Acting Vice-Chancellor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Professor Dr. Md Shajedul Karim, has called on young people to take leadership in climate action, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping policies for a sustainable future.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Sylhet Climate Youth Forum held at the Divisional Government Public Library on Tuesday, Professor Karim highlighted the need for active youth engagement in climate governance. The forum, jointly organized by Nature Conservation Management (NACOM) and YouthNet Global, with support from the Climate Ambition Support Alliance (CASA) and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), provided a platform to reflect on the outcomes of the UN Climate Conference COP29 and set priorities for COP30. Speakers underscored the urgency of integrating youth perspectives into climate governance to drive effective policy changes.
Special guests at the event included Md. Fardoush Anwar, Director of the Sylhet Divisional Office, Department of Environment; Dr. Romel Ahmed, Professor & Head, Department of Forestry & Environmental Science, SUST; and Dr. S.M. Munjurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director of NACOM, who chaired the session.
In his keynote speech, Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, expressed frustration over the lack of substantial progress at COP29. He stressed that young people must be at the forefront of climate negotiations to ensure policies reflect the urgency of the crisis.
Approximately 200 young participants from Sylhet, Habiganj, Sunamganj, and Moulvibazar districts attended the forum, reviewing key outcomes from COP29, including developments in climate finance and adaptation. They demanded stronger commitments from global leaders at COP30.
“Our future is being shaped by the actions we take today. As youth, we are ready to lead the way in the fight against climate change,” said Nihal Taseen, a youth leader at the forum.
Speakers at the forum emphasized that Sylhet’s low-lying geography makes it highly vulnerable to flash floods, river erosion, and erratic rainfall, exacerbated by climate change and upstream water mismanagement. The haor wetlands, a vital agricultural and ecological zone, face severe threats from early flooding, damaging crops, fisheries, and local livelihoods.
Experts stressed the need for sustainable water management, climate-resilient crops, stronger embankments to protect vulnerable communities, and wetland restoration projects to support biodiversity and ecological balance.
As Bangladesh continues to face intensifying climate challenges, Sylhet’s youth reaffirmed their commitment to climate advocacy, policy reforms, and building community resilience. The forum concluded with a passionate call to action, urging young people to step forward in demanding accountability and driving meaningful climate solutions.
