Kathmandu, August 22, 2025 — In celebration of 20 years of excellence in education, Ullens Education Foundation (UEF) partnered with Banepa Municipality to host a Mega Tree Plantation Program in Nala, Kavrepalanchowk on Friday, August 22. Approximately 10,000 saplings were planted across public land in the Kashi Bhanjyang area of Ward No. 3, Banepa, and on 400 ropani of private land owned by UEF. This large-scale initiative marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s ongoing efforts toward environmental conservation and climate resilience.
The event was graced by the Honorable Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, as Chief Guest, and chaired by Mr. Shanti Ratna Shakya, Mayor of Banepa Municipality. Special guests included Honorable Mr. Ramnath Adhikari, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development; Honorable Mr. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister for Forests and Environment; and Honorable Mr. Kanchan Chandra Bade, Social Development Minister of Bagmati Province. Senior government officials, representatives from climate-focused organizations, and over 1000 individuals including students, teachers, and staff from Ullens School actively participated in the plantation drive.
The Mega Tree Plantation Program aligns with the 20-Year Sagarmatha Tree Plantation Mega Campaign initiated by the Government of Nepal. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the escalating risks of climate change while fostering environmental stewardship among young learners through experiential education. More than 700 students from Ullens School engaged directly with nature and climate action during the event. Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Honorable Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized the vital role of youth in environmental advocacy. She stated: “The only thing we can truly hand over to the next generation is our Earth. Therefore, conserving it is a shared responsibility. Our future generations should be able to see blue skies when they open their windows, just as we do. They should be able to experience seasonal changes like rainfall and snowfall. If we don’t protect what we have, they won’t be able to witness this beauty. Involving young people in environmental conservation is the best way to teach them their responsibility toward nature.”
Dr. Deuba also highlighted the Government of Nepal’s significant commitments to tree planting and climate action. She noted: “The Government of Nepal has made major pledges in the fight against climate change, including large-scale tree plantation efforts. However, the government is still in the process of establishing frameworks for carbon credits and accessing loss and damage funds. Activities like this campaign help build pressure and encourage accountability for protecting our environment and securing our children’s future.” The Honorable Mr. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister for Forests and Environment, emphasized Nepal’s international commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in fulfilling this goal and stated: “This is a very important step in supporting the government’s efforts. The government alone cannot fulfill the commitment of the mega tree plantation campaign set forth by Sagarmatha Sambad, we need support from everyone. On behalf of the Government of Nepal, I would like to thank Ullens Education Foundation for this initiative. We are vividly experiencing the impacts of climate change in Nepal, and it is our responsibility to take immediate action. The best way to safeguard the future is by involving young minds in its preservation and making them accountable for the environment.”
Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, Trustee of Ullens Education Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability: “Ullens Education Foundation proudly supports the Government of Nepal’s efforts to generate moment for immediate climate action. Through this Mega Tree Plantation program with Banepa Municipality, we are honored to advance the ambition of the 20-Year Sagarmatha Tree Plantation Mega Campaign set forth by Sagarmatha Sambad. By participating in this campaign, we contribute to a collective effort that goes beyond tree planting, we nurture awareness, solidarity and action to address the challenges of climate change.”
Concluding the four-hour event, Mayor Shanti Ratna Shakya highlighted the importance of early engagement in climate discourse: “It’s inspiring to see so many young people taking meaningful action for our environment. Through our partnership with Ullens Education Foundation, we are proud to support both the Government of Nepal and the next generation in working toward a shared vision—a greener, more prosperous Nepal. We look forward to Ullens Education Foundation expanding its educational programs in Kavre, which will help establish the district as an educational hub.” The planted saplings will be jointly monitored and protected by Banepa Municipality and Ullens Education Foundation to ensure long-term sustainability.
About Ullens Education Foundation:
Ullens Education Foundation (UEF) is a profit-not-distributing company established in 2006, committed to enabling world-class education opportunities in Nepal. UEF operates Ullens School across two locations including Nepal’s first International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside Ullens College, Ullens LEAP (a gap-year program), and the Ullens Center for Educators Development (UCED), a teachers training arm of Ullens Education Foundation. The Foundation continues to champion holistic education and environmental responsibility.
For media queries, please contact:
Ganga Pyakurel
Director – Communications and Outreach
ganga@ullens.edu.np
9851415202
