The CANSA Annual Regional Meeting 2024, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was a pivotal moment for climate action in South Asia, with over 40 delegates, including an inspiring number of youth leaders from across the region, gathering to address key issues like loss and damage, urban resilience, and climate finance. Marking a shift towards youth-driven activism, this year’s meeting emphasized intergenerational solidarity and the importance of youth in leading climate solutions. Key discussions included #ModernSlavery‘s connection to #ClimateChange, the ongoing execution of the CANSA #ColumboStrategy, and the significance of ensuring climate justice and equity for marginalized communities.
At the CANSA Annual Regional Meeting in Colombo, five remarkable youth climate activists took the stage to share their inspiring work, highlighting their unique contributions to climate action across South Asia.
Prakash Lama’s Climate Activism in Nepal
Organization- Clean Energy Nepal (CEN)
Prakash’s journey into climate activism began in 2018-19 when he transitioned from a youth activist to a climate advocate. His initial understanding of climate change was limited, but studying environmental science opened his eyes to the urgent need for action. He joined the Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA), where he began to actively engage in climate discussions and activism. NYCA played a crucial role in helping him channel his efforts into meaningful activism. The group engaged in street protests and organized green discussions, deepening his commitment to the cause.
Despite facing resistance from the Nepali government, which sought to suppress their #ClimateStrikes, Prakash and his peers remained undeterred. They organized weekly climate strikes, aptly named “Fridays for Climate,” which persisted for over 200 weeks. Their persistence eventually caught the attention of the government, leading to their involvement in national #Policy discussions.
One notable achievement was their involvement in revising Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Prakash and NYCA played a crucial role by contributing #Youth perspectives to the NDCs, although they recognize that more needs to be done to ensure youth are genuinely integrated into climate policy-making. As Nepal prepares its third NDC, CEN focused on the CSO level remains committed to advocating for a more comprehensive role for CSOs including Youths, and GEDSI in climate action.
His journey is ongoing, but he is hopeful that their continued efforts will lead to more inclusive and effective climate policies.