#news #HimalayanDialogue #ClimateChange #YouthEmpowerment
The Himalayan Dialogue is set to be organized by the Sagarmatha Dialogue in preparation for upcoming events from Jest 2 to 4 by the federal government. This initiative aims to address issues faced by children, youth, and marginalized groups in the Karnali region, with a focus on the Himalayan Dialogue scheduled to take place in Khalanga, Jumla, on Vaishakh 9 and 10.
Collaborating with organizations like Save the Children, Youth Alliance for Environment, Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Center (KIRDARC), the Sagarmatha Dialogue is working towards fostering partnerships and cooperation with development partners to ensure the success of the Himalayan Dialogue.
Ramesh Khatri, a representative of Kansai Nepal News, shared his views on this initiative. He emphasized that the broad agenda of the Sagarmatha Dialogue, focusing on “Climate Change, Himalayas, and the Future of Humanity,” will play a crucial role in integrating community needs into national and international policy discussions, especially for children and youth.
The main objectives of the Himalayan Dialogue include amplifying the voices of children and youth, advocating for climate-sensitive policies, linking local realities with global climate frameworks, and showcasing successful community-led climate initiatives.
The participation in the dialogue will include approximately 150 representatives from various Himalayan communities, including children, indigenous and marginalized communities, women, youth, civil society organizations active in the Himalayan region, development partners, UN agencies, government stakeholders, local government representatives, policy-makers, and around 150 participants from provincial and federal governments.
The adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation in the Himalayan region are evident. Extreme weather events, air pollution, and waterborne diseases pose significant risks to the lives and well-being of communities in these areas, particularly children.
In response to these challenges, the Himalayan Dialogue aims to empower affected communities to raise their voices for justice and create a platform for advocacy. Govind Bahadur Shahi, Executive Director of KIRDARC, highlighted the importance of addressing the long-term impacts on children, who are the most vulnerable to the destructive consequences of climate change.
According to the 2078 census, Nepal’s total population comprises 8.8% children. The geographical and socio-economic challenges make Nepal one of the most climate-vulnerable countries worldwide.
The Himalayan regions are experiencing severe impacts of climate change. Shifts in weather patterns, glacier melting, and water scarcity exacerbate risks, leading to increased occurrences of disasters such as floods and landslides.
In recent decades, Nepal has witnessed a rise in climate-induced disasters. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, recent disasters include Seti floods, Jure landslides, Melamchi floods, Karnali/Western Terai floods, Thame floods, and Kathmandu valley floods.
The Karnali region is grappling with increased risks of landslides and extreme water scarcity, affecting agricultural productivity and livelihoods, thereby weakening the community’s economic resilience.
Issues like homelessness, malnutrition, hindrances in education, and child marriage contribute to long-term adverse effects on children, which KIRDARC’s Executive Director Shahi pointed out.
In conclusion, the Himalayan Dialogue serves as a crucial platform to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation in Nepal’s Himalayan regions, particularly focusing on empowering youth and marginalized communities to advocate for sustainable solutions and resilient futures.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: April 20, 2025 7:01 pm
