ADB–CDIA Engages Youth in Ecological Preservation and Development-Oriented Careers
March 30, 2026
On 6 February, ADB–CDIA organized two youth-focused activities with 32 engineering and architecture students from Tribhuvan University’s Institute of Engineering in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Urban Walk and Career Talks in Development aimed to raise awareness of environmental and ecological conservation and explore career opportunities in the water and urban development field.
The students visited two former dumpsites transformed into urban forests and parks by Lily Leaves, a local NGO promoting community-based reforestation. Through a plant bingo game, the students discovered the ecological value of native species. Two botanical experts from the Pipal Tree Foundation enriched the discussions with insights on the value of urban greening and environmental conservation. Inspired by the Urban Walk, two students volunteered to lead seedling collections for future restoration activities.
“I have learned about the native plants and how they are necessary for urban design,” said Ritika Yadav, an architecture student. “All these kinds of things we used to study in the courses, but seeing them used in practical day-to-day work is really important,” she added.
The same students joined dialogues with four young professionals who shared practical insights into careers in development in Nepal and abroad. Shaoib Salik and Subrat Dixit from ADB’s Young Experts Program were joined by UNDP’s Binita Karki and Suran Maharjan. Together, the young experts encouraged the students to be open to career opportunities in development and continue expanding their knowledge and skills. They also highlighted taking advantage of social media, such as LinkedIn, to build their network and stay updated on trends and development issues in Nepal and abroad.
These youth engagement activities were conducted in conjunction with the final consultation workshop for the Kathmandu Valley Ecological Urban Renewal (KEUR) Project. Supported by CDIA through a project preparation study, KEUR aims to enhance the ecological balance and urban livability in the Kathmandu Valley.
Amid rapid urbanization, pollution, flooding, and loss of green spaces in the valley, the activities reminded the youth of their role in shaping a more sustainable urban future and the concrete actions they can pursue to preserve their ecological assets.
“Through these initiatives, we get to know that the environment is to be taken side by side with development,” said Aastha Sharma, an architecture student. “We can be leaders in making our environment a better place. I really hope that Kathmandu Valley, once disliked for being polluted, will be visited for the beautiful scenery and riverside corridors. People will be there for walks, and people will go there to actually enjoy the urban forest in the future,” she added.
Related story: ADB–CDIA Completes the Kathmandu Valley Ecological Urban Renewal Project Preparation with Stakeholder Consultations
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Urban Walk:
Career Talks in Development:
