Asia and the Pacific is home to diverse economies and ecosystems, from high-emission industrial hubs to climate-vulnerable island nations. Young people are leading innovative climate solutions, but their participation in NDCs remains limited. This discussion will explore ways to amplify youth engagement across the region.

We encourage you to share your insights by contributing to this discussion room and consultation survey form. 

Your input will help shape:

  • Comprehensive Report: A summary of the consultations, incorporating key insights from both the discussion page and the survey form. This report will highlight key findings, identify barriers, and present recommendations and success stories of youth engagement in NDCs globally.
  • Policy Recommendations: A set of actionable recommendations for governments, informed by inputs from the discussion and survey, to enhance children and youth participation in all stages of the NDC process.
  • Increased Youth Advocacy: Empowering young climate activists with knowledge and resources to advocate for these policy recommendations and raise awareness about the importance of youth inclusion in NDCs.

Therefore, we kindly ask you as young changemakers and climate advocates , to give your inputs to the below questions: 

  1. Youth Priorities and Climate Challenges: What are the most pressing climate challenges for young people in your region, and which sectors should be prioritized to address their needs?
  2. Barriers to Meaningful Youth Engagement in NDCs: What are the key challenges preventing young people from actively participating in the NDC process, and what barriers exist between youth and government collaboration
  3. Making NDCs More Youth-Inclusive and Impactful: How can NDCs be designed to genuinely reflect youth priorities, and what roles should young people play in shaping, implementing, and monitoring them?
  4. Strengthening Youth Participation Through Support, Partnerships & Policy Reforms: What policies, resources, and partnerships are needed to ensure meaningful youth participation in NDCs, and how can governments and stakeholders better support this?


 

Note: This discussion page is specifically for youth from Asia and the Pacific. If you belong to a different region, please return to the main group page and join your designated regional discussion room. 

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Comments (71)

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

Greetings from Indonesia, everyone! I am Salsalina Larasati. I am one of the moderators for this regional consultation. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor in Law at a university in Indonesia, also a part of the YOUNGO NDC Working Group. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and insights to promote more meaningful youth engagement in NDC! Let's fight for a more sustainable future together! 💚🌱

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Hi Laras! Great to see you moderating this space and championing youth-led climate action across Asia-Pacific!

It’s always a pleasure working with you in the NDCs WG, your commitment to inclusivity and meaningful youth engagement truly shines in every space you're part of. 🌍✨️

I’d love to hear your thoughts on something we often discuss: How can we better mainstream youth feedback from consultations like this into national-level NDC revisions?

Do you think formal youth review mechanisms or advisory boards would help bridge that gap between consultations and actual implementation?

Tapashi Boruah Moderator

Hi, I'm Tapashi from Northeast India. I am one of the moderators for this consultation. I am a 2nd-year undergraduate student from the Department of Physics, Gargaon College, Dibrugarh University, and a member of NDCs WG of YOUNGO. I am waiting to hear your insights on meaningful youth engagement in NDCs. Thank you!

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

It's great to have you here moderating with me, Tapashi. Can't wait to hear the thoughts of our amazing youths! 😆

Bandgar Rishikesh

I am Bandgar Rishikesh from India!, co-founder of Wayfield Ag, an Agri-Climate tech startup committed to making agriculture more sustainable and climate-smart. Our work has positively impacted over 100,000 farmers in India by providing digital agronomy services and soil health solutions.

I am honored to be part of the Youth4Climate Forum and look forward to meaningfully contributing to the regional consultation on youth-driven NDCs. With my background in sustainable agriculture and carbon markets, I aim to bring actionable insights that align climate policies with on-ground realities. Let’s work together to drive impactful climate action!

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

We're glad to have you here, Bandgar! Your impact is truly inspiring. Since you come from a background in sustainable agriculture and carbon markets, is there perhaps a lesson you could share for youth engagement in the same field? Looking forward to hearing from you! 🤩

Bandgar Rishikesh

Salsalina Larasati I would love to share a personal experience!.
In the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand’s Almora district, I worked with a group of young farmers whose land had been severely degraded due to years of chemical-intensive farming. Faced with declining yields and uncertain weather patterns, many were considering abandoning agriculture altogether.

At Wayfield Ag, we empowered them to return to traditional, climate-resilient crops like black soybean (Bhat ki Dal)—a native variety known for enriching soil, requiring less water, and thriving in extreme conditions. Through hands-on training in regenerative farming, natural soil amendments, and adaptive water management, these young farmers transformed their degraded land into productive fields once again. More importantly, we connected them directly to premium markets, ensuring better incomes and renewed confidence in farming as a sustainable livelihood.

This experience showed me that youth are not just the future of agriculture—they are its present leaders. Through the Youth4Climate Forum, I aim to bring their voices to the forefront of regional consultations on NDCs, ensuring policies actively support young farmers with the tools, resources, and market access they need to lead the transition toward climate-smart agriculture.

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

Bandgar Rishikesh I am totally amazed! The fact that black soybean (Bhat ki Dal) as a native variety was used for agriculture amazes me even more! This shows that youth-led initiatives and integrating cultural heritage, particularly from the natives, can benefit farmers for climate action. Even better, successfully entering premium markets with a sustainable approach to farming.

Thank you for inspiring the other youths and me, Bandgar! Do you perhaps have more to share about the importance of youth-led initiatives and the integration of cultural heritage in climate change mitigation and sustainability? I and the other friends from the Asia-Pacific region would love to hear more about this!

Parth Bhatt Moderator

Bandgar Rishikesh Your initiative to empower the rural farmers is really amazing! Perhaps do would you like to share some challenges you faced while working on your initiative, and how you overcame them, and how the same can be replicated in other rural settlements with similar conditions?

Bandgar Rishikesh

Salsalina Larasati Absolutely! The revival of traditional crops like black soybean (Bhat ki Dal) is not just an agricultural practice—it is an act of preserving history, honoring our ancestors, and reclaiming sovereignty over our food systems. Seeing youth-led initiatives embrace indigenous knowledge while navigating modern challenges fills me with hope.

Across India, young farmers are redefining climate-smart agriculture by experimenting with Jojoba, Moringa, Ashwagandha, and Millets—crops that have sustained our communities for centuries. These plants are not just climate-resilient but also nutritionally superior and economically viable.

- Millets, once considered a poor man's food, are now at the center of a global superfood revolution. Youth farmers are tapping into drought-resistant, high-yielding millet varieties, opening doors to premium organic markets and export opportunities.

- Jojoba, with its high oil content, is offering young farmers a chance to break into the natural cosmetics industry, replacing environmentally harmful alternatives.

- Moringa, known as the "miracle tree," is being cultivated for health supplements, organic fodder, and even water purification, creating multiple revenue streams for farmers.

- Ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen, is seeing a surge in global demand, with young entrepreneurs setting up direct-to-consumer brands to cater to wellness-conscious buyers.

What’s even more inspiring is how these young farmers integrate traditional wisdom with modern innovations—leveraging regenerative farming, traceability, and digital marketplaces to connect with global buyers. They are not just growing food—they are growing an ecosystem of sustainable prosperity.

This is more than just farming; it’s a movement. It’s about owning our narratives, valuing our roots, and ensuring that the future of agriculture is not just profitable, but also just, resilient, and deeply connected to our heritage.

Would love to hear more from others—how are youth-led initiatives in your regions shaping agriculture and sustainability?

Bandgar Rishikesh

Parth Bhatt Thank you for your kind words! Empowering rural farmers has been a deeply rewarding journey, but not without its challenges.

One of the biggest hurdles we faced was bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern agricultural techniques. Many farmers were hesitant to adopt climate-smart practices due to a lack of awareness or fear of deviating from age-old methods. To address this, we worked closely with local community leaders and elders, integrating their wisdom into sustainable models that improved soil health, increased yields, and ensured long-term resilience.

Market access was another major challenge. Rural farmers often struggle to fetch fair prices due to middlemen and limited direct access to premium buyers. We tackled this by leveraging digital platforms and cooperative models, enabling farmers to connect directly with conscious consumers, premium markets, and even global buyers.

Additionally, climate unpredictability made farming risky. To combat this, we introduced agroforestry, regenerative practices, and drought-resistant traditional crops like millets, moringa, and ashwagandha, which not only restore soil fertility but also fetch higher profits in organic and wellness markets.

Scaling this model in other rural settlements requires:
- Community-driven approach – Engage local leaders and farmer groups to ensure trust and long-term adoption.
- Capacity building – Provide on-ground training and digital literacy to help farmers access better resources.
- Market linkage – Connect farmers to direct-to-consumer platforms, cooperatives, and sustainable brands.
- Climate resilience strategies – Promote native crops, water conservation methods, and diversified farming to withstand climate shocks.

Would love to hear how others have tackled similar challenges! What approaches have worked in your region? Let’s exchange ideas to build a stronger movement!

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

Bandgar Rishikesh Amazing! That concludes that sustainable prosperity can be achieved with sociocultural integration in agriculture. By that, valuing cultural heritage and reclaiming sovereignty over food. Do you perhaps aspire to address this success for future policing, especially in NDCs? Could you address a specific policy concept that represents your idea?

Your voice matters. Sooner or later, we can see your aspiration and success story being the standard in agricultural policies. Here's to the formalization of sustainable prosperity! 🌱

Bandgar Rishikesh

Salsalina Larasati Thank you for this insightful reflection! Absolutely, sustainable prosperity in agriculture is deeply rooted in sociocultural integration, valuing traditional knowledge, community-led solutions, and food sovereignty.

India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) emphasize sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and low-carbon pathways—all of which align with our work at Wayfield Ag. Through our climate-smart advisory platform, we’ve empowered 1,00,000+ farmers, benefited 8,52,000+ acres with sustainable practices, and built strong networks with 270+ FPOs, retailers, and exporters.

A key policy concept I advocate for is the integration of localized climate adaptation strategies within India’s agricultural policy framework, ensuring that NDC goals translate into on-ground action.
This includes:
1. Strengthening agroecology and nature-based solutions in state-level climate action plans.
2. Expanding access to carbon markets for smallholder farmers through climate-smart interventions.
3. Embedding nutritional literacy and traditional food systems into education curricula.

I firmly believe that the next step is co-creating policies with Indigenous communities, youth, and marginalized groups, ensuring a just transition to resilient food systems. The future of agriculture isn’t just about yields—it’s about sovereignty, equity, and sustainability.

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

Bandgar Rishikesh Wonderful! Thank you for sharing the concept of the policy. In that case, we hope this aspiration will be included in this year’s round of NDC. Not only in India but for other Asia-Pacific regions to uphold sovereignty, equity, and sustainability. Thank you for maximizing this opportunity to amplify your voice, Bandgar! Your voice is truly appreciated! 🤩🙌

Talha Ikram Moderator

Greetings from Pakistan! I am Talha Rana and one of the moderators for this regional consultation. I've completed my graduation in Gender Studies and Development in 2024. Currently, I have been actively engaged in regional NGOs for the past many years, working on women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, human rights, and SRHR. My work focuses on advocating for gender-inclusive policies, strengthening community resilience, and promoting sustainable environmental practices while ensuring meaningful youth participation in these efforts.

As part of this regional consultation, I am truly honored to be part of the Youth4Climate Forum and excited to contribute meaningfully to the regional consultation on youth-driven NDCs. Looking forward to engaging in impactful discussions and collaborative action. Together, we can drive impactful change and build a more sustainable, equitable, and rights-based future. Let’s take action for a greener, more inclusive world! 💚🌱

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Talha, thank you for emphasizing gender and inclusion. Building on this, I’d love to advocate for mandated gender budgeting and climate justice seats for youth at subnational levels. Too often, district-level climate boards don’t reflect the people most affected.

Let’s push for a policy clause that ensures every local government’s climate team includes:

> 1 youth under 25
> 1 woman or gender-diverse youth
> 1 member from a vulnerable or Indigenous background

NDC implementation needs this structure if we truly want justice and equity.

Parth Bhatt Moderator

Greetings all!
I’m Parth, a youth entrepreneur and Gen-Z Advocate. I define myself as an Indian by birth but a global citizen by heart and choice. I presently serve as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the ECB Sustainable Youth Foundation, advancing the SDGs across 5 continents. Academically, I’m pursuing a Bachelors in Public Administration. I’ve been a part of YOUNGO since May 2022. Looking forward to interacting and learning from your diverse experiences championing the SDGs in your communities!

Talha Ikram Moderator

Welcome, Parth! It’s great to have someone so deeply engaged in youth entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Your work with the ECB Sustainable Youth Foundation sounds impactful—what are some key initiatives you're currently working on? Also, given your experience with YOUNGO, how do you see youth-led climate action evolving, especially in the Global South? Looking forward to learning from your insights!

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Great to see you here, Parth! Always inspired by your leadership across the SDGs and our work together in YOUNGO.

Since we’re both active in regional and global youth spaces, I’d love to hear your take on this,
How do you see youth entrepreneurship and innovation being better integrated into NDCs in Asia-Pacific?

Perhaps it’s time we push for youth-led climate incubators to be included in national implementation plans?

Shristy Joshi Thakur

Hello people! I'm Shristy Joshi Thakur from India, and I'm deeply committed to empowering youth, especially women, in the tech space to drive sustainable change. As the founder of Girl Up Coders, I'm building a community that leverages coding skills for impactful projects.

Furthermore, I'm actively engaged in the NDC working group, where I'm working to align technological solutions with climate policy. I'm incredibly excited to join this Youth4Climate forum and bring my experience in building tech communities, developing digital solutions, and working on NDCs to our discussions. I believe technology has a crucial role to play in achieving our climate goals, and I'm eager to collaborate with all of you to create innovative and sustainable solutions. Let's work together to build a resilient and greener future!
Cheers!

Talha Ikram Moderator

Welcome, Shristy! It’s amazing to have you here, and your work in tech and climate policy sounds truly inspiring. Building a space where young women can use technology for real impact is such a game-changer!
In your experience, what are the biggest climate challenges young people in your region are facing, and which sectors do you think need the most attention to support them? Would love to hear your thoughts on how technology could be a part of the solution!

Parth Bhatt Moderator

Glad to hear about your work Shristy! Since you’ve worked on women engagement as the founder of Girl Up Coders, do you feel that the gender equity aspect is aptly included in the NDCs? If not, how in your opinion can youth work to made the NDCs more gender sensitive?

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Shristy, your work is fantastic! Building tech capacity among young women is a game-changer. One idea I’d love to propose for our NDC frameworks is to formally support youth-led tech labs for climate innovation, especially led by women.

These labs can track real-time emissions, map local vulnerabilities, and even build public education tools for climate literacy. Imagine if every region had at least one “Girls4ClimateTech Lab” powered by the state!

Would love to collaborate on this vision! 🌱✨️

Daniel ALINGILYA

Hello
C'est Daniel ALINGILYA, je suis de la RDC, je suis dans la justice sociale et environnementale, je suis avec les familles qui vivent en situation de pauvreté qui s'engagent quotidiennement à la protection de l'environnement et à la justice sociale dans le souci de mettre fin à la pauvreté et de changer la vie de leurs enfants.

Parth Bhatt Moderator

Greetings Daniel!
Thank you for your comment. However, this is the Asia-Pacific discussion room. Please feel free to drop your comment in the Africa discussion room.

Noor Ul Ain

I'm Noor Ul Ain from Pakistan. I have my Bachelors in Biotechnology and I've been actively working in climate sphere for two years now. I am YOUNGO member and served as Communications and Advocacy Sub-Team co-lead for women and gender working group for the year 2024 and now I'm engaged with YOUNGO e-learning working group as a facilitator. I'm also focusing on health-climate nexus and have contributed to many climate initiatives.

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

Hi, Noor! It's a pleasure to have you here. Given your experience, could you perhaps share best practices on the health-climate nexus? We'd love to hear your experience on this further!

Parth Bhatt Moderator

Great to know about your work Noor! Since you’ve been working on the health-climate nexus, do you feel that there’s a connection between mental health and climate change? If yes, what actions can we take to integrate this aspect in the health-climate nexus in a more synergetic way?

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Noor, your work on the health-climate nexus is so important! I’d love to build on it by suggesting that future NDCs include youth mental health indicators, especially for vulnerable girls, young farmers, and frontline climate volunteers.

From our work across rural Asia, we’ve seen how this not only builds resilience but helps retain youth engagement in climate work long-term.

Curious to know if your advocacy also ties into national education or health policy reforms?

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reinteee

Hello everyone! I am Reynier C. Tasico from the Philippines and I just submitted my inputs. Thank you and hope to meet you guys in person.

Md Abdullah Al Rahad

I'm Md. Abdullah Al Rahad, a Social Work student at National University, Bangladesh, and an active volunteer engaged in climate action and humanitarian efforts. From my experience working with flood-affected communities and youth-led initiatives, I strongly believe that meaningful youth engagement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is crucial for shaping effective climate policies. Young people bring innovation, grassroots insights, and a long-term vision for sustainability.Governments and relevant stakeholders must create inclusive platforms for youth, integrate their perspectives into policy decisions, and invest in capacity-building programs. Without active youth involvement, climate strategies may fail to address the real challenges and aspirations of future generations.
I'm hopeful that we will have the opportunity to collaborate in the future and take more effective actions to combat the climate crisis together. I look forward to meeting you in upcoming discussions or events.😇

Tapashi Boruah Moderator

Hi, Rahed! Thank you for sharing your insights. Based on your experience with youth-led initiatives, what are the most significant climate challenges for young people in your region, and which sectors should be prioritized to effectively address their needs?

Md Abdullah Al Rahad

Tapashi Boruah thank you for your thoughtful question! Based on my experience with youth-led initiatives in my region, some of the most significant climate challenges young people face include:

1. Lack of Climate Education & Awareness – Many young people lack access to proper climate education, limiting their ability to take action.

2. Employment & Livelihood Challenges – Climate change is affecting agriculture and fisheries, which are major sources of income. Youth need alternative livelihood opportunities.

3. Displacement & Migration – Rising sea levels and extreme weather events force many families to migrate, disrupting education and stability.

4. Health Issues – Waterborne diseases and malnutrition due to climate-related disasters impact youth health.

To address these challenges, priority should be given to the following sectors:

Education & Skill Development – Climate-resilient education, technical training, and awareness campaigns.

Sustainable Livelihoods – Investment in green jobs and climate-smart agriculture.

Disaster Resilience & Infrastructure – More cyclone shelters, safe housing, and improved healthcare access.

Youth Engagement in Policy – Creating platforms for youth to influence climate policies and decision-making.

I believe empowering young people with the right resources and opportunities can significantly improve climate resilience in our region. Looking forward to your thoughts!

Md Abdullah Al Rahad

Tapashi Boruah As part of our discussion on youth-led climate action and priority sectors, I am sharing the revised NDC submission document. This document outlines Bangladesh’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, focusing on mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Key highlights from the NDC that are relevant to our discussion include:

Sectoral Priorities: Energy, agriculture, forestry, and disaster resilience.

Youth Engagement Opportunities: Climate education, skill development, and green job creation.

Adaptation Strategies: Community-based initiatives and infrastructure improvements to combat climate risks.

I believe this document will provide useful insights into national climate goals and potential areas where youth can actively contribute. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Tapashi Boruah Moderator

Md Abdullah Al Rahad , thank you for sharing these insightful points. Capacity building, investment in green jobs and sustainable agriculture, and focusing on adaptation are indeed crucial in tackling climate-related challenges. Bringing youth voices to the decision-making table is equally important to ensure that their voices are heard in decisions that affect them.

We’d like to hear your thoughts on the barriers that stand between young people and government collaboration. Also, what roles do you think young people should play in shaping, implementing, and keeping an eye on policies?

Md Abdullah Al Rahad

Tapashi Boruah thank you for your thoughtful response! I completely agree that empowering youth through capacity building, green jobs, and policy engagement is crucial for climate resilience.
•Barriers Between Youth and Government Collaboration:
Despite the growing awareness of climate issues, several barriers prevent effective collaboration between youth and the government:
1. Limited Access to Policy Platforms – Youth voices are often excluded from decision-making processes, with limited opportunities to engage with policymakers.
2. Lack of Institutional Support – There are few structured programs to integrate youth perspectives into climate governance.
3. Resource & Funding Constraints – Youth-led initiatives struggle with financial support, making it difficult to implement projects at scale.
4. Bureaucratic Challenges – Lengthy approval processes and political barriers make it hard for young people to influence policies.
5. Knowledge & Awareness Gaps – Many young people lack the technical knowledge needed to engage in high-level climate negotiations.
•Roles of Young People in Policy Engagement:To bridge this gap, youth should actively participate in:
1. Policy Advocacy & Campaigns – Engaging in dialogues, petitions, and awareness campaigns to push for climate-friendly policies.
2. Community-Based Monitoring – Tracking the effectiveness of climate projects and ensuring accountability at the grassroots level.
3. Innovation & Research – Conducting research on climate solutions and presenting youth-driven recommendations to policymakers.
4. Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships – Collaborating with government, NGOs, and private sectors to implement sustainable climate initiatives.
5. Capacity Building & Training – Developing leadership programs that equip young people with policy knowledge and negotiation skills.

I believe meaningful youth participation in policy design, implementation, and monitoring will lead to more effective and inclusive climate action. Looking forward to your thoughts!

Tapashi Boruah Moderator

Md Abdullah Al Rahad I appreciate your clear analysis of the barriers young people face in policy engagement and the important roles they can play.

Can you share a bit about your work with youth-led initiatives? We'd love to hear.

Md Abdullah Al Rahad

Tapashi Boruah Thank you for your interest! My work with SHBO (Service for Human Being Organization) and recent engagements in climate discussions have deepened my understanding of climate justice, policy advocacy, and youth participation.

My Work with SHBO & Climate Justice:SHBO is dedicated to climate justice and humanitarian response, ensuring that vulnerable communities affected by climate change receive the support and representation they deserve.

-We actively work on awareness campaigns, disaster preparedness, and advocacy for sustainable policies.

Recently, I conducted a field visit to Urirchar, Noakhali, where I documented issues like maternal health crises, climate-induced displacement, and agricultural challenges to advocate for targeted interventions.

SHBO also trains youth in climate resilience, green jobs, and disaster response, empowering them to lead change in their communities.

Youth4NDCs Workshop & Policy Engagement:

Beyond grassroots action, I also focus on policy-level discussions. I recently participated in a 5-day workshop with Youth4NDCs, where we:

Explored how Bangladesh can effectively implement its NDC commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Discussed expectations for COP30, analyzing what key climate negotiations could look like.

Focused on enhancing youth engagement in climate policymaking, ensuring young voices are included in decision-making processes.

Combining on-the-ground action with policy advocacy, I believe youth-led initiatives can drive meaningful climate solutions. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Tapashi Boruah Moderator

Md Abdullah Al Rahad , your work with SHBO and Youth4NDCs is truly inspiring. It’s amazing to see you making an impact both on the ground and in policy discussions. Keep it up!

Parth Bhatt Moderator

Great to know about your work Rahad! How well do you think that climate adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) are included in the NDCs in your country and region?

Md Abdullah Al Rahad

Parth Bhatt Thank you for your question! Climate adaptation and DRR are crucial components of Bangladesh’s NDCs, given the country’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters like floods, cyclones, and rising sea levels.
Inclusion of Climate Adaptation & DRR in Bangladesh’s NDC,
1. Climate Adaptation Strategies:
Bangladesh’s Updated NDC (2021) emphasizes adaptation alongside mitigation, recognizing that reducing emissions alone is not enough for a climate-vulnerable country.
Key adaptation priorities include climate-resilient agriculture, coastal embankment protection, saline-resistant crop development, and flood management.The NDC highlights the need for community-based adaptation programs that directly involve local populations in developing sustainable solutions.
2. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR):
Early warning systems and disaster preparedness training are included as essential DRR measures.

•The NDC integrates nature-based solutions such as mangrove restoration and watershed management to protect coastal areas from extreme weather events.
There is a focus on infrastructure resilience, ensuring that roads, houses, and cyclone shelters can withstand climate impacts.
Gaps & Areas for Improvement:
Financing & Implementation Challenges: While the NDC outlines ambitious adaptation plans, adequate funding and effective local-level implementation remain challenges.
Youth & Community Engagement: More structured mechanisms are needed to involve young people in DRR planning and execution.
Stronger Integration with Development Policies: DRR should be more deeply embedded into national economic and development strategies for long-term resilience.
•The Way Forward
Bangladesh has made significant progress in mainstreaming climate adaptation and DRR in its NDC, but stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration—including youth engagement, public-private partnerships, and international support—is essential to achieve its full potential.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Md Abdullah Al Rahad

Rahad, your insights are incredibly comprehensive. Thank you for highlighting both grassroots resilience and policy gaps. One key element I’d like to add is the creation of “Youth NDC Hubs” embedded in universities and rural colleges.

These hubs can serve as:
1. Community NDC literacy centers.
2. Local innovation incubators.
3. Monitoring stations for NDC implementation & impact.

We’re piloting a similar approach with digital support in underserved regions. Would love to exchange ideas with anyone working on youth institutions and formalized feedback systems! 🌍✨️

Tapashi Boruah Moderator

Dr. Anirudh Janagam your idea of creating Youth NDC Hubs in universities and local colleges is amazing. Would love to hear from you.

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Mulbah.@

I am the Founder of Consolidated Youth for Sustainable Development and a 2024 Climate Justice Activist. At the level of our organization, climate justice has been one of the key components of discussion.

Parth Bhatt Moderator

Thanks for sharing about your work! Could you please let us know what country you’re from?

Also, we would love to know more about the climate justice camp organized by your organization!

Talha Ikram Moderator

Hey Indrapramit Roy! Thank you for your greetings.
Could you please elaborate a bit more about your experience and the kind of projects you’ve been involved in? It would be really helpful and inspiring for all of us to learn from your journey!

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

Hello, Indrapramit Roy! Thank you for dropping by here. We would love to hear your concern on the current NDCs and how can we make improvements with the voices of youth. This will shed a light on us, especially on this year's NDC update! Thank you!

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riya Sethia

Hi everyone. This is Riya Sethia from India. I am a Climate Change and sustainability Professional working at the intersection of policy, strategy, planning, and implementation at the local, regional, and subnational levels.
I am a strong advocate and visionary who believes in the power of youth-led efforts, coordination, intergenerational cooperation, and active decision-making by youth groups for effective on-ground climate action.

Talha Ikram Moderator

Hi Riya! It’s great to have you here. Your experience and passion for youth-led climate action are truly inspiring. I’d love to hear more about how you’ve seen intergenerational collaboration work effectively in your projects. What kind of support or platforms do you think can strengthen youth involvement in decision-making, especially at the subnational level?

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Riya, your work on subnational implementation is so key. One suggestion I’d like to share is building "Climate Action Fellows" programs under city or panchayat governments, young people who serve as climate coordinators and NDC liaisons in local planning offices.

We’ve seen this model help scale decentralized implementation and connect policy to practice. Youth don’t just need a seat at the table, they need a formal role within the structure.

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

Hi, Riya! What a pleasure it is to have you here. Could you please share the best solution to enable intergenerational collaboration? What actions can youth take to ensure the effectiveness of participation and policing at the local, regional, and subnational levels?

Are there any inputs that you could give about this relating to the NDCs? Your voice will enlighten us all to ensure that youths have more participation in the NDCs. Thank you!

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Hi everyone!

I’m Dr. Anirudh Janagam(AJ) from India, a climate-health advocate, educator, and founder of SyntHeim (https://www.syntheim.com), a youth-led platform for AI-powered sustainability and community health.

I work across grassroots and global spaces, contributing to youth climate policy through YOUNGO, CYMG, and regional NDC forums. My focus: climate-health, tech for adaptation, youth policy, and just transitions.

Excited to learn, collaborate, and amplify youth action for a climate-resilient Asia-Pacific! 🌏✨️

Md Abdullah Al Rahad

Hi Dr. AJ! Your work at the intersection of climate, health, and technology is really fascinating. How do you see AI transforming grassroots climate-health adaptation in underserved communities across Asia-Pacific, and what role can youth play in making that transformation inclusive and impactful?

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Many NDCs in Asia-Pacific lack adequate integration of the health-climate nexus, especially mental health resilience, which youth face acutely post-disasters. Through community health drives and our AI-powered platform (SyntHeim), we've found that embedding climate stress response, mobile health units, and school-based psychosocial programs into adaptation plans strengthens real-world resilience.

Our generation needs NDCs that go beyond carbon and center human well-being, starting with the youngest. Would love to hear how others are addressing this!

Talha Ikram Moderator

Hi Dr. AJ! 👋

Thank you for sharing your powerful work and passion for climate-health integration. Your approach of embedding mobile health units and school-based psychosocial support into NDCs is incredibly impactful, especially given how often youth voices are overlooked in resilience planning.

I’m curious — how has your experience working with regional NDC forums shaped the way local governments respond to youth-led solutions in the climate-health space? Have you encountered any challenges in translating community-based insights, like those from SyntHeim, into formal NDC commitments?

Would love to hear how others are navigating this bridge between grassroots innovation and high-level climate policy! 🌱💬

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Talha Ikram
Thank you, Talha!

One big challenge is that youth-led climate-health solutions are often seen as “innovative” but not “institutional.”
In forums like APFSD and Youth4NDCs, we’ve found three key barriers:

1. Lack of localized health-climate data for policymaking
2. Disconnect between ministries (health, youth, climate rarely co-plan)
3. No formal youth roles in NDC implementation bodies

At SyntHeim, we’re piloting regional dashboards and co-designing with local officials to bridge this. But without structural inclusion.. like youth seats in climate-health task forces, scaling remains hard. (As usual.. 💁🏻‍♂️)

Would love to hear how others are converting community evidence into policy impact!

Talha Ikram Moderator

Dr. Anirudh Janagam Your work on piloting regional dashboards and co-designing with officials is such a promising model.

I’m wondering — in your experience, what strategies have helped gain the trust or buy-in of policymakers when it comes to youth-generated data and proposals? Have you found any particular formats or platforms that make it easier for community evidence to influence policy decisions?

Dr. Anirudh Janagam

Talha Ikram
Thanks, Talha, that’s such a crucial question!

In our experience, trust-building starts with packaging. Policymakers respond better when youth data is:

1. Localized (district-level dashboards or impact maps)
2. Visualized (infographics, heatmaps, short videos with real voices)
3. Linked to existing targets (SDG/NDC alignment makes it actionable)

One format that’s worked well for us is a “Community Climate Brief”, 2 pages combining citizen data, visuals, and 3 clear asks. We’ve used it in meetings with district officials and even shared it during side events at regional forums.

Youth voices are strongest when they’re seen as solutions, not just stories. Would love to hear if others have tried similar methods!

Talha Ikram Moderator

Dr. Anirudh Janagam
Your approach with the “Community Climate Brief” sounds incredibly strategic — especially the way it connects citizen evidence to existing national targets. It really shows how youth-led data can be both grounded and policy-relevant.

I’m curious — how do you gather and validate citizen data for these briefs, especially in regions where digital access or trust in institutions is low? Do you work with local youth networks, schools, or health centers to build that foundation?

Fayaz Gul Mazloum Yar

I’m truly honored to join this regional consultation. As a youth from Afghanistan, I see both challenges and opportunities in aligning our climate actions with youth priorities. Many young people in my country remain underrepresented in decision-making, and access to climate education and platforms is limited.
I believe we need more youth-centered outreach, capacity-building programs, and direct channels to connect youth voices with national climate decision-makers. I look forward to learning from others and sharing youth-led ideas and perspectives that could enhance Afghanistan's NDC implementation.
Fayaz Gul Mazloum Yar

Talha Ikram Moderator

Welcome, Fayaz! It's truly inspiring to hear your reflections and commitment to representing the voices of Afghan youth in climate discussions.

You’ve raised an important point about the gaps in climate education and decision-making spaces. Building youth-centred outreach and stronger channels for engagement is essential, especially in contexts where young people are navigating both environmental and socio-political challenges.

I’d love to hear more from you about what kind of capacity-building programs or outreach formats you think would resonate most with youth in Afghanistan? Are there local examples or ideas you think could be scaled or adapted to strengthen youth participation in the NDC process?

Salsalina Larasati Moderator

Hello, Fayaz! We’re happy to have you hear. We appreciate your evaluation on the need for channels in containing the aspiration of youth.

We’d love to explore this further with you. Is there any specific youth-led idea that you consider to be effective in amplifying the voices of youth in decision-making? If yes, in which specific field has it supported climate change mitigation?

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Prabina Raut

Greetings from Nepal! I’m Prabina Raut #Ecofly Environmentalist, an environmental advocate and one of the youth voices participating in this regional consultation. With a background in Environmental Sciences and hands-on experience in climate advocacy, and community-based environmental education, I’m passionate about promoting sustainability, environmental justice, and meaningful youth engagement in climate policy.

I’m glad to be part of the Youth4Climate Forum and contribute to this important dialogue on youth-driven NDCs. This is a unique opportunity for us to amplify local voices, especially those of youth, Indigenous communities, and underrepresented groups and ensure that our climate goals are not just ambitious, but also inclusive and just.

Let’s collaborate, co-create, and drive bold action for a greener, healthier, and more resilient future! 🌍🌱✊

Talha Ikram Moderator

Hi Prabina! 🌿 So wonderful to hear your voice from Nepal and the powerful work you're doing through #Ecofly! Your dedication to environmental justice and community-based education truly reflects the spirit of youth-led climate action that this space is all about.

I’d love to know more — based on your experiences in Nepal, what approaches have helped build trust and active participation from local or Indigenous communities in environmental education or advocacy? And how do you think those insights can inform national-level climate planning?

Siddharth Uttam

I’m Siddharth - an IIT Bombay grad working at the crossroads of climate, technology, and purpose. I’m currently building Neroex, a startup helping businesses reach net zero with AI-powered tools. Real impact happens when ambition meets awareness, and I’m chasing both. Outside of work, I’m drawn to deep conversations, quiet revolutions, and the kind of people who ask ‘why not’ instead of ‘why.’ What’s your story?

Talha Ikram Moderator

Hey Siddharth! Great to have you here — your journey at the intersection of climate, tech, and purpose sounds both dynamic and deeply intentional. Neroex seems like an exciting space, especially with the push for AI to accelerate corporate climate action.

I really appreciated your thought: “Real impact happens when ambition meets awareness.” It reflects a mindset that’s so needed in NDC implementation too — not just setting goals, but creating tools and systems that help us get there.

I’m curious — in your experience, how do you see startups like Neroex supporting or even shaping national climate commitments like NDCs? Are there ways you think AI-powered tools could be made more accessible for youth-led or community-based climate efforts?

Siddharth Uttam

Talha Ikram Hey Talha,

Thank you so much. I appreciate your words and the thoughtfulness in your question.

You’re right — NDCs are only as strong as the systems and tools backing them. Startups like NeroEx can play a catalytic role here, not by replacing top-down policy, but by enabling bottom-up momentum. Our goal is to make climate accountability measurable, actionable, and communicable for businesses of all sizes — because real progress happens when the private sector aligns with public goals.

As for youth-led or community-based efforts, I think AI tools can (and should) be demystified and decentralised. Whether it’s simplifying emissions tracking for local projects or helping grassroots teams communicate their impact better, we’re exploring ways to adapt our tools for accessibility. I would love to hear your thoughts too, especially about how we can bridge this tech community gap more meaningfully.

Let’s keep this conversation going!

Warmly,
Siddharth