The EcoMen Summit 2024 celebrated three inspiring grassroots champions whose efforts are advancing gender equality and environmental conservation. Organized by YouthNet Global, the Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS), and MÄN, the summit was held at Ascott Palace Hotel in Dhaka on Saturday, October 26.
The summit highlighted the intersection of gender-inclusive climate action and transformative environmental leadership. The event brought together hundreds of youth activists, community leaders, and environmental stakeholders from across Bangladesh, according to a press release.
The summit honored three individuals for their impactful community-driven initiatives. Jasim Sardar from Barishal’s Manta Fishing Folk community received recognition for engaging men in roles traditionally held by women, promoting shared responsibilities in social and environmental preservation. Anwar Hosain from Kurigram was celebrated for his leadership in a local tree-planting movement, demonstrating the power of grassroots environmental actions. The Green Nari Kallyan Foundation, represented by Executive Director Sakera Banu from Khulna, was awarded for empowering women to lead sustainable green enterprises, strengthening community resilience.
The event featured a distinguished panel that underscored the critical need for gender-integrated environmental strategies to combat climate change. Speakers included Nayoka Martinez Bäckström, First Secretary at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh; Sheepa Hafiza, a renowned human rights and gender equality activist; Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive of Change Initiative; and Mahmodul Hasan Tareq, Domain Coordinator at Helvetas Bangladesh. Panelists emphasized the importance of engaging men and boys in climate action, empowering youth, and dismantling gender biases.
The summit led to the formation of a national youth forum focused on promoting environmental stewardship and gender equality, aiming to bring together young leaders for collaborative action on sustainable development. “EcoMen has the potential to become a long-term movement for changing mindsets and advancing environmental resilience,” remarked Nayoka Martinez Bäckström.
A session titled “Collaborative Leadership: Men and Women Working Together for Sustainability,” moderated by Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, was a highlight of the summit. It stressed the importance of unity between men and women in tackling environmental and social challenges. Among the speakers were Harunur Rashid Sagar from FES Bangladesh, Anika T Karim from Bonhishikha, and Nazmul Ahsan Miraz from ActionAid Bangladesh, who underscored youth engagement in climate resilience.
Another impactful session, “Local Leadership in Action: Collaborating for Gender and Environmental Transformation,” moderated by Farzana Faruk Jhumu of UNICEF’s Generation Equality Forum, shared powerful stories of resilience. Featured speakers included Sona Moni, a tiger widow from Satkhira; Aysha Siddiqua Tithi, an anti-discrimination activist; and Roufa Khanum of BRAC University’s C3ER.
The summit also featured addresses from development leaders. Shakila Islam of UNDP Bangladesh’s LoGIC project highlighted youth roles in climate adaptation, while Mahbub Alam, Country Director of Pathfinder International Bangladesh, discussed the need for a health-environment-gender integrated approach. Md. Shamsur Rahman Shuvo from BEDS emphasized the role of local leadership in driving sustainable environmental change.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Sohanur Rahman commented, “The EcoMen initiative is about redefining roles to build a sustainable future, fostering gender equality and collective action.” Through these initiatives, EcoMen is emerging as a collaborative movement promoting inclusive climate resilience across Bangladesh.
