The proposals reflect a commitment to tackling environmental challenges and strengthening social cohesion through active youth engagement
With the world still buzzing over the outcomes of on the global climate summit in Baku, seven crucial resolutions were have been presented at a conference in Dhaka to facilitate effective measures for environmental conservation and to foster social unity.
The conference also highlighted the importance of youth leadership in nature conservation, environmental protection, and peacebuilding.
Titled the “Youth led Initiative for Nature and Peace” summit, the event was organised by Good Neighbors Bangladesh (GNB), with nearly 200 members from 17 nature and peace clubs across 13 districts participating at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka on Monday.
The main objective of the conference was to inspire youth to play a more active role in environmental protection and peacebuilding. The proposals reflect a commitment to tackling environmental challenges and strengthening social cohesion through active youth engagement.
Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global and a Young Activist Summit Laureate, stated, “Nature conservation and peacebuilding are interconnected. The world is facing a triple crisis—climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss.
“These crises not only threaten the environment but also pose a significant risk to humanity.”
He said, “Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it has become a humanitarian crisis, a global problem. In addressing this crisis, the role of youth is crucial.”
Priyosindhu Talukdar, director (planning) and Joint Secretary of the Department of Youth Development, addressing the event as the chief guest, said, “Today’s youth are our most powerful force for nature conservation and social unity.
“The awareness that has been developed among the youth is crucial for the future.”
M. Mainuddin Mainul, Country Director of Good Neighbors Bangladesh, said, “The current leadership for environment and peace rests in the hands of this youth generation. You must protect your juniors and nature together.”
The special guests at the event included Sonia Mehzabeen, country coordinator of United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Bangladesh, Lipi Seth, Climate Change and Resilience Program Manager of Plan International Bangladesh, Abu Sadat Moniruzzaman Khan, head of the Climate Change Program at BRAC, Abdullah Al Mamun, director of Child Protection and Child Rights Sector at Save the Children in Bangladesh, and Mohammad Mohsin, captain of the Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Team.
Panelists included Amir Hamza Jihad, CEO of Make a Team, Mir Mohammad Ali, Chairman of the Department of Aquaculture at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, and Mohammad Aftabuzzaman, Executive Head of the Swab Foundation.
The conference concluded with participants committing to take effective actions for environmental protection and peacebuilding. The attendees expressed optimism that these steps would bring about positive changes in Bangladesh’s environment and society.
