Mr. Sagar Budha, 20under20, Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2023 and a young Environmental Advocate Tackling Climate and Mental Health Challenges in Nepal. He is an 18-year-old Environmental Engineering student from Karnali Province. He embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation as he tackles pressing environmental and social issues. From leading grassroots movements to engaging in digital activism, Sagar’s work is making a meaningful impact on both his community and the broader Nepali youth population.
His Work,
As the Campaign Coordinator for the Clean and Green Surkhet initiative, he has contributed to planting over 30,000 trees and organizing more than 100 weeks of community clean-up campaigns. This initiative not only enhances local biodiversity but also educates community members on sustainable living practices. His commitment to spreading environmental awareness extends to local schools, where he conducts workshops on the “3Rs”—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—reaching over 20 schools in Surkhet to foster eco-friendly habits in young people. Additionally, as president of The Odyssey Students, he empowers young people in his community, inspiring them to engage in meaningful advocacy and educational projects.
In addition to his hands-on environmental work, Sagar has developed an environmental monitoring system that detects air quality and sends alert messages to the community. By publicly demonstrating this innovative system, he raises awareness about air pollution and promotes healthier living practices. His technological approach to environmental advocacy is further highlighted through his role as a UN online volunteer, where he shares valuable resources on climate change.
Sagar’s environmental advocacy has also garnered international recognition. As a member of the Youth Empowerment in Climate Action Platform (YECAP) Shakers Fellowship Programme, he is currently undergoing a three-month training that equips youth leaders in the Asia-Pacific with skills to drive climate action. Beyond environmental concerns, he is also dedicated to addressing the mental health impacts of climate change through the Chinta Chetana project, which focuses on helping young people manage climate anxiety. This initiative reflects his holistic approach to climate action, recognizing that mental health is an essential aspect of resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
As a third-cohort member of the Youth Sounding Board for the European Union Delegation in Nepal, he brings youth perspectives to policy discussions on climate action, sustainable development, and social equity. His involvement with the EU Youth Sounding Board enables him to represent Nepali youth on an international stage, advocating for policies that promote environmental health and social justice.
Sagar’s work also extends to community health and disaster response as a board member of Future Nepal. Through this organization, his team organized free health check-ups across Karnali Province and led relief efforts by distributing essential supplies to communities affected by natural disasters. Additionally, their efforts to foster cultural pride through the Karnali Literature Festival highlight their commitment to preserving and celebrating local heritage.
A recipient of the Glocal Teen Hero award in 2023, he continues to inspire his peers with his unwavering dedication to positive change. His weekly climate change newsletter further amplifies his impact by providing timely updates and actionable insights, extending his message far beyond his local community.
In every role he takes on, he demonstrates that youth-driven initiatives can inspire and create lasting impact. Through a unique blend of environmental, social, and digital activism, he is paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future in Nepal and beyond.
We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and continued success in all his professional pursuits.