With climate change increasing heat, floods, irregular rainfall, and water-related risks across Madhesh Province, around 60 young people and social activists from all eight districts came together in Janakpurdham to strengthen youth-led action for climate justice.
The Climate Justice Campaign Capacity Building Workshop and Panel Discussion was held on 11 July 2026 at the District Coordination Committee Hall in Dhanusha. The programme was organized by Digo Bikash Institute, with support from Kayapalat and OREC Nepal.
The event brought together young people, students, women, social activists, and people working in environmental protection to discuss climate change, climate justice, disaster risk reduction, human rights, and the role of youth in creating local solutions.
Speaking as the chief guest, Bechan Kumar Mahato, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Madhesh Province, said climate change is creating serious challenges in Madhesh, including extreme heat, irregular rainfall, floods, and the rapid decline of groundwater.
He said climate change is no longer only an environmental issue but is also directly connected to social and economic justice. He stressed that stronger cooperation among government, civil society, and young people is needed to reduce climate-related risks.
Mahato also shared that the ministry has introduced strategies related to gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion in the forest and environment sector. He emphasized the need to ensure that these policies are effectively implemented at the local level.
During the workshop, Pratyush Thakur, Programme Officer at Kayapalat, gave a presentation on climate change, climate justice, disaster risk reduction, human rights, and the role of young people. He highlighted the importance of meaningful youth participation and developing young leaders who can take climate action in their own communities.
Bina Singh, Madhesh Province Coordinator of OREC Nepal, spoke about the impact of climate change on women’s health, livelihoods, and social life. She emphasized the need to address climate justice from a gender perspective.
Similarly, Manika Jha, former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Dhanusha, highlighted the role of media and digital platforms in raising public awareness and promoting stronger public discussions on climate justice.
Programme Coordinator Aabhash Karn said the workshop was organized to make young people more aware and active in addressing rising temperatures, waste management, and other environmental challenges in Janakpurdham. He added that youth-led campaigns on climate justice and environmental protection would continue in the coming days.
The programme provided a space for young people from across Madhesh to learn, share experiences, and discuss practical ways to respond to climate change in their communities. Discussions also highlighted the close links between climate justice, human rights, gender equality, disaster risk reduction, and youth leadership.
Through its support and participation, Kayapalat continues to contribute to efforts that strengthen youth leadership, climate justice, environmental protection, and community resilience in Madhesh Province.
The organizers expressed their commitment to continue promoting sustainability, equality, climate justice, and youth-led social action through similar initiatives in the future.