Urban Youth Unite on Climate Challenges

The Urban Youth Climate Conference 2025 was successfully held on Saturday, September 13, at the Vintage Convention Hall in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The event brought together young leaders, climate activists, experts, and community representatives to deliberate on the urgent challenges posed by urbanization and climate change in Bangladesh.

The conference was organized by the Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), under the leadership of coordinator and urban researcher Md. Jahangir Alam. It was supported by the Children Watch Foundation (CWF), whose environmentalist and chairperson Shah Israt Azmeri attended the conference. The event was also partnered by the Institute of Wellbeing Bangladesh (IWB) and assisted by Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust, represented by its director Gaus Piari.

Speaking at the conference, coordinator and urban researcher Md. Jahangir Alam said, “Urban development planning must take climate change risks into account. Young people are at the forefront of this change, and therefore, their voices must be reflected in policymaking.”

CWF chairperson and environmentalist Shah Israt Azmeri emphasized, “To safeguard the future of children and youth, environment-friendly policies must be adopted now. Climate change is not only affecting the environment but also profoundly impacting education and health.”

WBB Trust director Gaus Piari highlighted the importance of youth inclusion, stating, “To tackle the challenges of urbanization and climate change, effective platforms must be created for young people. Without their active participation, building sustainable cities will not be possible.”