Youths encouraged to find solutions to climate issues

ImaGen Venture Youth Challenge Boot Camp Bangladesh 2022 encouraged youth to identify key impacts of climate change and environmental issues in their communities and to ideate and design youth-led socially impactful solutions.

The Bootcamp was collaboratively organised by Generation Unlimited, UNICEF Bangladesh, JAAGO Foundation Trust, Bangladesh Brand Forum, SIYB Bangladesh, International Labour Organization (ILO) & Technovation, and concluded the first boot camp in the Dhaka division on October 1at the Hotel Bengal Blueberry in Dhaka.

Six more Bootcamps will take place in 5 other divisions (Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Chittagong) of Bangladesh throughout October. Following an online assessment by the expert judge panel, shortlisted 10 -12 teams of youth aged 15 – 24 with prototype solutions related to climate change challenges participated in the Bootcamp. 

Five winning teams from the Dhaka division received seed money to develop their solution. A similar approach will be taken for the other Bootcamp winners from other divisions. In total, 20 Teams will receive seed funds and be selected for the global challenge in 6 divisions of Bangladesh. 

UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Sheldon Yett said, “It was an incredible experience meeting eleven climate champion teams in Dhaka today. Together, they are developing meaningful solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change. Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Despite being aware of climate change, few adolescents and young people believe they can make a difference.”