‘Learning and Living Our Elders’ Wisdom: Youth Power for Land, Forests, and Territories in Asia’ – youth report now available in Nepali

The Nepali version of ‘Learning and Living Our Elders’ Wisdom: Youth Power for Land, Forests, and Territories in Asia’, a Rights and Resources Initiative publication co-authored by RECOFTC, was launched in Nepal on 4 July 2024. 

The report, originally published in English, was co-authored by 16 organizations working across Asia. Representatives from all co-author organizations, including Indigenous youth leaders and activists, were present in Kathmandu, Nepal for the launch of the translation. 

In the Nepali context, the report details the experiences of the country’s youth in relation to land rights and economic opportunities and illustrates how young leaders can advocate for collective land rights. 
Speaking at the event, Susmita Satyal from RECOFTC Nepal noted that as future leaders, youth require proper guidance to channel their transformative energy. Highlighting RECOFTC’s role, she said, “Our active engagement with youth from the forestry sector, including the support we provide through gender sensitization and leadership development activities is essential.” 

Fellow co-authors also discussed their countries’ youth’s relationships with land and forests in the context of economic and social influences. Following the official launch, a ‘colorful creations’ session allowed participants the opportunity to use art and self-expression to delve into the five principles outlined in the report:

• Youth organizing is always intergenerational
• Leaders create more leaders
• Youth learn by leading and allies lead by trusting them
• Youth safety is a shared duty
• Solidarity is sacred 

Youth participants from RECOFTC, notably from the Gender in Academia program, and gender leaders from the Grassroots Gender Leadership Development program actively engaged in the session. 

The artwork that won first place illustrated the principle of ‘Youth learn by leading and allies lead by trusting them’. It highlighted the intergenerational dynamics of youth organizing. While the work had initially featured male characters, it was later revised to include female characters with inclusivity and associated impacts in mind.

The event also featured a ‘collaborative pods’ session that invited group discussion, dialogue and sharing. The participants were divided into groups to discuss five distinct themes – Indigenous knowledge, land, leadership, climate action and solidarity. 

The discussions allowed participants to share their experiences and fostered cross-learning and growth. “I was deeply inspired by the diverse youth groups of Nepal – both from Indigenous and local communities, and from forestry groups,” said Archana Soreng from the Rights and Resource Initiative. “The sense of togetherness and eagerness to understand and support one another is truly moving.” 

The launch event highlighted the growing recognition and importance of youth voices in shaping policies concerning land, forests and territories in Asia. By bringing youth from Indigenous communities from across the continent together, it also served as a networking opportunity. 

First launched in October 2023, the youth report illustrates how building strong intergenerational bonds within communities, cultures and ecological contexts enables young people to become self-motivated defenders of their collective rights. 

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RECOFTC’s work is made possible with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Government of Sweden.