From September 1-3, 2024, the second cohort of the Youth Sounding Board (YSB) gathered at the Balthali Mountain Resort, Kavre, for a transformative Capacity Building Workshop. Focused on the crucial intersections of climate change and gender justice, the three-day event combined expert insights, interactive activities, and group discussions to empower young leaders with the tools to foster change in their communities.
The workshop began with an exploration of climate change fundamentals, where participants shared their experiences of driving community projects, setting the stage for a collaborative atmosphere. Presentations by participants underscored the importance of clear communication in addressing climate issues and also emphasized the power of storytelling through activism. Participants also shared their research on community-based climate solutions.
Interactive sessions kept energy levels high as participants tackled climate-related challenges in groups, each creatively named to reflect their values, such as Group Saarathi (responsibility and timekeeping) and Group Chautara (community gathering). A virtual session by Dr. Sumit Vij from ICIMOD provided valuable insights into disaster governance, emphasizing systemic approaches to managing hazards and disasters.
Day two shifted focus to climate solutions and policy frameworks. Participants engaged in a lively World Café-style workshop, rotating between discussion tables to identify challenges, solutions, and implementation strategies specific to Nepal. Facilitators highlighted the need for systemic change, illustrated by real-life examples such as the Terai floods, where gaps in government policy left farmers without sufficient support.
The day also delved into the gender dimensions of climate action, including a thought-provoking session on integrating gender justice into climate policies, stressing the importance of Nepal’s Gender Transformative Policy. Through open dialogue, participants reflected on how intersectional approaches can bridge gaps in existing frameworks.
On the final day, participants explored youth mobilization and the role of policies in driving sustainable change. Analyzing Nepal’s recent climate policies, they discussed their strengths and shortcomings, including the lack of data on intersectionality. In an inspiring session on youth movements, participants designed action plans tailored to their provinces, demonstrating the potential for localized solutions led by young changemakers.
The workshop concluded with reflections from participants and facilitators, who emphasized the importance of inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches to climate action. Tokens of appreciation were exchanged, marking the end of a workshop that left participants equipped, energized, and ready to take their learnings back to their communities.
The YSB’s Capacity Building Workshop showcased the power of youth-led initiatives in tackling two of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change and gender inequality. As participants carry forward the knowledge and skills gained, their collective impact promises to drive meaningful change for a more just and sustainable future.
The Youth Sounding Board (YSB) is a consultative platform for Nepalese youth to influence EU actions, making them more participatory, relevant, and effective for young people in Nepal. The second YSB cohort was implemented by Youth Innovation Lab, Oxfam, and Helvetas Nepal, with Restless Development Nepal serving as the coordination partner.
