KATHMANDU, Dec 13: Save the Children and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have forged collaboration through SHIFT to mentor and empower youth groups from Madhesh, Karnali, and Bagmati regions to address the critical link between climate change and child rights. The collaboration aims to foster innovative climate justice campaigns, providing exposure, mentorship, and opportunities to establish voices of change.

A special event entitled "Climate Action Now: Engaging Children and Young People in Climate Justice Conversation" organized in the capital by Save the Children to amplify the urgency of climate action brought together representatives from diverse backgrounds, geographies, decision-makers, and influencers. The event aimed at making them accountable champions driving the climate justice conversation.

During the event, climate justice campaigners showcased innovations and celebrated their efforts. The Kayapalat team shared their journey to combat plastic pollution in Janakpur by demonstrating the 3R model and advocating for reduced single-use plastics.

Similarly, the Saathi team shared their experiences of the Air Bear Campaign, raising awareness both nationally and internationally about air pollution and its impact on children's health. Additionally, campaigners from Toxin-Free Khaja stated, “Climate change has adverse effects on agriculture, leading to land infertility and food insecurity.” They stressed that children, in particular, are more vulnerable to these challenges.

“There is an urgent need for action. The climate crisis is not just environmental but also a child rights crisis,” Save the Children's Nepal and Bhutan Country Director, Heather Campbell said, “The event aimed to mobilize collaborative efforts to address the immediate and future impacts of climate change.”

Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal, highlighted the impact of climate change on water scarcity, with one in five households lacking access to safe drinking water. He said, “We must step forward to take collective responsibility to reverse the damage and take action for climate justice.”

Campaigners from Anyhow Simsar Bachau drew attention to the degradation of wetlands in the capital city, launching a cycling campaign to educate the public and government about the importance of preservation.

Doko campaigners from Dailekh showcased street drama and put on corn-based body suits to raise awareness about proper plastic bag disposal and promote sustainable alternatives.

The event also included the joint partnership between the Nepal Office of UNESCO and Save the Children to focus on strengthening educational programs aligned with climate justice. The collaboration aims to utilize art, culture, community mobilization, and media to engage marginalized populations, emphasizing diversity, gender equality, and inclusion.

Michael Croft, the UNESCO Representative, said, “The partnership with Save the Children brings together two significant yet different organizational skill sets to support sustainable development in Nepal. Aligning the scope and diversity of Save the Children’s impressive actions across Nepal with UNESCO’s deep institutional expertise and global frameworks enhances our collective agency, enabling the development of new and innovative programming in our respective areas of action.”   

The collective efforts of these organizations and youth-led campaigns stressed on the urgent need to address the climate crisis as a child rights crisis. The event served as a platform to promote collaboration, innovation, and accountability in the face of the escalating challenges posed by climate change.

 
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