The programme pairs international climate science discussions with research on water insecurity, mangroves, renewable energy, mental health and displacement, alongside an alumnae panel on women in environmental sciences.
The Asian University for Women will host the International Conference on Environment and Climate Action 2026 at Sonapahar Farmhouse Resort on Friday, bringing together academics, researchers, policymakers and environmental professionals.
Organised by the university’s Environmental Sciences Program, the first day of ICECA 2026 will feature keynote speeches, plenary discussions, research presentations, a poster session and an alumnae panel.
Dr Nancy Mock of Tulane University will deliver the opening keynote, titled “Two Deltas, One Commons: Women’s Leadership and the Future We Build Together.”
A plenary session on natural science for climate action will include experts from universities and research institutions in the United States, Türkiye, India, Thailand and Bangladesh.
M Zakir Hossain Khan, co-founder and chief executive of Change Initiative, will deliver the second keynote on natural rights-led governance, energy sovereignty and community stewardship.
He will also moderate a plenary discussion titled “Evidence-Based Climate Policy: A Vision for COP31.” Participants will include Nazifa Rafa of the Asian University for Women, Tanzina Dilshad of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Abul Bashar of Bangladesh Agricultural University and Shamsuddin Illius of The Climate Watch.
Parallel sessions will feature research on climate risks, water insecurity, women’s vulnerability, renewable energy, mangrove health, carbon stocks, mental health, environmental inequality and climate-related displacement.
The programme will conclude with an alumnae panel on women in environmental sciences, a prize-giving ceremony and dinner.
The Climate Watch is the media partner of the conference.
