Locations
Young climate influencers participated in a two-day policy orientation workshop, organized by UNDP Nepal, in collaboration with Madi Municipality and Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (JCYCN)
In the heart of Madi Municipality, 24-year-old youth, Miran Danuwar is leading a quiet revolution in climate change governance. While Miran takes pride in earning a living to support his family, his deep commitment to community welfare drives him to actively shape local policies that affect his community. His journey from an engaged citizen to a policy influencer demonstrates how influential youth participation can be in local governance.
In November 2024, Miran was nominated as the coordinator of the newly established Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). This 13-member committee, backed by 37 other youth supporters, was entrusted with the responsibility of providing feedback on two critical policies: the Madi Municipality’s Sanitation Procedure 2076 BS and the Madi Municipality’s Disaster Risk Reduction Act 2075 BS.
Miran Danuwar presenting his insights on critical policies of Madi Municipality during a youth engagement workshop.
The committee was designed to be inclusive, representing youth from all wards of the municipality, including indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, Dalits, and other marginalized groups. To equip themselves with the necessary knowledge, these young leaders participated in a two-day policy orientation workshop, organized by UNDP Nepal, in collaboration with Madi Municipality and Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (JCYCN). The sessions, facilitated by municipal officials and Dipesh Ghimire, Assistant Professor at Tribhuvan University, revealed significant policy gaps—most notably, the absence of youth engagement strategies. It was disheartening to see that the policies meant to shape the future disregarding the voices of those who would ultimately inherit it.
Determined to make a difference, the YAC proposed vital amendments. They emphasized the need for targeted programmes and planning for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, women, children, senior citizens, gender and sexual minorities, and youth. One of their key recommendations was the creation of specific relief packages for marginalized communities during disasters, as well as safety measures to protect women and girls in emergencies.
"We were unaware of the existing policies in our municipality and never really cared about them. But now, understanding the policy amendment process has shown us how we can actively participate in shaping these policies."- Miran Danuwar
Their voices could not be ignored. Madi Municipality acknowledged the importance of youth perspectives and officially integrated them into policy discussions and decision-making processes. From now on, young people would not just be encouraged to participate in municipal planning meetings–they would be welcomed as essential contributors. For Miran and his fellow youth advocates, this was a moment of triumph. The inclusion of their voices in policy amendments reaffirmed their belief that young people can be active contributors to local governance.
And Madi is just one example. In Tilottama Municipality, another group of passionate young leaders formed their own Youth Advisory Committee to shape local climate policies. After undergoing a similar policy orientation, these young advocates provided crucial input to the Tilottama Municipality’s Environment and Natural Resources Protection Act 2077 to turn it into a youth friendly document. The municipal authority acknowledged their feedback and agreed to integrate youth perspectives into the amended version.
A group of young changemakers discussing climate governance
The recommendations in the amended Act include appointing youth as environmental inspectors, ensuring representation in the municipal council, engaging youth in waste management and biodiversity efforts, banning plastics, and ensuring online access to climate information. They emphasize the importance of shared responsibilities in conservation, promoting collaboration with various community groups to foster a more environmentally conscious society.
These stories reflect a growing movement in Nepal, one where young people are no longer just bystanders in governance. They are stepping up, speaking out, and reshaping policies that directly impact their lives. Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and young people are among the most vulnerable. Their inclusion in climate governance is not just an option-it is a necessity. Globally, youth possess a keen understanding of emerging technologies and social trends, equipping them to drive innovative climate solutions. Therefore, youth-led movements have mobilized millions worldwide, spotting the urgency of the climate crisis and inspiring policy makers to act decisively.
Youth from Madi Municipality handed over recommendations for policies amendment with youth perspectives to local officials.
With 753 local governments across Nepal, the engagement of youth in just two municipalities is only the beginning. Organizations like UNDP and JCYCN have laid the groundwork, but there is still a long journey ahead. If Nepal is to become truly youth-friendly, every municipality must embrace the insights and leadership of young changemakers.
This initiative is part of the UNDP's Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP), which promotes youth engagement in climate governance through various initiatives, including the Regional Youth Parliament on Climate Action (RYPCA) and the YECAP Shakers Fellowship.
The momentum is building. As more young people like Miran step forward, Nepal’s climate governance will not only be reformed—it will be transformed, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
