Youth issues on disaster risk reduction at national symposium

By: Phurba Sange Moktan

Youths shared ideas, opinions and experiences on the issues of youths on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at National symposium held on Kathmandu.

As a part of International Disaster Risk Reduction Day-11 (IDRR-11), national symposium entitled, “Importance of participation of Youths and Children in DRR in Nepal” was conducted at Kathmandu on October 13 with the joint effort of various youth organizations and other stakeholders where “paschim paaila” was one of them. The symposium basically focused on the issues of Youths and children and their role on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) which is definitely an issue for consideration.

“paschim paaila”, being a youth network on Environmental health and Disaster, also utilized the platform for sharing some thoughtful learning and youth initiatives regarding “youths’ issues and  role on Disaster/Emergencies”. Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan presented a paper on behalf of “paschim paaila” combined with Mr. Brabim KC, AYON on the topic entitled, “Youth, Youth policies in Nepal and Youth Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction”. Also, the remaining three papers were presented by the expert from UNICEF, NRCS and Department of Mines and Geology, GoN.

Around 100 participants were participated on the symposium in which more than 60 percent participants were youths. Similarly, remarkable participation from children could be seen on the symposium along with the professionals. Finally, a youth declaration on DRR was made after the group discussion with the participation of youths and children and the symposium was concluded.