Youth Participation Demanded in National Climate Policy

Harnessing environmental sciences, technological adaptation, and youthful leadership has taken center stage in mitigating ongoing ecological risks. Experts have urged meaningful youth engagement in national decision-making to combat the impacts of climate change. Speakers stressed that national climate policies must incorporate the perspectives and scientific recommendations of vulnerable youth while promoting young leadership and innovative climate ventures.

These remarks were delivered on Thursday at the closing session of the two-day "Local Conference of Youth Bangladesh 2026," hosted at the Bangla Academy in Dhaka. During the event, the National Youth Climate Position Paper, drafted through the direct participation of nearly 300 young delegates across the country, was unveiled and handed over to government representatives.

Parliament Chief Whip and BNP Vice Chairman Nurul Islam Moni attended as chief guest, while Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Dr. Saimum Parvez was present as guest of honor.

Nurul Islam Moni stated that the government welcomes youth participation and encourages them to be vocal and proactive on environmental concerns through actionable initiatives, promising state support.

Dr. Saimum Parvez mentioned that the government is evaluating the position paper seriously. He affirmed that youth priorities will be presented at appropriate national policy levels and that government backing will remain consistent.

The conference featured critical dialogues on climate justice, loss and damage compensation, climate finance, technological adaptation, green jobs, and youth integration into environmental governance, where delegates submitted their technical proposals and policy demands.

The event was also attended by UNESCO Bangladesh Representative Dr. Susan Vize, Practical Action Country Director Ishrat Shabnam, Waterkeepers Bangladesh Coordinator Sharif Jamil, BRAC University Professor Emeritus Dr. Ainun Nishat, and Brighters Foundation Founder and Director Saidur Rahman Siam.

Moderated by Brighters Chair Faria Sultana Omi, the summit took place on September 30 and October 1, supported by 30 youth organizations alongside ActionAid, CARE, UNICEF Bangladesh, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.

Organizers stated that this policy paper, formulated with input from vulnerable delta regions, will serve as the official baseline for presenting Bangladeshi youth priorities at upcoming international climate conventions, according to institutional sources.

//DBTech/DBF/BV/PC//