisha Poudel, an adolescent campaigner from Nawalpur, emphasized the urgency of child- and youth-friendly governance, noting that younger populations are among the most affected by climate change.

Network Chair and Coordinator of Jcycn, Rita Thapa shared that the network aims to raise awareness on climate change mitigation and adaptation while ensuring youth voices are included in policymaking processes.

Gender expert Dibya Devi Gurung led sessions on inclusive climate governance, advocating for meaningful participation of women, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities.

Similarly, Under-Secretary of the National Youth Council, Chandra Thapa, emphasized the leadership role of youth in sustaining networks and fulfilling their responsibilities in climate action.

Environmental campaigner Diksha Subedi encouraged youth to actively engage in climate justice and environmental advocacy.

Experts collectively highlighted that youth play a pivotal role in environmental protection, sustainable development, and building climate-resilient governance systems.

Participants also expressed their commitment to adopting eco-friendly practices in their daily lives, reinforcing the belief that “change begins with individual action”.

The training concluded with the development of a two-year action plan and sustainability strategy for the network and demand youth centric budget allocation for Climate governance and youth participation on its policy and program, outlining how youth can continue contributing to climate governance. Certificates were awarded to participants upon successful completion of the training.