Climate advocacy: From Hetauda to Baku

As a young boy from Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur in Sudurpaschim province, Nepal, I never thought I would one day attend an international event like COP29. My journey has been filled with hard work, determination, and a desire to make a difference in addressing climate change, even from a local level.

Currently, I am an undergraduate student of Forestry at Agriculture and Forestry University, Hetauda, and I lead a youth network called Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA), Hetauda. Over the past three years, I have worked on several climate-related activities, including school campaigns, community awareness programs, plantation drives, cycle rallies, climate marches; hosted conferences on climate change; and led unique projects like trading plastic for plants. These actions were my way of contributing to climate action, but I always wondered what it would be like to join a global platform like COP.

A big moment in my journey was when I got the chance to be part of the organizing team for the Bagmati Province Youth Summit, 2081. This experience taught me the importance of planning and working smartly, which helped me grow both personally and professionally. My mentor, Nishchal Baniya, founder of Bagmati UNESCO Club, was a key part of this transformation. Under his guidance, I was offered the role of Vice President of Bagmati UNESCO Club, which gave me more opportunities to develop leadership and advocacy skills.

With his support and the help of the Youth Council in Action for Nation, I earned a badge to attend COP 29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan. But arranging the money for the trip was a big challenge. Coming from a middle-class family, it seemed nearly impossible to fund an international trip. Though my local and provincial governments gave me good wishes, they couldn’t provide financial help. In the end, my parents stood by me and encouraged me to go, even though it was a big expense for them.

Going to COP 29 alone was both exciting and nerve-wracking. The event was huge, and the busy atmosphere made me feel out of place at first. Luckily, I met my friends Aakriti Dotel, Parima Limbu, and other members of Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA) Kathmandu, which gave me some comfort. Our senior, Avishek Shrestha (Program Coordinator of DBI), guided us on what to do and helped us understand why we were there.

One of the things I noticed at COP 29 was the difference in opportunities. Maybe I don’t know the full picture, but it felt like people working at the grassroots level often don’t get access to these international platforms. On the other hand, people from urban areas like Kathmandu seem to have more chances to join such events.

This made me think about how important it is to create fair opportunities for everyone, no matter where they are from. Everyone who works for climate action deserves a chance to share their work, learn more, and connect with others.

Grassroots youth like me need to attend COP29 to bring local perspectives to global discussions, learn from experts, and build connections. This empowers us to return home and inspire our communities towards sustainable action. This creates a more equitable climate movement that truly reflects the diversity of those impacted by climate change and empowers all voices to be heard.

I was inspired by the youth from various countries. They were so passionate and focused on making real changes in the fight against climate change. The discussions, exhibitions, and meetings I attended gave me valuable ideas and lessons that I can now use in my own community.

Attending COP29 wasn’t just an event for me—it was more of an investment in my growth and learning. It has made me more committed to climate action and helped me see the bigger story of the global climate movement. I am now more determined to use my knowledge to help my community and push for equal opportunities for everyone in this field.

My experience at COP29 has taught me that impactful climate advocacy doesn't depend solely on location or resources. It's about unwavering self-belief, staying committed to your environmental goals, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors. I hope my journey inspires other young people to champion climate action, regardless of their background. By embracing local solutions and connecting with global movements, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

Abhishek Chand

Undergrad student

Agriculture and Forestry University, Hetauda