He was among five winners picked for their outstanding contributions to democracy, human rights, social, and environmental transformation through grassroots activism and collective action
Sohanur Rahman, a prominent Bangladeshi youth leader and climate justice advocate, has won the prestigious Young Activist Laureate Award 2024 at the 2024 Young Activists Summit (#YAS24) in Switzerland.
The 27-year-old was among five exceptional honorees recognised for their outstanding contributions to democracy, human rights, social, and environmental transformation through grassroots activism and collective action.
The summit was held at the UN headquarters in Geneva on November 19.
This recognition comes at a pivotal moment in Sohanur’s ongoing journey as a leading climate activist. He also attended the 29th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, as the official youth delegate from Bangladesh.
During the conference, he had the opportunity to meet with key political figures, including Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, and Lutfe Siddiqui, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs. Both leaders congratulated Sohanur for his continued advocacy on climate justice and his inspiring leadership in youth movements, including the YAS24 Award.
Sohanur’s achievement has garnered widespread recognition, with notable institutions such as the US Embassy in Dhaka, the EU Delegation in Dhaka, and the EU Mission in Geneva making public social media posts congratulating him for his leadership and dedication to climate justice. This further amplifies his message on the international stage and highlights his influence in global youth movements.
Receiving the prestigious Young Activist Laureate Award 2024, Sohanur dedicated the award to “all the young warriors who, like my colleague Saraban, have been martyred or injured in the July revolution, and to the unstoppable climate warriors tirelessly working to make the world a better place.” He emphasized, “This award is not just mine but belongs to every young activist and climate warrior who has stood up, fought, and sacrificed for justice. Together, we carry the torch for a better, fairer world.”
The theme of this year’s summit, “Go Far, Go Together,” underscored the importance of unity in the pursuit of global change.
Drawing from the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” the summit highlighted the significance of collaboration in addressing critical global issues, including climate change. Sohanur’s work exemplifies this spirit of collective action, showcasing how young people can come together to tackle the climate crisis.
During his speech in Bangla at the UN Geneva, Sohanur shared his personal journey, recounting his survival of the devastating super-cyclone Sidr as a child, which ignited his passion for climate justice.
In 2016, he founded YouthNet for Climate Justice, an organization that has become a powerful force in Bangladesh’s youth-led climate movement. Under his leadership, YouthNet has mobilized thousands of young people, advocated for climate policies, and influenced significant policy changes in favor of environmental justice.
YouthNet’s efforts reached a historic milestone in 2019 when the Bangladesh Parliament declared the climate crisis a planetary emergency, a recognition that highlighted the urgency of the climate threat.
Additionally, YouthNet’s successful campaign led to the cancellation of ten proposed coal-fired power plants, a major victory for youth-led advocacy in promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond his environmental work, Sohanur has played a key role in Bangladesh’s pro-democracy movement. He has organized numerous peaceful protests advocating for democratic reforms, contributing to significant political changes in the country. He continues to call on the interim government to prioritize climate action and human rights, pushing for a just and equitable future for all.
The YAS24 summit also recognized other exceptional youth leaders, including Marley Dias from the United States for her #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, and Shanley McLaren from France for her efforts to combat online gender-based violence through her organization Stop Fisha. Other honorees included Alvaro Quiroz from Mexico, founder of Brigada12, and Cynthia Houniuhi from the Solomon Islands, recognized for her work in homelessness and climate justice.
As part of his participation in the summit, Sohanur visited the Bangladesh Permanent Mission and the European Union Delegation in Geneva. He emphasized the urgent need for climate justice and human rights for vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. His visit highlighted the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges, particularly in climate change and human rights.
Founded in 2016 by Sohanur, YouthNet Global has become one of Bangladesh’s most influential youth-led organizations, focusing on climate justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights. Through its advocacy, YouthNet has contributed to significant policy changes, such as the declaration of the climate crisis as a planetary emergency by the Bangladesh Parliament and the successful prevention of harmful coal projects.
In addition to its environmental work, YouthNet is committed to promoting social justice and gender equality. The organization has organized numerous campaigns and protests for political reforms and continues to strive for a more inclusive, democratic society. By empowering young people, YouthNet is equipping the next generation with the tools to lead and make a lasting impact on global issues.
Sohanur’s recognition at YAS24 serves as a testament to the power of youth leadership in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. His work continues to inspire hope for a future driven by climate justice, democratic reforms, and equality. The ongoing efforts of YouthNet are making tangible differences in the lives of people in Bangladesh, while also contributing to the global fight against the climate crisis.
