Kathmandu, Nepal — The Children and Youth (BaYu) Sambaad, a groundbreaking dialogue dedicated to empowering young voices in climate action, was successfully organized by the Government of Nepal in collaboration with United Nations Nepal (UNICEF Nepal, FAO Nepal, UNDP Nepal) and youth-led organizations. This inclusive event brought together children and youth representatives from all seven provinces, including marginalized communities, to actively engage in the third iteration of Nepal's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3) process.
The event, graced by the presence of Honorable Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister of Forests and Environment (MoFE), and chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of MoFE, marks a pivotal moment in ensuring youth participation in Nepal’s climate dialogue. Speaking at the event, Minister Thakuri emphasized the critical role of youth and children in addressing climate challenges, highlighting their innovative ideas and passion as key drivers of sustainable development.
The dialogue aimed to amplify the voices of the next generation, creating a platform for meaningful participation in shaping climate policies and strategies. The discussions focused on the challenges posed by climate change, the importance of sustainable development, and the role of youth in advocating for environmental justice.
One of the highlights of the BaYu Sambaad was the adoption of a Youth and Children’s Declaration. This collective document, representing the aspirations and demands of Nepal's youth and children, will be presented at the upcoming Sagarmatha Sambaad, Nepal's premier international forum dedicated to global climate and environmental issues.
The initiative reflects Nepal's commitment to inclusivity in its climate action framework, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change are heard and acted upon. Participants expressed their hope that this declaration would inspire policymakers to take bold and urgent action to combat the climate crisis.
The BaYu Sambaad serves as a reminder of the power of youth in driving change. As the world faces increasing climate challenges, such initiatives set a precedent for other nations to integrate the perspectives of children and youth into their environmental strategies.
Ecosphere News will continue to follow developments from the Sagarmatha Sambaad and Nepal’s efforts to lead global climate discussions.
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