Kathmandu, February 23,

The Ministry of Forest and Environment, has pledged to integrate youth-led recommendations
into the draft report of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), reinforcing the role of
young people in national climate policy.
Following a public notice issued on February 1, 2026, calling for feedback on the draft NDC 3.0,
the Youth in Climate Governance Network (YCGN), formed on 29 th January,2026 under the
Government of Nepal, National Youth Council, submitted a comprehensive set of
recommendations. These inputs were based on consultations around the National Implementation
Plan for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
The recommendations were developed during a consultation workshop organized by YCGN,
NYC in coordination with Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal (Jcycn). As Jcycn is working
in youth and climate change agendas from more than a decade in collaboration with NYC,
UNDP, UNICEF and British Council held on February 8 at the National Youth Council in
Sanothimi Bhaktapur. The workshop brought together 51 youth stakeholders all over the Nation.
The session was chaired by Gehanath Gautam, Chief Administrative Officer at the National
Youth Council. Mr. Bishnu Hari Devkota, Under Secretary – Ministry of Forest and Environment
and Ms. Rassu Manandhar, Program Officer of UNDP moderated the discussions. Rita Thapa,
Coordinator of YCGN and Jcycn outlined the objectives of the workshop, while Tilottam Paudel,
Chairperson of Jcycn facilitated the session.
Participants were divided into three groups to generate key inputs. Major recommendations
included promoting forest conservation to reduce carbon emissions, strengthening youth
engagement in agricultural advancement, establishing carbon-neutral industries, and developing
youth-friendly climate policies.
A total of 60-point recommendations were formally submitted on February 21 by a YCGN and
Jcycn delegation to Hon. Minister Chaulagain and Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, division chief at the
Climate Change Management Division of ministry. The Ministry stated that the draft
implementation plan was prepared through consultations across all provinces and is aligned with
both quantitative and qualitative targets outlined in Nepal’s NDC 3.0.
The National Implementation Plan for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (2026–2035)
estimates a total investment requirement of approximately USD 115 billion over ten years. The
funding will support initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing
climate resilience across sectors.
Hon. Minister Chaulagain and Joint Secretary Dhakal expressed their commitment to
incorporating youth voices and prioritizing youth-led agendas in the final report of NDC 3.0.