A crowd of over 1,000 young individuals came together at the ‘Climate Hope Bangladesh 2025’ summit in Dhaka, demonstrating their dedication to tackling climate change through creativity and leadership. This event, which celebrated the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, included exciting competitions like the National Climate Science Olympiad, showcasing innovative solutions from the youth aimed at building a sustainable future.
Young people from across Bangladesh gathered at the ‘Climate Hope Bangladesh 2025’ summit in Dhaka, demonstrating renewed commitment to confronting the climate crisis through innovation, resilience, and leadership.
Commemorating 55th Earth Day, the two-day summit, held at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), brought together more than 1,000 youth who actively participated in a range of creative competitions, including the National Climate Science Olympiad, a photography contest, and a climate hackathon. With the theme, “Our Power, Our Planet the event was jointly organised by YouthNet Global, BUET Environment Watch, and Global Youth Changemakers.
Participants stressed that they are not merely highlighting the challenges of climate change, but are proactively searching for sustainable solutions. The organisers emphasised that Bangladesh’s youth, hailing from one of the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, are changing the narrative from despair to hope.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Saturday, A.K.M. Sohel, Chief of the UN Wing at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) under the Ministry of Finance, said, “The active youth of today will build a safer world for tomorrow. Their innovative thinking and leadership are indispensable.”
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global and Champion of the Generation Hope Campaign of Save the Children, highlighted the role of young changemakers. “Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. Together, we are rewriting the story of Bangladesh’s future with hope, innovation, and climate justice at its core,” he said.
Distinguished guests at the summit included Edwin Koekkoek, Team Leader for Green Inclusive Development at the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh; Nayoka Martinez Backstrom, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden; and Professor Dr. Mofizur Rahman, Moderator of BUET Environment Watch.
In a special address, Edwin Koekkoek shared an inspiring reflection on the crucial role of youth in driving the green transition. He stressed that the conversation on renewable energy, regional cooperation, and ambitious climate goals is not merely about technology or politics, but about empowering young people to lead where previous generations have fallen short.
“The European Union believes in leading by example. But real change must happen everywhere — locally, regionally, and globally. No one should think that the responsibility for today’s climate crisis rests on the shoulders of youth. Yet here we are — not because we caused it, but because we are willing to fix it,” said Koekkoek.
He outlined three key actions that should guide future efforts: act locally, think regionally and globally; push for political ambition; and collaborate globally to achieve a just, inclusive energy transition.
At the closing ceremony, 103 winners out of 600 contestants were recognised across 13 categories. The awards ceremony was filled with excitement and pride as the youth pledged to lead Bangladesh’s climate movement into a more resilient and sustainable future.
“We are not here just to talk about problems. We are here to create solutions,” said Jaifa Rahman Ruhi from Viqarunnisa Noon School, one of the competition winners, echoing the vibrant spirit of the gathering.
The ‘Climate Hope Bangladesh 2025’ summit ended with a strong message: young people are not only the hope for the future, they are the leaders of today’s movement towards climate resilience and justice.
