Nepali climate activist Atal Dev Dhakal wins Glocal Teen Hero South Asia 2026 title

KATHMANDU: Atal Dev Dhakal, a Nepali climate activist, won the first-ever Golchha Group presents South Asian Glocal Teen Hero 2026 at the grand finale held in Lalitpur, on Tuesday. The regional event brought together five nations — Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh — to honour teenage changemakers.

Dhakal, who leads the 'Mountains and Glaciers Working Group within YOUNGO', secured the award for his work on climate finance, environmental justice and youth policy development. His initiatives include establishing climate policy frameworks and creating a network aiming to amplify '100,000 youth voices ahead of COP31'.

The ceremony also recognised four national winners alongside Dhakal. From Bangladesh, Munazia Snigdha Moon, 18, was honoured for founding the Survivor's Path safety app and the Mon Barta 24/7 Mental Health Helpline. From Bhutan, Ugyen Tsheden Tobgay, 14, was recognised for work as a youth campaigner, media presenter and volunteer with the World Food Programme and UN youth platforms. From India, Raghul R, 19, from Tamil Nadu, was acknowledged as founder of SheSphere, a wearable technological safety solution for women. From Sri Lanka, Mohamed Amazir Mohamed Amanath, 17, was celebrated as an astronomy educator, founder of Nebula Nova Academy and a researcher in dengue risk mapping.

The event began with an instrumental rendition of 'Pankha Fijai', followed by the national anthem and a minute's silence for flood victims. 

Birat Singh Thakuri, Corporate Manager of organiser Glocal, welcomed diplomats, corporate leaders and delegates. He said, "Every year, we watch teenagers across South Asia move from being passive observers to becoming active changemakers who are solving real problems in their own communities. Tonight is a celebration of exactly that shift.

Representing the title sponsor, Seema Golchha of Golchha Group said, "Investing in the untapped potential of today's youth is how we build a sustainable and prosperous South Asia. These young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are already leading today."

Diplomatic attendees included Md. Showeb Abdullah, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Nepal; Ruwanthi Delpitiya, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal; and Dorje Gyaltsen Lama, Honorary Consul of Bhutan in Nepal. During the ceremony, the Alumni Excellence Award was presented to Ashish Panthi.

UNESCO representative Jaco Du Toit delivered the jury address, saying, "What struck the jury most was not just the ambition of these projects, but how directly they responded to the lived realities of their communities. This is what youth-led change looks like when it is given room to grow."

Addressing the audience, Saurabh Jyoti, Director of Padma Jyoti Group, reflected on the initiative's 12-year history. He said, "When five nations bring their brightest young minds together on one stage, it reminds us that the future of South Asia will be built through collaboration, shared understanding and collective ambition."

Asish Thakur, CEO and Chairman of Glocal, said, "GTH is not simply a platform that celebrates young achievers; it is a movement that gives young people the confidence, connections and opportunities to shape the future. When we invest in their ideas today, we invest in a stronger South Asia tomorrow. Twelve years ago, this began as one valley's effort to recognise its own young people. Tonight, five nations stand on one stage, and that tells you everything about where this movement is headed."

Closing the event, Kajol Jha, Managing Director of Glocal, delivered a vote of thanks. She said, "We are deeply grateful to all our partners and well-wishers whose trust, support and collaboration have helped us empower young talents and bring this journey to life. This journey is not the achievement of one organisation alone, but the result of a shared effort and collective commitment."

First launched in 2015 within Kathmandu Valley, Glocal Teen Hero has expanded across the region over the past 12 years to highlight youth leadership beyond academic metrics. The 2026 event was supported by an alliance of international agencies, diplomatic missions and corporate partners.