South Asia Food Sovereignty Campaign Convergence Held in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal—A regional convergence of food sovereignty campaign members from South Asia took place on March 20–21, 2025, in Kathmandu. Organized under the banner of the South Asian Peasants’ Conference, the event brought together over 150 delegates, including peasant leaders, struggle committees, campaigners, and policymakers. The central theme of the conference was “Food Sovereignty, Climate Justice, and Peasants’ Rights.”

The conference was inaugurated by Rt. Hon’ble KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal. In his address, he emphasized the critical role of agriculture as the essence of life. Highlighting challenges in the sector, he pointed out the lack of modern cultivation methods, limited access to technology, and the need to respect indigenous agricultural practices. Additionally, he stressed the importance of bridging the urban-rural divide and reversing the trend of youth migration.

Throughout the two-day event, participants discussed pressing issues related to food sovereignty, the climate crisis, and the protection of peasants’ rights in the current global and regional context. Deliberations included addressing the impacts of the climate crisis on agricultural productivity and forming collaborations to expand constituencies and effectively organize food sovereignty campaigns. Participants also called on civil society organizations (CSOs) and movements across South Asia to unite in advocating for peasants’ rights amid a changing global landscape.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the 24-point Kathmandu Declaration. The declaration emphasized the urgent need to protect farmers and their livelihoods from the impacts of the climate crisis.

This important convergence has been recognized as a pivotal step forward in building solidarity and creating actionable solutions for the agrarian crisis in South Asia.