Students in Rajshahi marked Earth Day with a debate on global food systems versus local food sovereignty, highlighting agroecology, climate justice and youth-driven solutions for sustainable food futures.
Young students in Rajshahi highlighted the importance of local food sovereignty, agroecology and climate justice during a solo debate competition held to mark Earth Day, as speakers called for stronger youth engagement to build a safe and sustainable food future.
The event took place on Wednesday at the SK Food Seminar Hall in Rajshahi, organised jointly by Green Coalition, BARCIK and the Varendra Youth Forum. The debate topic was “Global food system vs local food sovereignty: where lies the sustainable solution?”
Organisers said the initiative aimed to raise awareness among young people about agroecology, climate justice, food sovereignty and the sustainable development of local food systems, while strengthening social movements for environmental protection and a safe food-based future for the next generation.
The programme was chaired by former vice-chancellor of North Bengal International University Professor Bidhan Chandra Das. Judges included former president of the RUET Debating Club Jannatul Mawa Anannya and Green Coalition member secretary and BARCIK regional coordinator Md Shahidul Islam. The event was moderated by Varendra Youth Forum president Atikur Rahman Atik.
Students from various educational institutions in Rajshahi took part in the competition. Based on arguments, data and analysis, the judges announced the results, awarding first place to Tahmid Arif of Rajshahi Collegiate School Debating Club. Second place went to Ar-Rafi Siraji Ontor from Rajshahi University Group of Liberal Debating Club, while Sumaiya Sanzida of Rajshahi College Mirror Debating Club secured third position.
Speakers at the event said the global food system is becoming increasingly dependent on multinational corporations and industrial agriculture. They warned that rising use of chemical pesticides is harming climate and biodiversity, while local crises continue to deepen.
They also noted that locally adapted diverse seeds and biodiversity are declining, negatively affecting farmers, ecosystems and the environment. In this context, they said local food sovereignty, agroecological practices and sustainable management of natural resources could provide effective solutions for ensuring safe food and environmental protection.
In his remarks, Professor Bidhan Chandra Das said Earth Day serves as a reminder that the future of humanity is deeply interconnected with the health of the planet. He stressed that as the global food system becomes more industrial and market-driven, it is essential to protect local agriculture, biodiversity and people’s food rights through sustainable systems.
He said young people are the key drivers of future change and must be actively engaged in agroecology, environmental conservation, safe food production and climate justice movements. He added that such debate competitions help develop knowledge and reasoning skills while preparing youth to become responsible citizens contributing to sustainable development.
Das described the initiative by Green Coalition, BARCIK and the Varendra Youth Forum as timely and forward-looking, calling for collective efforts to build a safe food system, healthy environment and equitable society.
Organisers said similar programmes will continue under the Green Coalition movement to engage youth in safe food campaigns, environmental protection and climate justice awareness, aiming to build a conscious, responsible and environmentally friendly generation.
