In preparation for the upcoming global climate summit, COP-29, scheduled for November 2024 in Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change organized a consultation meeting on Tuesday with youth climate activists and leaders.
The meeting was held today, at the SIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka. The Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) at BRAC University supported the event.
During the session, speakers shared their views and emphasized the importance of preparing for COP-29. The attendees highlighted their concerns and opportunities for addressing climate change through this global platform, reflecting the voices of Bangladesh’s youth climate activists.
Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), presided over the meeting. Dharitri Kumar Sarkar, Deputy Secretary of MoEFCC moderated the session. Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of MoEFCC also graced the discussion with his expert remarks.
Shawkat Ali Mirza, Director, Climate Change and International Convention at Department of Environment presented the Bangladesh’s position on COP29, highlighting the thematic areas of adaptation, finance, loss and damage, mitigation, Article 6 and just energy transition work program.
Youth activist, Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator, YouthNet Global said: “Climate change is not merely an environmental issue for the youth of Bangladesh; it’s a fight for survival and a claim to a future. As COP29 approaches, I urge the Bangladesh government to champion climate justice, ensuring bold protections and adaptation measures for those most affected. Investing in youth-led climate action and equitable transition is vital. Let us not just hear the voices of young people but empower them with a seat at every decision-making table, shaping a resilient and just world.”
“Youth engagement is not just a buzzword but a process. I am really excited to see that the Bangladesh government took the process seriously. The position paper from Bangladesh will help us to advocate, follow negotiation and intervene for our own land” mentioned by another youth activist, Farzana Faruk Jhumu, Youth advocate, UNICEF Bangladesh.
In this consultation meeting, other youth activists presented, named Ms. Saila Shabnam Richi from YouthNet Global, Ms. Fariha Sultana Aumi from Brighters and Associate Coordinator of Fridays for Future Bangladesh, Mr. Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Co-Founder, Footsteps Bangladesh Climate Change Policy Consultant, ADB, Ms. Sadia Jahan Rothi, CVF Youth Fellow, Board Director, Eco-Network Global, Mr. S.M. Shahin Alom, Community Researcher, Center for Peace and Justice, BRAC University Member, YouthNet Global, Mr. Amanullah Porag, Founder & Executive Director, Youth for NDCs Steering Committee Member, Climate Promise, UNDP, Mr. Jimran Mohammad Saiak, Coordinator, Communications and Network Development, YouthNet Global, Ms. Farah Anzum, Strategic Communication Associate, GSCC, BRAC, Ms. Shakila Islam, Co-Founder, YouthNet Global, Ms. Aklima Akter, Founder, Changemakers for Rights and Development, Mr. Mir Mohammad Ali, Assistant Professor, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Mr. Shoaib Hasnat Sarzil, Relation and Network Associate, Youth for Change Bangladesh, Ms. Faria Hossain Ikra, Greenpeace Volunteer and Speaker, Ukhin Neu Chak, Mr. Yusuf Munna, Executive Director, Reflective Teens Trust, Mr. Mehedi Hasan Bappy, Project Coordinator, GAIN.
Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Co-Founder of Footsteps mentioned ‘With the recent climate events we’ve faced throughout the year, it is important to highlight the stories of not only the effect, but also the resilience of the communities on ground. Adaptation is fundamental to protect the livelihoods of our people, and the implementation of adaptation measures is crucial in safeguarding the future of Bangladesh from the imminent impact of Climate Change.”
“Today’s event, where representatives of the MoEFCC and the Bangladesh Government engaged with youth climate advocates in a roundtable discussion to share the country’s COP29 position, marks a landmark step in bridging the gap between the government and the passionate youth of Bangladesh. It empowers us to take an active role in the fight against climate change”, said Sadia Jahan Rothi, Board Director, Eco-Network Global.
In the concluding remarks, Iqbal Abdullah Harun mentioned “It’s a long-standing struggle on climate change issues between the global North and South. Global fund allocation often follow the political decisions from global North than the vulnerability of naitons. Multilateral finance also comes with its own policy conditions, leaving us with persistent discrepancies. But youth have the power and willingness to bring the change. All young people across the country need to mobilize to advocate to the North. We have no choice but to adapt, and we must enhance our adaptive capacity, aiming for a 200% increase.”
This consultation was an essential platform for youth climate activists to contribute their perspectives and ideas towards shaping Bangladesh’s position at COP-29. It also underscored the role of young people in leading climate action and advocacy at both national and global levels.
