Kathmandu, Nepal | 7 July 2026 – The five-day 2nd International Climate Camp 2026 officially commenced in Kathmandu, bringing together more than 150 young climate activists, researchers, students, and environmental advocates from across South Asia to strengthen regional collaboration and youth leadership in addressing the climate crisis.
The camp, taking place from 7–11 July across Kathmandu and Pokhara, is jointly organized by the Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN), LDC Watch and South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE) , Center for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER), BRAC University; Waterkeepers Bangladesh; the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD); Land Our Future Nepal; the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS); and Mission Green Bangladesh, with support from universities, research institutions, civil society organizations, and climate networks from Bangladesh, Nepal, and beyond.
The inaugural ceremony, held in Kathmandu, brought together government ministers, members of parliament, diplomats, university leaders, climate experts, and representatives from civil society organizations. The opening session emphasized the urgent need for regional solidarity, youth leadership, and a just transition to address the growing impacts of climate change across South Asia.
The inaugural session featured remarks from Gita Chaudhary, Nepal’s Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, who emphasized that climate finance and compensation from developed countries are matters of climate justice and rights rather than charity. She called for stronger unity among climate-vulnerable countries to advocate for equitable global climate action.
Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki, Member of Parliament of Nepal, stressed that climate change requires collective regional action rather than isolated national efforts.
“No single country can solve the climate crisis alone. We must counter the damages of climate change through collective effort. This mission becomes much easier through regional cooperation. It is our shared responsibility to drive this forward through investments, knowledge exchange, and mutual assistance,” Dr. Karki stated.
His remarks highlighted SAAPE’s long-standing commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting people-centered, climate-just development across South Asia.
Similarly, Shafiqur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nepal, underscored that climate change has become a lived reality for countries such as Bangladesh and stressed the importance of capacity building, coordinated regional action, and knowledge and technology sharing to address common challenges.
Throughout the five-day programme, participants will engage in discussions on climate science, community-based adaptation, environmental governance, policy dialogue, and youth leadership. The camp also includes field visits and experiential learning activities, providing participants with opportunities to exchange knowledge, explore nature-based solutions, and strengthen cross-border collaboration.
The organizers expect the camp to foster a vibrant network of emerging climate leaders across South Asia, equipping young activists with the knowledge, skills, and partnerships needed to advance sustainable development and climate resilience in their respective countries.
The 2nd International Climate Camp 2026 builds on the success of the first inaugural camp held in Nepal in 2025, further reinforcing regional cooperation and collective action to address one of the most pressing challenges facing South Asia today.