The second International Climate Camp 2026 officially began in Nepal on Tuesday, bringing together more than 150 young climate activists, researchers, students and environmental advocates from across South Asia to promote regional collaboration on climate action and sustainable development.
The five-day camp, running from July 7-11 across Kathmandu and Pokhara, has attracted participants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and other South Asian countries.
The event is jointly organized by the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) at Brac University, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, the Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), Land Our Future Nepal, the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), and Mission Green Bangladesh, with support from several universities, research institutions, development organizations and climate networks.
The camp formally opened Tuesday evening with an inaugural ceremony at Walnut Bistro in Kathmandu.
The event was attended by Nepalese government ministers, members of parliament, Bangladesh's Ambassador to Nepal, university vice-chancellors, climate experts and representatives of development organizations.
Speakers highlighted the importance of stronger regional cooperation, youth leadership and a just energy transition to address the growing impacts of climate change. They stressed that cross-border collaboration and active youth participation are essential for tackling the global climate crisis.
Addressing the inauguration as chief guest, Nepal's Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Environment Gita Chaudhary said climate-vulnerable countries have the right to demand support from developed nations.
"Seeking cooperation from the developed world to tackle the climate crisis is not begging; it is our right. They are polluting and putting us in peril, so they must pay the compensation," she said.
She also emphasized the need for unity among climate-affected countries, saying regional platforms such as the climate camp can strengthen solidarity.
Dr Arjun Karki, member of Nepal's Parliament and chairman of APMDD, said no country can confront the climate crisis alone.
"We must counter the damages of climate change through collective effort. This mission becomes much easier through regional cooperation. It is our shared responsibility to drive this forward via investments, knowledge exchange and mutual assistance," he said.
Bangladesh's Ambassador to Nepal Shafiqur Rahman said climate change has become a daily reality for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.
"Overcoming this climate onslaught now requires capacity building, synchronized action, and the exchange of data and technology. Gatherings of this nature create opportunities to build those capacities and strengthen regional cooperation," he said.
Throughout the five-day program, participants will attend sessions on climate science, leadership development, community-based adaptation, environmental education and policy dialogue, alongside field visits and experience-sharing activities.
The program also includes nature-based and cultural activities, including visits to Sarangkot, Phewa Lake, the Trishuli River region and local sustainable development initiatives.
Organizers said the camp aims to build a strong regional network of young climate leaders and enhance participants' capacity to contribute to climate adaptation and sustainable development efforts in their respective countries.
The inaugural International Climate Camp was held in Nepal in July 2025, bringing together more than 100 climate activists from across South Asia.
