Youth engagement for green cities, tackling climate change stressed

The country’s young population has a lot to do for help build green and healthy cities while contributing their best to the fight against the negative impacts of climate change, said Chittagong city mayor, Dr. Shahadat Hossain.

“If the youth take up new creative ideas, the city corporation will provide maximum support. Let’s plant trees to beautify Chittagong and work together to achieve a Green City,” he urged.

As the chief guest, he was addressing the youth conference called “Youth in Shaping Agenda: Bangladesh 2.0” at the Chittagong Press Club auditorium on Monday.

The conference underscored the importance of collective efforts, with a focus on youth leadership, to address climate change and foster sustainable urban development.

Emphasising the critical role of youth in addressing climate change and building sustainable cities, the mayor also expressed his commitment to waste management and climate initiatives, calling on the youth to bring creative ideas forward.

Dr Shahadat highlighted the severe impact of climate change, particularly on developing nations, and urged for greater financial contributions from developed countries to combat its effects.

The event, organized by Bright Bangladesh Forum in collaboration with ActionAid Bangladesh, brought together youth representatives, officials, and environmental advocates to discuss innovative solutions for a cleaner, greener future.

The conference was inaugurated by Khandkar Farzana Nazneen Setu, assistant commissioner and executive magistrate of the Chittagong District Administration.

Abdul Hannan, assistant director of the Youth Development Department, discussed the department’s programs to combat unemployment, including training in computer skills, driving, and tailoring.

He emphasised the need for additional support from the city corporation to enhance these efforts.

Bright Bangladesh Forum awarded checks totaling Tk1.8 lakh to 18 women entrepreneurs from underprivileged backgrounds.

Bright Bangladesh Forum’s chief Executive Utpal Barua called for the establishment of a youth standing committee within the Chittagong City Corporation.

He stressed the importance of youth leadership in driving sustainable development and noted the allocation of Tk 35 lakh for climate justice this year, with hopes for increased budgets in the future.

BRAC’s Chittagong District Coordinator Enamul Hasan highlighted BRAC’s initiatives, including training programs through its three centers, which connect youth to employment opportunities.

The conference also featured a play titled Amar Chattogram Amar Daitwa (My Chittagong, my responsibility), which showcased pressing issues such as climate change, waterlogging, and waste management in Chittagong.

Mementos were presented to youth organisations, and prizes were awarded to five outstanding individuals and two youth groups for their contributions.

Shamsuddin Illius, bureau chief of The Business Standard, called for making Chittagong a healthy city by proper waste management while insisting on ensuring health safety for Harijan community who are working for waste management.

He also suggested preparing an inclusive city plan where climate migrants must be included.

Shahzada Mohammad Shamsuzzaman, ActionAid Program Officer Masood Parvez Avi, ActionAid Inspirer Sweet Khanand Bright Bangladesh Forum Local Rights Program Manager Ridwanul Hakim Riad also spoke at the event.

Over 300 youth representatives from various organisations participated in the event.