Coastal children demand stronger climate action
Coastal children have called for stronger protection from climate change, meaningful participation in decision-making and greater access to climate finance as the sixth Coastal Children’s Climate Conference concluded in Khulna on Wednesday.
The two-day conference held under the theme “Children’s Leadership for Climate Resilience,” brought together children, government officials, academics, development professionals and civil society representatives to discuss the growing climate risks facing coastal communities.
At the closing session, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam said, “Those of us living in coastal areas are highly vulnerable to various risks.”
The state minister further said, “Our country has become polluted, and everyone must come forward to help eliminate pollution.”
Addressing the children, he said, “You should take the initiative in every school to discourage the use of plastic and polythene and encourage others to do the same.”
The children said climate change is already disrupting their lives, education, health and livelihoods, and called for their voices to be reflected in policies and climate-related decisions.
Representing the children, Rose Boiragi, Moon Mondal, Disha Majumder, Monira Sultana Rupa and Adhara Akter Meghla highlighted the challenges faced by children living in climate-vulnerable coastal areas.
They demanded sustainable solutions to the shortage of safe drinking water, the construction and regular maintenance of climate-resilient embankments, and adequate protection for lives, homes and livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
They also called for safe shelters and uninterrupted education for children during and after disasters, along with access to healthcare, child protection services, climate education, disaster preparedness and mental health support.
The children stressed the need for modern, child-friendly and inclusive shelters that can accommodate children, pregnant women, elderly people and persons with disabilities during disasters.
They also demanded expanded employment and livelihood opportunities in climate-vulnerable areas, as well as proper rehabilitation, social protection and sustainable employment for families displaced by climate change.
To address increasing salinity in coastal areas, they called for greater opportunities for climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries.
The conference also called for stronger action against plastic and polythene pollution, environmentally harmful brick kilns and other forms of environmental degradation. Participants stressed the need to promote environmentally friendly construction materials and provide technical support to relevant entrepreneurs.
The children further called for adequate compensation and rehabilitation for families and children affected by climate change and urged stronger initiatives to protect rivers, canals and the Sundarbans.
At a session titled “Coastal Children’s Voice in Global Climate Action: Expectations from COP31,” participants discussed the role of children in global climate negotiations and their expectations for the upcoming COP31.
The session was chaired by Prof Dr Md Nazmus Sadat, vice-chancellor of Narayanganj University of Science and Technology.
Among others, Prof Dr Nazia Hasan of Khulna University, CCJB founder and director Advocate M Hafizul Islam Khan, AWOSED representative Salahuddin, Children Forum on Climate Change President Naushin Islam, General Secretary Noor Ahmad Zidan, member Sahara Rahman, WFP Khulna representative Al Mamun Azad, and Maasranga Television Special Correspondent Abu Hena Mostafa Jamal Poplu took part in the discussion.
Another session focused on the “Struggles of Coastal Children,” where participants discussed the impacts of climate change on education, livelihoods, health and social protection.
In the afternoon, separate sessions were held on “Solutions to Climate-Induced Loss and Damage” and “Access to Climate Finance for Coastal Children and Affected Communities.”
The speakers stressed the importance of ensuring that climate finance reaches communities most exposed to climate risks, particularly children and vulnerable families in coastal areas.
The conference was informed that Naushin Islam and Noor Ahmad Zidan, members of the Khulna Children’s Forum, are expected to attend COP31 in Turkey in November.
“We are not just the future; we are partners in development. We want our voices to be heard, our concerns reflected in decisions, and our demands addressed at the COP,” the children said.
Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) of Khulna Sifat Mehnaz, Press Institute Bangladesh Director General Faruk Wasif, Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat, Concern Worldwide Bangladesh Country Director Manish Kumar Agarwal, and other officials and representatives of government and development organisations also spoke at the conference.
The closing remarks were delivered by conference coordinator and JJS Executive Director ATM Zakir Hossain.
The two-day conference concluded with a vote of thanks from Children’s Forum members Noor Ahmad Zidan and Naushin Islam.
