By Rita Bhowmick (Dhaka Bureau)
Government officials, academics, international development partners, and youth climate activists in Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to working together for inclusive, locally-led climate action and environmental conservation. At the same time, they placed a strong emphasis on mainstreaming the leadership of adolescent girls and young women to sustainably tackle the climate crisis.
This commitment was voiced on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) during a high-level seminar titled ‘Girls- and Youth-Led Climate Action.’ Held in the capital city of Dhaka, the seminar was organized to mark World Environment Day by Plan International Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Youth Coalition (BYC), and the Department of Environment (DoE), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Speakers at the seminar emphasized that addressing the climate crisis requires looking beyond infrastructure development to prioritize human empowerment and the integration of young people, particularly women, into decision-making processes.
Empowerment Over Infrastructure
The Chief Guest of the seminar, Mohammad Nayeb Shafiullah, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to building inclusive, people-centric climate resilience. He stated: ‘Climate adaptation is not just about building infrastructure; it is about empowering people, strengthening institutions, and building leadership. Today’s youth, especially adolescent girls and young women, will play a critical role in building a climate-resilient Bangladesh tomorrow.’
He stressed the importance of equipping youth with the necessary knowledge, skills, and opportunities to ensure their meaningful participation in national climate actions.
From Victims of Crisis to Drivers of Solutions
Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, highlighted the dual reality faced by young girls in the climate crisis. ‘Although adolescent girls and youth are among the most affected by the impacts of climate change, they can play a pivotal role in tackling this crisis. Investing in their leadership and increasing their involvement in climate planning and local-level actions is the need of the hour,’ she said.
Other speakers also emphasized the critical need for joint partnerships in sustainable environmental management. Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of the University of Dhaka, called for increased investment in youth-led ‘green’ startups. Meanwhile, Dr. Md. Sohel Rahman, Director General of the Department of Environment, highlighted the necessity of data-driven policymaking and research to counter climate challenges.
Youth Innovation and the Roadmap Ahead
The seminar was not limited to discussions; it also showcased practical and innovative solutions developed by youth, including:
* Promoting the use of renewable energy.
* Locally-led climate adaptation strategies.
* The use of digital technology in environmental monitoring.
* Climate education and youth-led research initiatives.
The event saw active participation from Marjan Nur, Climate and Environment Advisor at the British High Commission in Bangladesh, alongside representatives from government ministries, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, universities, civil society, and youth-led organizations.
The seminar concluded with a renewed collective pledge from the government, private sector, academic institutions, and development partners to work together to build a green, resilient, and sustainable Bangladesh by strengthening the climate leadership of adolescent girls and young women.
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The Writer:
Rita Bhowmick: Senior Journalist and Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
