Nepal is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change due to factors such as high poverty and low climate adaptive capacity. Global warming has severely affected ecosystems and the people who depend on ecosystem services. The effects of climate change are causing health impacts, reduced agricultural productivity, and an increase in various extreme events such as floods, landslides, droughts, and forest fires.

Hayato Yagi, an international UN University Volunteer with the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is helping to build climate-resilient communities through the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility Programme. His assignment contributes to strengthening the climate finance system from central government to local governments in Nepal.

From his high school days diving into the world of Model United Nations to an eye-opening internship in Kenya during college, Hayato’s passion for international cooperation only grew stronger. In Kenya, he worked as a Public Relations Intern for a non-governmental organization that provides ICT education for local youngsters. His duties included establishing partnerships with the NGO. Witnessing firsthand the challenges of poverty on the ground during his internship in Kenya fueled the desire to be part of something bigger – contributing to finding solutions to development challenges.

In October 2023, Hayato took the plunge as an international University UN Volunteer from Japan, landing in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal.

“At first, I told myself that what I was going to start was not just a job; it was my commitment to making a real impact on the lives of people,” said Hayato Yagi, International UN University Volunteer with UNCDF Nepal.

Hayato Yagi, International UN University Volunteer, Research Associate with UNCDF Nepal. (Credit – Adarsha Dhungel)

The Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility Programme is a global initiative that supports local governments to integrate adaptation and climate-proof local development. Hayato in his role as a Research Associate, he delves into the world of data analysis by gathering and scrutinizing data concerning the vulnerability and adaptability of local governments in the face of climate change which is essential for the project implementation.
He worked diligently establishing connections with donors and grasping the dynamics of organizational collaborations. Additionally, he delved into understanding the tangible impacts of climate change on individuals' daily lives.

“As a university student, volunteering within the United Nations has enriched and broadened my perspective on how I view the world, and it has been valuable to build on my future career. It exposed me to diverse fields and people of varying ages and backgrounds collaborating harmoniously,” said Mr Yagi.

During his assignment, Hayato connected with other UN Volunteers serving in Nepal, allowing him to learn about their work and the unique experiences they bring to the UN, a typical peer-to-exchange platform for UN Volunteers.

Hayato Yagi, International UN University Volunteer, Research Associate with UNCDF Nepal (Credit – Adarsha Dhungel, UNV Nepal)

“Through this international volunteering assignment, I also gained a lot in terms of cultural exchange, and acquiring new skills and experience working with UNCDF Nepal as a UN Volunteers, thanks to the Government of Japan for the ongoing support in providing advanced training opportunities. I would undoubtedly recommend to fellow Japanese, especially the young generation like me,” said Mr Yagi.

“Working alongside Hayato has been wonderful. I've observed his remarkable growth within a brief period, attributable to his enthusiasm, proactive learning approach, and adeptness at adjusting to new surroundings. I am certain that he will thrive in future endeavors, drawing on the knowledge and skills acquired during his time at UNCDF and in Nepal,” said Pragyan Joshi, Programme Officer, UNCDF Nepal.

From right Saroj Nepal, Country Relationships Manager with UNCDF Nepal, Hayato Yagi, International UN University Volunteer, Research Associate with UNCDF Nepal, Pragyan Joshi, Programme Officer with UNCDF Nepal and Kenichiro Iizuka, Senior Representative of JICA Nepal.

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