South Asian Youth for SDG - SAYS

04/05/2026

On 30th April 2026, the team of South Asian Youth for SDGs, in collaboration with Climate Action Nepal, organized a riverside clean-up initiative at Chitrasari, Chitwan

What made this effort truly meaningful was the active participation of local community members coming together not just for a cleaner environment, but for a shared purpose.

Mr. Jonas Nitschke, Advisor of SAYS, delivered a keynote address on behalf of KAS Political Dialogue Asia, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in both local and global contexts. Mr. Ujjwal Upadhyay, Advisor of SAYS, highlighted how small actions like this can spark larger changes by building awareness around waste management within communities.

Mr. Aaditya Gautam, Vice President of SAYS Nepal chapter thanked the participants for engaging and hoped for better community participation in the coming days.

This clean-up was more than just an environmental activity it was about fostering community bonding, exchanging ideas, and nurturing a collective vision for a sustainable future.

Because tackling climate change and waste management isn't an individual effort-it takes a community.

29/04/2026

South Asian Youth for SDGs (SAYS) in cooperation with KAS Political Dialogue Asia today visited Shree Secondary School Chitrasar facilitating the preparation and formation of a Climate Smart Club. Building on this initiative, SAYS is set to launch another Climate Smart Club in Chitwan, Nepal tomorrow 30th April,2026 in a region uniquely situated amidst rich biodiversity and close proximity to wildlife habitats.

Given Chitwan’s growing prominence as an crucial hub for biodiversity and disaster risk management due to Chitwan National Park, the initiative will focus on equipping students with an understanding of sustainable disaster management practices and the impacts of climate change on both local ecosystems and livelihoods. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will be trained to think critically about balancing environmental conservation and disaster management.

Over the coming days, the SAYS team will also actively engage with the broader community participating in programs and schedules, observing and talking with the local government stakeholders to understand their governance and processes, and interacting with residents. These engagements aim to deepen their understanding of grassroots challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the Climate Smart Clubs are not only educational spaces but also catalysts for community-driven climate action.

The initiative reflects the continued commitment by SAYS and KAS to empowering young people in the region with the knowledge, skills, and agency to become climate-conscious leaders and participate in the political processes within their communities in Nepal, Bangladesh and India.
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Political Dialogue Asia

26/04/2026

Challenge 🌍💧
Reimagining Florence with climate solutions from South Asia.

Florence is a historic city, but it faces growing climate challenges. The Arno River has flooded before especially during the 1966 Flood of the Arno and rising temperatures and irregular rainfall continue to affect the city today. 🌦️

Looking at countries like Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, we find practical ideas. Improving drainage and using rainwater harvesting can help manage floods. Adding more trees and rooftop gardens can reduce heat. Creating small green spaces can protect biodiversity, and supporting local markets like Mercato Centrale can strengthen the food system. 🌿🍅

These solutions are simple but effective. Better drainage and water storage reduce flood risk while reusing water. Green spaces cool the city and improve air quality. Supporting local food reduces transport and helps farmers. All of this can be done while preserving landmarks like Florence Cathedral. 🏛️

🔍 Key takeaway:
Cities can learn from each other. Small, practical changes can build a more resilient and sustainable future. 🌱

🌍 💧 🏙️

20/04/2026

Challenge 🚶‍♂️🌍
Exploring Florence offered a new perspective on how cities influence the way we move.

In Florence, walking felt natural. The city is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and designed for people. From Piazza del Duomo to Ponte Vecchio, everything is within walking distance. With limited car access and strong public transport options, walking isn’t just possible—it’s the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around. 🚶‍♀️🚲

In contrast, many South Asian cities are more spread out. Heavy traffic, limited sidewalks, and safety concerns make walking less practical. Public transport can be crowded or unpredictable, so people often rely on motorbikes, rickshaws, or cars. Here, walking is often a necessity, not a choice. 🚗

🔍 Key takeaway:
Urban design shapes daily habits. Cities that prioritize people over vehicles make sustainable choices like walking easier, reducing carbon emissions while improving everyday life. 🌱

🚶‍♂️ 🏙️ 🌱

14/04/2026

14/04/2026

Challenge
We visited Mercato Centrale in Florence and explored how food connects to sustainability. From fresh pasta like spaghetti marinara, tortellini, and pesto ravioli to plant-based sauces, we saw how local sourcing plays a key role.

Ingredients like basil, garlic, and olive oil come from the Tuscan countryside, reducing transport and supporting local farmers while some elements like tomatoes and grains are sourced regionally. It’s a balanced, thoughtful food system rooted in what grows locally.

This reminded us of South Asia’s bazaars (markets) , where farmers bring seasonal produce directly to communities.

A simple takeaway: choose local and seasonal. Small food choices can make a big difference.

08/04/2026

Challenge | Arno River, Florence 💧

At the Arno River, we observed how Florence has adapted after the devastating 1966 flood through higher protective walls and thoughtful urban planning. The clear gap between the river and residential areas, with roads in between, reflects an effort to reduce potential damage.

What stood out most was the importance of communication. During the 1966 flood, lack of timely information worsened the crisis. Today, systems like orange zones (limited movement) and red zones (strict restrictions) help improve preparedness and safety.

In our understanding, floods don’t just destroy homes they disrupt livelihoods, economies, and even cultural heritage. In a city like Florence, the loss would go far beyond infrastructure.

A reminder that resilience is not just about barriers, but also planning and people.

01/04/2026

Challenge🌳🧊 Cool City Hunt

Kicked off our first day at Florence with an exciting challenge given by KAS: Exploring Florence through the lens of climate resilience and urban cooling.

One of our observations was how many buildings in Florence are constructed using stone. Thanks to its high thermal mass, stone takes longer to heat up and retains warmth, which helps keep buildings cool during summer and warm during winter , a simple yet effective climate-responsive design.

We also noticed several natural cooling spaces across the city. Gardens and shaded areas provide a comfortable escape during warmer hours, while a few streets lined with trees contribute to lowering urban heat. Some notable places that reflect these strategies include Piazza della Signoria, Rose Garden Florence, Arno River, L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Comparing this with South Asia, cities in Nepal also reflect similar cooling strategies despite their different geography and climate. Heritage areas like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Kathmandu Durbar Square are built extensively with stones, including streets and public spaces. Tree-lined roads and large shaded squares are common, offering people relief from the heat .

And also most houses from the places we come from are surrounded by trees and greenery, these spaces naturally remain cooler during the summer, showing how local knowledge and nature-based solutions have always played a role in climate adaptation.

This challenge made us realize that while contexts differ, the idea of using natural materials and green spaces to combat heat is universal and something we can continue learning from across regions.

27/03/2026

On the final day of the training at the Europass Teacher Academy in Florence, we explored critical topics such as greenwashing and fast fashion, reflecting on their impact on sustainability and consumer awareness. The program concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, marking the end of an enriching learning experience.

One of the most valuable aspects of this course was the opportunity to connect with teachers from across Europe, exchange perspectives, and learn from diverse experiences.

In essence, this short training program not only deepened our understanding of widely discussed concepts but also created a space to engage, reflect, and share ideas for a more sustainable future.
Europass Teacher Academy Kasturi Mijar Meneno Terhüja Moxada Tuladhar Aaditya Gautam Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Political Dialogue Asia