As a communication trainee at UNICEF, this year, I had the privilege of being part of an event organized for World Children’s Day that left a profound impact on me. The event revolved around co-creating a sustainable future and included the handover of a report to the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MOFE). High-level dignitaries, including government representatives and embassy officials, were present.
The report was the culmination of climate consultations held across four provinces in Nepal — Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Madhesh and Lumbini – and captured the voices and experiences of children and young people affected by climate change.
Before this experience, I considered climate change a distant, global issue — something abstract and not immediately relevant.
But being involved in the provincial consultations, meeting children and young people face-to-face, hearing their stories, and understanding their struggles completely shifted my perspective.
Climate change stopped being just a headline; it became real, urgent and personal.
I went into the event hoping it would make an impact. I worried that the attendees might not fully grasp the severity of the climate crisis children face. My doubts eased as I watched participants engage with a video message from children in Surkhet. The video showcased the devastating effects of climate change on their lives, their concerns, and their call to governments and adults to include them in decision-making.
It was a powerful reminder that children and young people are not just victims of the climate crisis — they are eager to be part of the solution.
What stood out most to me was the structure of the event. It wasn’t just about adults talking at children.
High-level dignitaries sat side by side with children and young people, creating a sense of collaboration and mutual respect.
It felt like the adults were truly there to listen and learn.
One of the highlights was a co-creative art session where each child paired with an adult to paint a shared canvas. The children depicted the problems they face — pollution, schools destroyed by floods, and endangered wildlife — while the adults helped brainstorm practical solutions.
I was supporting a young boy who was incredibly passionate about his drawing. He identified most of the solutions himself, and his paired adult guided him in making them more realistic.
Watching their bond grow during the session felt like witnessing an alliance form.
As I looked around, I was amazed by the energy in the room. Everyone was deeply engrossed, discussing ideas, sharing experiences, and crafting plans that could make a real difference.
I had expected the session to be more guided by adults, but it turned out to be an equal exchange
The enthusiasm didn’t end there. Children eagerly raised their hands to present their work, and the adults encouraged them to take the spotlight. It was heartwarming to see these high-level individuals genuinely listening to the children and showing their commitment to their ideas.
On this special day, it felt like the voices of children and young people were not just heard but truly valued.
The event concluded on a high note with the Honorable Minister of MOFE, Mr. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, pledging to support children and young people in climate policymaking.
He committed to establish a dedicated platform within the Ministry to institutionalize the representation and voices of children and young people, such as through a core youth network or a children/youth desk.
Among other things, he also encouraged local governments and concerned agencies to allocate funding for children and young people to leverage their power as agents of change.
For me, this event was more than just an official gathering. It was a meaningful interaction where the voices of children and young people took center stage.
It reaffirmed my belief that addressing the climate crisis requires everyone — adults and children — working together.
