Staff Reporter :
Speakers at a youth convention in the capital urged the government to take necessary actions on climate change adaptation and disaster resilience. They also called on youths, in particular, to get involved and raise awareness about climate change.
The call was made during the National Youth Convention on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Resilience 2025, held at Lakeshore Hotel in the capital on Monday. The event was jointly organized by Islamic Relief Bangladesh and YouthNet Global.
The convention brought together youth leaders, climate activists, policymakers, and experts to discuss locally-led adaptation strategies and the role of youth in building climate resilience.
The event was conducted in four sessions. The inaugural and closing sessions featured discussions by key figures, including Rezwanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management; Ahmadul Haque, CPP Director; Dr. Touhidul Haque, Associate Professor at Dhaka University; Asif Ahsan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Sohanur Rahman, Chief Executive of YouthNet Global; Fatiha Ayat, International Climate Advocate; Sheikh Rokon, Associate Editor of Daily Samakal; Mukit Billah, Program Officer at Eco Bangladesh; Nitai Chandra De, Director of the Department of Disaster Management; Enamul Haque Sarkar, Head of Program at Islamic Relief; Shakila Islam, UNDP Coordinator; Anichuzzaman Chowdhury, Senior Project Officer at JICA; and Apurba Faruq, youth representative. The sessions were presided over by Talha Jamal, Country Director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh, and moderated by A.M. Nasir Uddin and Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive of CPRD. Youth representatives Khademul Rashed and Farhana Rabbi Ruponti hosted the event.
Representatives from four districts shared their experiences of working in their communities. A delegate from Satkhira highlighted the dual threats of child marriage and climate change to food and livelihood security. Youth representatives from Koyra discussed their climate awareness campaign, aimed at educating people on the importance of climate adaptation.
In Sylhet, with the support of Islamic Relief, young activists have been raising awareness through street dramas, sessions, and organized climate strikes to discourage plastic use. Youth from Monirampur, Jashore, who were once unaware of climate issues, are now recognized as changemakers with the support of Islamic Relief.
Speakers at the event emphasized that without sufficient financial support at the global level and effective grassroots implementation of climate action plans, it will be challenging for Bangladesh and similarly affected countries to survive the escalating climate crisis.
They also noted that implementing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) requires approximately $230 billion. Mobilizing funds from both domestic and international sources is crucial to addressing this financial gap. The lack of adequate financing is hindering climate adaptation efforts and economic growth, pushing vulnerable communities into further crisis.
This situation is a violation of human rights, and the global community bears a greater responsibility than Bangladesh alone.
A youth declaration was read at the event, outlining key demands, including that the voices of climate-vulnerable and marginalized communities must be prioritized in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) plan.
The government must emphasize locally-led adaptation principles and nature-based solutions in climate action plans. Moreover, international and domestic green climate financing must be ensured to accelerate adaptation efforts in affected regions, particularly in coastal areas, by providing access to safe drinking water and sustainable embankments.
