Bangladesh has faced severe climate impacts in 2024, including harsh winters, prolonged droughts, devastating fires, and unexpected floods
Bangladeshi youth have brought their country’s climate crisis to the global stage at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, through a powerful Nakshikantha showcase at the Bangladesh Pavilion.
Organised by YouthNet Global, the exhibition on November 15 used Nakshi Kantha, a traditional embroidered quilt art, to showcase the ongoing struggles of Bangladesh’s marginalised communities as they face the devastating impacts of climate change.
In her speech at the inauguration, Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, emphasised the critical need for international support. “Bangladesh requires around $1,000 billion annually to fight the climate crisis,” she said.
“As damages continue to rise, international funding is essential for transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. This Nakshi Kantha exhibition will help COP29 participants understand our reality and the challenges faced by Bangladesh’s vulnerable populations.”
She also urged youth to take on a more active role in advocating for climate justice, stating, “The youth must lead the charge in demanding the urgent action needed to protect our future.”
The event saw strong participation from government officials, private sector representatives, local and international civil society members, and young climate activists. The showcase underscored the urgent need for substantial financial support to help Bangladesh adapt to climate change and strengthen resilience.
“We need global cooperation to address the challenges faced by climate-impacted countries like Bangladesh,” Ahmed stressed.
Bangladesh has faced severe climate impacts in 2024, including harsh winters, prolonged droughts, devastating fires, and unexpected floods. Regions like Feni, Comilla, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts have been hit by flooding, while coastal areas such as Satkhira and Barguna are battling freshwater shortages and erosion exacerbated by cyclones.
Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global, pointed out the cultural losses caused by the climate crisis. “COP29 may be called ‘The Finance COP,’ but we cannot overlook the non-economic losses, particularly in terms of preserving our cultural heritage,” Rahman said.
He called for climate policies that respect local knowledge and traditions, saying, “Climate policy must reflect the diversity of values and relationships with nature. Local knowledge should be a central part of creating sustainable, equitable solutions.
“The Nakshi Kantha showcase at COP29 serves not only as a reminder of Bangladesh’s climate struggles but also as a powerful call for greater global support and action to address both economic and cultural impacts of climate change,” concluded Sohanur.
