ActionAid Bangladesh convened a National Youth Conference on Thursday aimed to connect young climate activists from diverse regions, fostering a platform for collaboration on local, national, and global climate justice efforts.
The conference was held in Dhaka under the umbrella of "Building Agency of Youth in Climate Action" project, implemented by ActionAid Bangladesh and its youth-led consortium partners and supported by the British Council, read a press release.
The event featured showcases of youth-led climate action initiatives, panel discussions with prominent young activists, and networking sessions.
A highlight of the conference was the interactive youth-led panel discussion featuring nine prominent young Bangladeshi climate activists with experience in global climate justice forums. Panelists included Sohanur Rahman (Executive Coordinator, Youthnet for Climate Justice), Jannatul Mouwa (Executive Director, BINDU Nari Unnayan Sangathan), Amanullah Porag (South Asia Mobilization Coordinator, 350.org), Fariha Sultana Aumi (Chairperson, Brighters Society of Bangladesh), Al Mamun Rakib (Climate Action Focal, Lal Sabuj Society), Mehedi Hasan Bappy (LCOY Bangladesh), Probin Henry Tripura (IID), Zuhair Ahmed Kowshik (Youth Advisory Panel Member, UNEP), and Omar Faruk Joy (Founder, We Can Cox's Bazar). They discussed the challenges and shared valuable experiences from their work in climate activism within Bangladesh.
ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir joined the panel for a question-and-answer session.
She emphasised the crucial role of youth in tackling climate change, stating, "There's a lot of work to be done on the country's climate. Young people can take a leading role. Our goal is to develop young leaders from even the most remote areas. Through this conference, I hope a strong network emerges to address climate change risks. These young leaders have the potential to lead at the international level."
She urged the young leaders to think ambitiously, take bold action, and prioritise research.
Beyond the panel discussion, the conference included showcases of youth-led climate actions, group exercises, and human storytelling sessions that facilitated cross-learning. Participants from various regions formed groups to share experiences and learnings.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Nazmul Ahsan, Lead of Young People for ActionAid Bangladesh, and Md Abdur Rahaman Khan, Programme Manager – Non-formal Education at the British Council. Khan emphasised the importance of collaboration in facing challenges, while Ahsan commended the young people's capabilities and expressed hope for their continued success.
The "Building Agency of Youth in Climate Action" project aims to empower young people as leaders in the fight against climate crises in Bangladesh. ActionAid Bangladesh, with support from the British Council, has implemented youth-led climate action initiatives in Dhaka, Satkhira, and Bagerhat.
ActionAid Bangladesh, a member of the ActionAid Federation, has worked since 1983 to eradicate poverty and establish social justice in Bangladesh. For nearly four decades, the organization has focused on climate justice, gender equality, ensuring the safety of women and children, and building an equal rights-based society, particularly in collaboration with marginalized communities.
