4-H Nepal organized “Youth Vision Declaration and Dialogue ” on August 27, 2024 at the Agriculture, Co-operative, and Natural Resource Committee, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu as a continuum of the post summit activity following the successful completion of the 3rd AG Climate Youth Leadership Summit held on June 27 to 29, 2024 in Chitwan. The Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainable Green Economy, which had been developed during the summit was formally presented to Honorable Kusum Devi Thapa, Chairman of the Agriculture, Co-operative, and Natural Resource Committee. The formal occasion brought together a diverse group of 23 participants, including members of the executive, steering, and staff committees of 4-H Nepal, along with selected delegates from an open call. The dialogue emphasized on the critical role of youth in fostering environmental and economic sustainability. Honorable Kusum Devi Thapa expressed strong support for the declaration and the issues highlighted, reaffirming the importance of youth engagement in shaping sustainable policies.
4-H Nepal presented a 10-point Agricultural Climate Declaration, submitted by 4-H Nepal President Lokraj Awasthi and supported by 100 young eco-leaders. The manifesto emphasizes the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector. It calls for the introduction of a unified national policy focused on environmental protection, declaring environmental damage as a criminal offense with penalties, and prioritizing a green economy.
Furthermore, the manifesto urges the government to impose a green tax on industries and factories to hold them accountable for their environmental damage. It also highlighted the importance of developing “Youth Agriculture Policy”, alongside the programs and policies to support family and individual farmers. The promotion of the Raithane farming system is recommended to attract youth to agriculture, with coordination between federal, state, and local governments to provide grants and concessions.
4-H Nepal has also highlighted to amend the National Agricultural Policy 2061, adapting it to the current needs and implementing reforms to make agriculture more appealing and profitable for young people. The organization urges the committee to take concrete actions and implement necessary policy changes to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture. Furthermore, the emphasis was made on climate adaptation which is essential to achieve sustainable development goals and to increase youth engagement in the agricultural sector.
The president of 4-H Nepal, Lokraj Awasthi, urged the importance of involving youth in policy-making, and their crucial role in environmental protection and combating climate change. He further highlighted the government to focus on developing Youth Agriculture Policy, noting that young people currently face significant barriers in accessing land, resources, and essential skills required in Agriculture.
Honorable Kusum Devi Thapa committed to taking action on the youth’s demands. She affirmed her strong dedication to environmental protection and climate justice, expressing her intent to spearhead initiatives aimed at developing and implementing more effective laws in these areas.
