The International Centre for Climate Change and Development recently acknowledged her commitment to climate migrant communities, by giving her the coveted 2024 Youth Innovation Fund
Saila Sobnom Richi – coordinator of Media and Movement Building at YouthNet Bangladesh, and an ICCCAD Youth Fellow – began her COP journey with the COP26 Youth Engagement Fund, supported by the British Council in 2021.
Raised in Barishal of Bangladesh, Saila always had a keen sense of belonging to her community, and an ardent desire to change things for the better. She is enthusiastic about integrating youth voices into climate policy, particularly around adaptation and gender-inclusive approaches.
From sixth-grade debate to her work as a child journalist for UNICEF, she has developed her voice to speak up for women, adolescents, and people facing the terrible reality of climate change.
YouthNet for Climate Justice was the beginning of her climate leadership path. She has been a Youth Climate Ambassador and Media and Movement Coordinator for the last four years, using activism and policy lobbying to advance gender and climate justice.
It was a turning point for Saila to lead the Youth Hunger Project at COP26, which brought these important topics together. Her work does not end there though, as she still advocates for these topics internationally as a member of the UN Youth Advisory Group.
Saila has been able to work with groups like BRAC, ActionAid, and Save the Children on worthwhile projects because she represents Barishal, her area, and Bangladesh on national and international arenas.
The International Centre for Climate Change and Development recently acknowledged her commitment to climate migrant communities, by giving her the coveted 2024 Youth Innovation Fund.
This led the way to work on her project “INFLUENCERS-The Path Led by Knowledge” for the climate induced internally displaced people. And the adventure goes on!
She will represent Bangladesh at COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11-22 November 2024, and she is excited to bring her enthusiasm and voice to this important worldwide discussion. Saila’s story is a testament to the power of young people to make a real difference in the face of climate challenges. “Together, we can create a brighter tomorrow,” she told The Climate Watch, with her voice showing a touch of optimism.
