The event emphasized gender inclusivity, cross-border collaboration and actionable research on environmental justice, sustainability and climate resilience across South Asia.
In a powerful display of international cooperation and environmental leadership, the Asian University for Women (AUW) inaugurated its first International Conference on Environment and Climate Action (ICECA) in Chattogram on Friday. The two-day gathering brought together more than 200 scientists, researchers, and environmental advocates from 15 countries under the unifying theme: “Ami: I for a Greener World.”
Held at Hotel Agrabad, the event—organized by AUW’s Environmental Sciences program and the Green Bangle Movement in collaboration with the AUW Environmental Sciences Club and Student Government—aimed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and actionable climate solutions. Media support was provided by The Climate Watch and The Business Standard.
Strong global and gender representation
The conference marked a milestone in inclusivity and global collaboration. Participants hailed from countries including Bangladesh, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Nepal. With a striking female-to-male ratio of 6.2:3.8, ICECA 2025 highlighted the growing influence of women in environmental sciences and policy.
A total of 99 research papers were presented by contributors from 50 universities, research centers, NGOs, and industries across eight countries—underscoring the academic and practical urgency of climate action.
A call for integrated climate solutions
Sonia Sultana, Director of the Department of Environment (DoE), Chattogram Metropolitan, inaugurated the conference as Chief Guest. In her remarks, she emphasized the need for coordinated efforts across sectors and borders to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
“This is more than a conference—it’s a coalition for survival,” said Dr. Mosae Selvakumar Paulraj of the ICECA Organizing Committee, calling for cross-border partnerships to address pressing climate vulnerabilities.
The conference agenda was structured around five thematic tracks: Roots & Revolutions, Wild & Well, Voices for Earth, Planet in Balance, and Green Futures—covering biodiversity, sustainability, ecological justice, traditional knowledge systems, and green innovation.
Day one: science, storytelling and advocacy
The opening day featured parallel keynote sessions in Ichamati and Karnaphuli Halls.
At Ichamati Hall, Dr. Gawsia W. Chowdhury of the University of Dhaka delivered a compelling keynote titled “The Chronicles of Plastic from Boon to Bane,” focusing on community-led plastic mitigation. Dr. Sara Nowreen of BUET explored hydrological disruptions in Chattogram’s hill forests, while Dr. Nandini Rajamani from IISR Tirupati discussed climate adaptation in small mammals across South Asia.
Simultaneously at Karnaphuli Hall, Dr. Nadia White of the University of Montana tackled disinformation and the importance of factual integrity in environmental journalism. Dr. Elizabeth Eklund of Purdue University spoke on the socio-cultural dimensions of climate adaptation, while Dr. Md. Mostafa Kamal Sarkar from the University of Oxford discussed AI applications in climate resilience—emphasizing women’s roles in tech-based solutions.
Later sessions included Dr. Abu Syed of CARE Bangladesh, who presented a GIS-based framework for flash flood risk mapping in vulnerable hill regions. Dr. Anamika Barua from IIT Guwahati delivered an invited talk on integrating justice and equity into adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Other key speakers included Dr. Antony Stephen on nature-based livelihoods in Tamil Nadu and Dr. Shanta Dutta on climate-conscious bio-refinery approaches. Dr. Amrit Thapa examined the intersection of flooding, education, and infrastructure in rural India.
Spotlight on Environmental journalism
A special alumni panel titled “Women in Environmental Science” was moderated by AUW’s Afrida Asad, celebrating women’s contributions to climate research and leadership.
In another notable session, Shamsuddin Illius, Chattogram Bureau Chief of The Business Standard and Editor of The Climate Watch, led a discussion on “Environment and Climate Journalism in Bangladesh”, reflecting on the challenges and responsibilities of environmental reporting in a rapidly changing climate.
The day concluded with vibrant poster presentations, a cultural showcase, and an award ceremony recognizing exceptional contributions to climate science and advocacy.
Day two: Ground realities and coastal resilience
The final day of ICECA 2025 will take participants beyond conference halls, with field visits to ecological hotspots, sustainable industrial facilities, and community-led conservation projects. These site visits aim to bridge theory and practice by showcasing real-world models of resilience and sustainability in Bangladesh’s vulnerable coastal belt.
