Varsities unite to shape future climate journos

A two-day workshop under the AGILE project brings together communication and journalism educators from universities across Bangladesh to jointly develop a climate reporting curriculum for higher education, aiming to strengthen the country’s climate journalism capacity.

The workshop held at the CCULB Resort in Purbachal, Dhaka, on July 3-4, seeks to equip future journalists with the knowledge, practical skills and ethical frameworks needed to report accurately on climate change, according to a media statement issued on Saturday.

Representatives from Begum Rokeya University, Jagannath University, the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and the University of Barishal take part in the programme. The sessions are facilitated by Professor Jude William Genilo and journalist Jesmin Papri.

The opening day focuses on enhancing participants’ understanding of climate reporting through expert presentations, interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Professor M Shahjahan Mondal of the Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) introduces key concepts in climate science and outlines the challenges Bangladesh faces in addressing climate change. The day’s activities conclude with a reflection session led by Professor Gift Gwindingwe of Great Zimbabwe University.

On the second day, participants review a draft climate reporting course outline prepared during an earlier AGILE co-design meeting in Sri Lanka in March. Discussions centre on adapting the proposed curriculum to the academic needs of their respective universities.

Participants later work in groups to refine the course content, teaching approaches and implementation strategies before presenting their recommendations for further discussion.

The workshop ends with a shared commitment to advancing climate journalism education in Bangladesh.

Participants say future journalists and communication professionals require stronger knowledge and practical skills to report accurately and effectively on climate change, one of the country’s most pressing development challenges.

AGILE is a global consortium operating from 2025 to 2028 with support from the European Union to strengthen independent journalism worldwide.