Children on the Frontlines: Leading the Climate Fight in Nepal and Maldives

DILIP DAIMARY

Facing Climate Change Head-On

In the steep villages of Nepal’s Himalayas and the low-lying atolls of the Maldives, climate change is no abstract threat—it’s a daily battle for children.

In Nepal, 11-year-old Sabu and her peers dodge landslides and flooded paths just to reach school, as erratic rains tear through homes and farmland.

Across the Indian Ocean, Maldivian children watch rising seas erode their coastlines, threatening to submerge their communities entirely. For these young people, climate change disrupts education, health, and security, casting a long shadow over their futures.

Thanks to the United Nations for the critical insights provided in their June 16, 2025, report, posted by Bibhu Misra, which highlights the urgent realities faced by children in these regions. As global efforts intensify to meet climate targets, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is ensuring that children aren’t just heard but are key players in crafting solutions.

UN News interviewed UNICEF representatives in Nepal and the Maldives to explore how the agency is empowering youth and embedding climate resilience in communities.

A Harsh Reality for Young Lives

In Nepal’s remote west, the journey to school is fraught with peril. “Children live with constant anxiety,” says Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative in Nepal. “Heavy rains trigger floods and landslides, washing out roads and bridges. Kids trek through mud and danger daily—it’s a heavy burden for young shoulders.”

In the Maldives, the crisis takes a different form. Coastal erosion and sea surges are relentless, eating away at homes and infrastructure. “Children see their trees topple and homes at risk,” says Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative in the Maldives. “They grow up fearing their islands could vanish. Climate change isn’t some distant concept—it’s their reality.”

Empowering the Next Generation

UNICEF’s mission in both nations is clear: protect children from climate impacts while empowering them as agents of change.

Nepal: Education as a Tool for Resilience

In Nepal, UNICEF has partnered with the government to weave climate education into the national curriculum. Beyond lessons, schools are adopting green initiatives like rainwater harvesting and waste management, backed by teacher training and updated safety frameworks. “We’re helping schools withstand climate shocks like floods and heavy rains,” Ms. Akunga says.

The recent Sagarmatha Sambaad, Nepal’s Everest climate talks, showcased youth leadership. UNICEF facilitated a dialogue where over 100 young people engaged policymakers, culminating in a Children and Youth Declaration delivered to the Prime Minister, demanding action on climate issues affecting their lives.

Maldives: Community Action and Youth Leadership

In the Maldives, UNICEF’s strategy blends education with grassroots engagement. School-based environmental clubs create spaces for children to learn, debate, and act on climate challenges, linking classroom efforts to community projects. The agency is also pushing sustainable solutions, like solar-powered hospitals, to reduce fossil fuel dependency.

Through the Youth Track to COP, UNICEF and government partners are preparing young Maldivians to influence national and global climate talks. These efforts ensure youth voices shape policy, fostering accountability across generations.

Child-Centered Climate Policies

UNICEF is advocating for policies that prioritize children in both countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Nepal’s NDC commits to green schools and climate-resilient infrastructure, informed by children’s firsthand accounts of climate impacts. In the Maldives, the focus is on youth engagement, clean water, and robust health systems in vulnerable areas. Mock COPs and global climate forums give young people a platform to shape these policies directly.

These measures aim to safeguard not just infrastructure but also children’s health, education, and mental well-being. “A child-centered climate plan addresses every facet of their lives—from clean air to safe schools to reliable water,” Ms. Akunga explains. “It’s about ensuring they can grow and thrive despite climate shocks.”

Young Leaders Rising

In Nepal, children like Sabu are already leading the charge. On a field visit, Ms. Akunga met the 11-year-old, who has rallied her peers to learn about medicinal plants and protect them from extreme weather, passing down knowledge from elders. Her initiative is inspiring her village and beyond.

“Children aren’t just victims of climate change—they’re vital partners in tackling it,” Ms. Akunga says. Mr. Addai agrees: “Get it right for kids, and you get it right for everyone. Ignore their realities, and any climate plan will fall short. Healthy, educated, empowered children build thriving societies.”

From Himalayan slopes to Maldivian shores, children are stepping up—organizing, advocating, and proposing solutions. By amplifying their voices, UNICEF is forging a future where the next generation can live securely. As Mr. Addai puts it, “Children are the future stewards of their lands. Including them in decisions today builds a resilient world for tomorrow.”

17-06-2025

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