Himalayan dialogue to highlight children, marginalised communities ahead of Sagarmatha Sambaad

KATHMANDU: The Himalayan Dialogue is set to be held as part of the preparations for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, which will be hosted by the federal government from May 16 to 18.  

The issues of children and marginalised groups in Karnali Province will be a focal point during the event, scheduled to take place in Khalanga, Jumla district, on April 22 and 23.  

To be organised in coordination with the Sagarmatha Sambaad Secretariat, the Dialogue will be held in collaboration with development partners such as Save the Children, Youth Alliance for Environment (YAE), and Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDAC).  

The event aims to provide a platform for marginalised children, youth, and mountain communities to share their experiences, express their specific needs, and advocate for child-sensitive climate solutions. YAE President Sanot Adhikari stated that the Dialogue seeks to connect local issues with national forums and will serve as a major platform within Himalayan communities.  

“Space will be provided to children and youth, and their voices will be raised for the meaningful integration of community needs in national and international policy dialogues in line with the broader agenda of the Sagarmatha Sambaad: 'Climate Change, The Future of Mountains and Humanity',” said Adhikari.  

The Dialogue’s key objectives include amplifying the voices of children and young people, advocating for age-sensitive climate policies, linking local realities to global climate patterns, and showcasing successful community-led climate initiatives.  

Approximately 150 participants are expected to attend the event, including children from mountainous, indigenous, and marginalised communities, women and girls, civil society organisations, development partners, United Nations agencies, government representatives, and policymakers from provincial and federal levels.  

It has been noted that 34% of children under the age of 17 in Nepal endure multidimensional poverty, intensifying their vulnerability. Moreover, children and women face a disproportionate risk from multiple shocks and disasters.  

According to the 2021 census, children constitute 33.8% of Nepal’s total population of 29,164,578.  

By RSS