6 May 2024, Dhangadhi Nepal
Dhangadi, Sudurpaschim Province – May 6, 2024 – The Provincial Kick-off Meeting of Nepali Yuwa in Climate Action and Green Growth (NYCAGG), TheYouthCAN.org project was organized by Youth Innovation Lab in collaboration with Restless Development, CREASION, and CDMS. Representatives from diverse sectors, including provincial and local government, Ministry of Home Affairs and Law, Sudurpashchim Province, UN Women, Kailali Chamber of Commerce, NFDN, UNDP, UNOPS, CSOs, academics, banking and finance, women groups, and youth groups, came together to witness the launch of this transformative initiative. The event’s key highlights were the launch of TheYouthCAN.org project, and the idea calls for Innovation Grant 2024 by Shivaram Pokharel, Secretary of Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM).
Pradip Khatiwada, Executive Director of Youth Innovation Lab started meeting with an overview of the TheYouthCAN.org project, and shared the Climate Fellowship component will be implemented in nine local governments, namely Bhajani Municipality (Kailali), Joshipur Rural Municipality (Kailali), Chure Rural Municipality (Kailali), Janaki Rural Municipality (Kailali), Shuklaphanta Municipality (Kanchanpur), Dodhara Chadani Municipality (Kanchanpur), Beldandi Rural Municipality (Kanchanpur), Alital Rural Municipality (Dadeldhura), and Ajaymeru Rural Municipality (Dadeldhura). Additionally, it will also be implemented at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, Sudurpaschim Province. A cohort of ten technically proficient youth will be stationed at these government offices to support the localization of the Bipad Portal, https://bipadportal.gov.np/, and the preparation of the Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Plan (LDCRP).
Sharing about the Innovation Grant 2024, Agrima KC, shared that the idea call for Climate Smart Entrepreneurship is ongoing and will be open till 20 May 2024 and invited the youth and young professionals of Sudurpaschim Province to submit their innovative ideas.
Shivaram Pokharel, Secretary of OCMCM formally launched the project, and giving a chief guest remark, he said that the role of youth in environment and climate protection is indispensable. He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders and local governments to achieve tangible outcomes. A world café discussion was conducted which focused on partnerships to enhance youth engagement in climate and disaster governance, green entrepreneurship, and data-driven advocacy.
Giving the special remarks, Bhawa Raj Regmi, Executive Director of NEEDS Nepal highlighted collective responsibility in societal transformation, addressing governance issues and entrepreneurship management. He advocated for the establishment of a Rojgar Mancha in Dhangadhi and emphasized collaboration between government and development sectors. Regmi proposed focusing on agriculture and forestry, branding Tharu Community’s indigenous knowledge, and waste management. He stressed government-led initiatives for youth employment and supporting low-income groups. Closing the event, Bhuwan KC, Board Member of CREASON thanked all the participants and encouraged youth to submit their innovative ideas.
About the project
Through the financial support of the European Union, Youth Innovation Lab along with the consortium partners Restless Development, CREASION, and CDMS are implementing Nepali Yuwa in Climate Action and Green Growth project to promote the involvement of young Nepali people in green growth, environmental protection, and combatting climate change. TheYouthCAN.org, https://theyouthcan.org/, is a four-year-long project that will be implemented in Madhesh Province, Karnali Province, and Sudurpaschim Province. TheYouthCAN.org focuses on working with young people, and empowering and providing them with a platform to aid towards the post-COVID recovery and development process. Furthermore, the activities under Climate Fellowship, Climate Smart Entrepreneurship, Mentee- mentorship, Digital Advocacy, and Youth Sounding Board work towards empowering young people, providing them employment opportunities, generating innovative ideas to address climate and environmental issues, and advocating for policy changes to promote environmental protection.
The four-year project has completed the first year in Madhesh Province and the second year in Karnali Province. The learnings from Madhesh and Karnali province will be implemented in Sudurpashchim in the third year, and back to Madhesh in the final year.
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