Story Cycle

We successfully concluded the Youth and Climate 2024, which brought together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to explore creative green economy initiatives and youth leadership in climate action. Through a series of activities, participants engaged in meaningful conversations addressing climate change-related challenges and opportunities. The program provided a valuable platform for showcasing how youth—through innovation, advocacy, and action—respond to the climate emergency.

The activities united thought leaders, artists, activists, community members, academicians, educators, and youth innovators to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability, contributing to a greener future.

Organised in collaboration with a consortium of UK and Nepal partners, the project activities, held between 3 and 10 June, included:

A one-day symposium on the creative green economy and climate action
A week-long exhibition that showcased creative green projects
An interactive talk programme focused on material culture
Workshops and masterclasses for students and creative professionals

Symposium on creative green economy and climate action

Venue: Hyatt Regency, Boudha Date: 4 June 2024 | 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM The Symposium on Creative Green Economy and Climate Action brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society leaders, organizations, academicians, educators, creative professionals, activists, and entrepreneurs. The event facilitated engaging discussions on the role of creativity and innovation in fostering a sustainable green economy and empowering youth leadership in climate action. The program featured: Media showcases highlighting innovative green projects Panel discussions with experts and thought leaders Paper presentations by academicians, researchers, and youth contributors Curated by Story Cycle, the symposium was supported by esteemed partners, including Nepal Art Village, Kathmandu University, Applied Arts Scotland, and Edinburgh Napier University. The event served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and actionable insights toward a sustainable future.

Exhibition of innovative green projects

Venue: Taragaon Museum, Boudha Date: 4 June – 10 June 2024 The Exhibition of Innovative Green Projects showcased an inspiring collection of works created by In Our Hands grantees over the past three years. The exhibition highlighted the creativity, innovation, and dedication of individuals and groups working towards sustainable solutions and a greener future. Curated by Kathmandu University, Center for Art and Design, the exhibition provided a platform for sharing innovative ideas, fostering dialogue, and celebrating the impactful contributions of grantees in addressing environmental challenges.

Interactive talk on material culture/Workshops and masterclasses for students and professionals

5 June | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Taragaon Next, Boudha Materials play a key role in any economy. For Nepal, investing for a greener future meant rethinking our material culture and encouraging innovation. The program featured a presentation on the Material Database by Story Cycle.

In Our Hands

In Our Hands was a youth entrepreneurship programme that aimed to build capacity and provide resources, platforms, and connections to help develop a creative green economy in Nepal to advance its long-term climate goals. It comprised a series of workshops that included mentoring sessions, a pitching and networking event, a grant, and a final showcase of opportunities.

About ‘In Our Hand’

Facilitators & Mentors

In Our Hands Resources

Past Grantees – 2021

Past Grantees – 2022

Past Grantees – 2023

‘In Our Hands’ is delivered through Nepal-UK partnerships. Experts in contemporary crafts and design, circular economy, heritage conservation and environmental sustainability from UK and Nepal will be working together to design workshops for building the capacity of Nepali Entrepreneurs.

In Our Hands was British Council’s Culture Responds programme that supported youth entrepreneurs working at the intersections of Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage. It was delivered by an international consortium of partners/experts, including Kathmandu University, Nepal Art Village, Story Cycle in Nepal, and Applied Arts Scotland, along with Creative Informatics Lab, Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland. It was supported by the National Innovation Centre Nepal. This call was part of the third iteration of the programme.