July 10, 2026 | Pokhara-30, Kaski |
A Regional Platform for Youth Empowerment, Sustainability Action, and Cross-Border Collaboration
Pokhara University successfully hosted the 2nd International Climate Camp (In the Heart of Himalayas) on 9 July 2026, as part of the week-long program from 7–11 July in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Organized in partnership with C3ER–BRAC University, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and Mission Green Bangladesh, along with various organizing partners from Nepal and Bangladesh, the camp has emerged as a flagship immersive platform designed to empower youth, environmental leaders, researchers, and climate advocates from South Asia through real-world sustainability action, leadership development, and cross-border collaboration. The camp formally opened on 7 July with an inaugural ceremony in Kathmandu, attended by Nepalese government ministers, members of parliament, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, climate experts, and representatives of development organizations.
On Day 3 (9 July), Pokhara University, as one of the organizing partners, hosted the conference sessions of the camp at the Central Office Hall. The program began with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Binay Kumar Mishra, School Director of the School of Engineering, Pokhara University, who emphasized the importance of engineering innovation in advancing climate solutions. The full-day program featured Climate Spark Sessions, a Plenary Session on Climate Action in the Himalayas and Beyond, and panel discussions with regional and international experts.
Pokhara University’s faculty members played an active role in the discussions. Faculty members Dr. Arjun Thapa and Dr. Rishikesh Pandey contributed as panelists, engaging in critical dialogues on sustainability and climate resilience. Similarly, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deepanjal Shrestha, Executive Director of the International Relations Center, also presented an overview of the University’s academic initiatives and institutional activities, further highlighting Pokhara University’s leadership in climate-focused academic collaboration. The sessions were enriched by the presence of high-level officials from universities in Bangladesh, including Dr. Sharif Nafe As-Saber, Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh, alongside academicians from across the globe.
Pokhara University students volunteered throughout the day, ensuring smooth facilitation of the camp. The closing remarks were delivered by Prof. Rajesh Kumar Thagurathi, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Pokhara University, followed by a tree plantation program at the University’s Central Office premises, underscoring collective commitment to sustainability.
The camp brought together over 200 participants from countries including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, alongside Nepalese youth and scholars, making it a regional platform for climate action. Hosting such a large-scale international climate program at Pokhara University underscored the institution’s growing role as a hub for academic collaboration, youth engagement, and sustainability leadership in South Asia.
