Ramechhap UNESCO Peer Education Program (RUPEP), Nepal



The Ramechhap UNESCO Peer Education Program (RUPEP) functions as a community-based educational and development initiative committed to advancing UNESCO’s core values of peace, sustainable development, intercultural dialogue, and inclusive education. Working in close collaboration with the Nepal National Commission for UNESCO and aligned with UNESCO’s global priorities, the organization bridges grassroots action with international frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.



Core Functions


1. Promotion of UNESCO Ideals and Global Citizenship


RUPEP promotes UNESCO’s principles of quality education, cultural understanding, sustainability, and youth empowerment through peer education models and community-based learning platforms. The organization facilitates dialogue, awareness campaigns, and participatory learning initiatives that translate global commitments into local action.



2. Peer Education and Youth Leadership Development


The organization trains and mobilizes youth peer educators as change agents within their communities. Through structured training programs, mentorship, and practical engagement, RUPEP strengthens youth capacity in:

Climate literacy and biodiversity conservation

Sustainable agriculture and food security

Urban sustainability and civic participation

Community resilience and social inclusion



In 2025, over 850 youth peer educators were trained to implement community-led initiatives aligned with UNESCO’s education and sustainability frameworks.



3. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Initiatives


Through its flagship initiative Harvesting Hope, RUPEP documents and disseminates inspiring stories of resilient farmers while promoting sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices. The program:

Facilitates intergenerational knowledge exchange

Encourages organic farming and biodiversity protection

Supports food security awareness and traditional knowledge preservation

Connects local farmers with global learning platforms



This function strengthens rural livelihoods while contributing to sustainable development and agricultural innovation.



4. Climate Change Education and Environmental Stewardship


RUPEP integrates environmental education into community programs to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Activities include:

District-level climate literacy workshops

Community-based conservation drives

Development of educational toolkits on biodiversity and sustainable living

Collaboration with municipalities for tree planting and watershed protection



These efforts promote responsible environmental behavior and align with global sustainability commitments.



5. Sustainable Urban Development and Civic Engagement


In response to rapid urbanization in Nepal, RUPEP implements initiatives supporting inclusive and resilient urban communities. The organization:

Conducts awareness sessions on sustainable urban planning

Trains peer educators on waste management and eco-friendly practices

Advocates for safe public spaces and gender-inclusive infrastructure

Encourages youth participation in policy dialogue aligned with SDG 11



This function ensures that emerging urban communities develop in socially inclusive and environmentally responsible ways.



6. Research, Documentation, and Knowledge Sharing


The organization documents community experiences, publishes learning materials, and contributes to national and international knowledge platforms. Publications such as Harvesting Hope Stories 2025 amplify grassroots voices and encourage global exchange of best practices.



7. Institutional Partnerships and International Engagement


RUPEP collaborates with:

The Nepal National Commission for UNESCO

Local governments and municipalities

Schools, colleges, and youth networks

Community-based organizations

International knowledge-sharing networks



In 2025, RUPEP representatives engaged in high-level dialogue with Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, reinforcing alignment between local initiatives and global UN development priorities.

Institutional Commitment


RUPEP operates as a non-profit, community-driven institution dedicated to advancing UNESCO’s mission at the grassroots level. Through education, innovation, and partnership-building, the organization ensures that global ideals translate into measurable local impact.



The program remains committed to expanding inclusive education, strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering youth leadership—contributing meaningfully to national development and UNESCO’s global objectives.