SHAPE South Asia 2023
Global Shapers Community comes together to discuss Climate Resiliency at SHAPE South Asia 2023
Global Shapers Community Kathmandu, in collaboration with Ncell Axiata Limited (Ncell), is hosting SHAPE South Asia at Hotel Himalaya, Lalitpur, from 19 to 21 May 2023.
The three-day conference will bring together over 100+ youth leaders from 14 countries in both South Asia and across the globe under the theme “Shaping Climate Resiliency towards a Great Himalayan Future for All.” Attendees will share innovative and scalable climate solutions while immersing themselves in Nepali culture and heritage.
An advocacy paper that brings together voices of youth and organizations working on climate change from across the region, developing new city-based projects, and launching a climate change pledge signed by the Nepali private sector are some of the key sessions planned at SHAPE South Asia 2023. Attendees will also reflect on climate change using different lenses, from urban politics to entrepreneurship.
Ncell, under its Corporate Social Responsibility, is supporting SHAPE South Asia 2023 as the critical partner. CEO of Ncell Jabbor Kayumov shared his thoughts, “Aligned with a broader strategic framework of the Axiata Group, at Ncell, we embrace Environment Social and Governance (ESG) principles and are committed to driving impactful initiatives to create long-term value for our business and Nepali community at large. Ncell is pleased to collaborate with Global Shapers Community Kathmandu for this purposeful initiative to foster collaborative efforts towards climate resilience, keeping momentum on climate action efforts where the planet and our business can collectively thrive.”
In anticipation of the event, the Global Shapers Community Kathmandu has initiated green initiatives across the country. Keshav Sarawagi, a fellow member, emphasizes their commitment to a sustainable future by stating, “Initiating our path towards a sustainable future, we are planting trees in Nepal’s industrial and private sector zones. By fostering nature in these crucial areas, we sow the seeds of sustainability, cultivating a thriving environment for future generations.”
Saurabh Shah, the curator, expresses excitement for the upcoming conference, stating, “SHAPE South Asia represents a call for action by youth to bring climate resiliency to the forefront of our collective regional priority. We will launch an advocacy paper developed by youth and a climate change pledge signed by the Nepali private sector to provide a roadmap towards a more climate resilient South Asia for future generations.”
Global Shapers Community Kathmandu is glad to collaborate with private sector organizations, industry leaders, and local and international organizations. Key sponsors of the event are Ncell, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), SecurityPal, Coca-Cola, NIBL Ace Capital, Nabil Bank, and ICIMOD. The event has also received technical support from organizations such as Climate Reality Team and Young Global Leaders (Nepal) to design its sessions.
Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF), consists of youth leaders from diverse sectors who work together to create a positive impact through more than 450 city-based hubs worldwide. SHAPE South Asia 2023 is a regional event organized by and for the Shapers, with support from the broader global community, which exemplifies the call for South Asian youth leaders to unite in envisioning a sustainable future amidst climate change.
Written by Saurav Thapa Shrestha, Communications Lead, 2022/23
