Afra Nawar Rahman, Youth Coordinator at Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), led the Bangladeshi delegation, which included 14 students from the Asian University for Women (AUW), at the 8th Nepal-Bangladesh Youth Conclave (NBYC 8.0). Held in Kathmandu, Nepal, the event was organized by Land of Future and co-hosted by the Bangladesh International Youth Foundation (BIYF). With the theme of achieving the Three Zeros—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions—the conclave brought together around 130 delegates from Nepal and Bangladesh to discuss regional challenges and promote sustainable solutions.
The program featured an array of guest and keynote speakers who inspired and engaged the participants. Guest speakers included Sunil Kumar Manandhar, former Environment Minister of Nepal; Ganesh Shah, former Minister of Science and Technology; and Tejulal Chaudhary, the current Minister of Youth and Sports, Nepal Government. Each emphasized the critical role of youth in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. Their speeches pressed on the importance of regional cooperation and youth-led initiatives in shaping a better future for South Asia.
In the keynote sessions Aagat Awasthi, Program Officer at UNESCO, presented on “Reimagining Education in the Verge of Climate Change,” highlighting the transformative role of education in building resilience against environmental crises. Shailendra Jha, a member of the City Planning Commission of Kathmandu Metropolitan, spoke on the “Youth Role in Achieving SDGs,” emphasizing the necessity of youth involvement in urban planning and sustainable development projects. Dr. Garry Berg, Program Officer at Weare, delivered an insightful address on “Youth in Environmental Conservation,” exploring how young leaders can spearhead conservation efforts and contribute to a greener future. Sudan Gautam, Chairman of the Principal Association of Nepal, discussed the “Role of PAN in Green Schools,” outlining strategies to integrate sustainability into education systems and foster environmentally conscious youth.
Afra Nawar Rahman added her voice to the forum by delivering a presentation titled “Circular Economy: A Tale of Waste Management and Green Solutions.” She addressed the shared flood crises in Nepal and Bangladesh caused by improper plastic disposal and proposed two key solutions. The first focused on systematic waste segregation and collection at the household level and along supply chains. The second introduced the Palm Bags initiative, an eco-friendly alternative to poly bags used in nurseries and sapling cultivation, developed by the Green Bangle Movement. Her presentation showcased the power of youth-driven solutions in tackling environmental challenges.
A highlight of the second day was the cultural exchange program, where delegates from both nations showcased their unique traditions. Afra Nawar Rahman, along with Progga Chowdhury and a team from AUW, performed a mesmerizing cultural dance blending elements from both Nepali and Bangladeshi traditions. Their performance symbolized the unity and shared heritage of the two countries, leaving the audience captivated. Traditional dances, music, poetry, and storytelling continued throughout the evening, celebrating the rich diversity of Nepal and Bangladesh while fostering mutual respect and understanding among participants.
The 8th Nepal-Bangladesh Youth Conclave highlighted the importance of empowering youth to address regional challenges collectively. By bringing together diverse voices and ideas, the event served as a platform for inspiring change and fostering partnerships between Nepal and Bangladesh. It marked a significant step toward building a more sustainable and interconnected South Asia, driven by the energy and vision of its youth leaders.
