South Asia's distinct and diversified territory, which includes the world's highest mountain ranges and coastal waterways, has been shaped by the indigenous population's distinct cultures interlaced with the environment. However, due to its high population density, agriculture-based economy, industries, glacial landscapes, and low-lying coastal areas, South Asia is extremely sensitive to the effects of climate change. The Advocacy Paper addresses the primary climate threats outlined by the IPCC and the World Economic Forum and proposes a guiding framework for promoting community climate resilience.

The paper focuses on two essential questions:

1. The important climate change and climate resilience priorities that South Asian youth must jointly campaign for


2. How South Asian Global Shapers can inspire collaborative action.

The paper emphasizes critical environmental issues such as pollution, land mismanagement, water scarcity, agricultural land loss, and deforestation, as well as socioeconomic priorities like gender equality, food security, poverty eradication, and employment. It reiterates the need of South Asian youth and the Global Shapers Community advocating for strong climate coalitions and collaborating with national governments, regional organizations, business entities, and other stakeholders to develop climate resilient solutions. Early warning systems for floods and landslides, disaster risk reduction, emergency response, sustainable urban design, green spaces, flood-resilient roads, disaster-resilient housing, and sustainable land-use practices are among these initiatives.   

The paper also emphasizes the significance of developing sustainable tourism, forest management approaches, proper weather forecasting technologies, farmer capacity building, sustainable water management practices, and access to climate-resilient crops. Finally, creating climate resilience in South Asia involves coordinated efforts by South Asian youth and the Global Shapers Community to reshape and sustain development through campaigning, awareness-raising, resource mobilization, solution sharing, and progress monitoring.