Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo called on students to develop technological, scientific and ethical skills, highlighting disaster preparedness, climate resilience and growing career opportunities in climate adaptation and risk reduction.
Bangladesh’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has urged students to acquire modern technological skills, scientific knowledge and strong ethical values to help build a safer and more climate-resilient world.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Building Future Leaders for a Safer and More Resilient World” held at BRAC University in the capital’s Rampura area on Saturday.
The minister said environmental protection and disaster risk reduction are deeply interconnected, stressing that effective environmental management is central to reducing disaster risks in an era of accelerating climate change.
Bangladesh, despite being among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, has emerged as a global example in disaster preparedness and resilience, he said, crediting long-term investments in early warning systems, the Cyclone Preparedness Programme, community volunteer networks and improved shelter infrastructure for significantly reducing disaster-related deaths.
He added that disaster management must be understood as a continuous process rather than a post-disaster response, encompassing preparedness, risk reduction and the development of resilient communities to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The environment minister also noted the growing global demand for skilled professionals in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and humanitarian response, saying governments and international agencies are increasingly seeking trained experts to address climate and environmental challenges.
He encouraged students and parents to explore academic and career pathways in disaster management, particularly through BRAC University’s Bachelor of Disaster Management programme, saying graduates could contribute meaningfully both in Bangladesh and internationally to strengthening climate resilience and sustainable development.
The workshop featured a panel discussion with Professor Dr Fuad H. Mallick, Dean of the Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Studies at BRAC University; Associate Professor Dr Emon Chowdhury; Dr Susan Vize, Country Director of UNESCO Bangladesh; and Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh. Closing remarks were delivered by Dr David Dowland, Registrar of BRAC University.
The event brought together students, parents and faculty members, highlighting the role of higher education institutions in shaping the next generation of climate and disaster resilience leaders for national and global impact.
