The participants urged governments and stakeholders to prioritise integrated approaches to ecological and gender justice, ensuring a just and inclusive future for all
The role of youth-driven solutions and strategic media advocacy is very crucial to foster inclusive climate action and social justice, experts and climate activists have said.
They also highlighted the role of the media in amplifying grassroots movements and raising public awareness about the intersection of gender and ecological issues.
These observations surfaced in a regional conference on ecological and gender justice in Dhaka on Thursday. The conference called for bold systemic reforms to address climate change, gender inequality, and the need for transformative action.
Speaking at the event, the participants expressed their hope that the discussions would lead to actionable strategies, empowering communities and advancing a more equitable and sustainable future.
Organised by Research Initiatives Bangladesh (RIB) in collaboration with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung South Asia, the event brought together activists, academics, policymakers, and professionals from Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
Chaired by Rajib Kumar of Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung South Asia, a notable session, titled “Youth-Driven Community Solutions: Using Media to Link Ecological, Gender, and Climate Justice,” garnered significant attention.
YouthNet Global Executive Coordinator Sohanur Rahman, addressing the session, emphasised the need for gender-transformative policies in climate action frameworks.
“Climate justice is incomplete without addressing gender justice,” he said, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and marginalised groups.
Rahman also showcased the EcoMen Initiative, which engages men and boys as allies in promoting environmental and gender equity.
Reflecting on the outcomes of COP29, he called for enhanced global cooperation and local action.
“Sustainable solutions require the active participation of all—men, women, and youth—working together to drive transformative change,” he stated.
The session featured Brighters Society of Bangladesh Chair Shathy Jomoddar, UNDP Bangladesh Project Assistant Fariha S Aumi, Senior Broadcast Journalist at Jamuna Television Salauddin Ahmed Reza and Indigenous Peoples News Executive Editor Bangladesh Satej Chakma.
The conference concluded with a collective call to action, urging governments and stakeholders to prioritise integrated approaches to ecological and gender justice, ensuring a just and inclusive future for all.
