Youth National Climate Declaration submitted to govt ahead of upcoming COP summit
Staff Correspondent
Speakers at a national gathering on Thursday urged the government to ensure the meaningful participation of youth in climate change policy-making processes during the closing ceremony of the two-day "Youth National Climate Conference Bangladesh 2026" at the Bangla Academy.
The National Youth Climate Declaration, drafted with inputs from nearly 300 young delegates across the country, was unveiled and formally presented to government representatives.
National Parliament Chief Whip and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice Chairman Nurul Islam Moni MP attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Saimum Parvez was present as the honored guest.
Chaired by Saidur Rahman Siam, founder and director of Brighters Foundation, and moderated by Brighters Chair Fariya Sultana Omi, the event also featured UNESCO Bangladesh Representative Dr. Susan Vize, Practical Action Country Director Ishrat Shabnam, Waterkeepers Bangladesh Coordinator Sharif Jamil, and Professor Emeritus of BRAC University Dr. Ainun Nishat as special guests.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni MP stated that the government welcomes youth initiatives and assured that the administration will support young climate activists in driving policy changes.
Dr. Saimum Parvez emphasized that the government attaches high importance to the position paper prepared by the youth, pledging to represent their climate priorities at upcoming international forums.
Sharif Jamil, also serving as Member Secretary of Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (DHORA), called on developed nations to halt military funding and prioritize global climate finance commitments instead.
The two-day conference, held on September 30 and October 1, was organized by Brighters Foundation alongside 30 youth organizations, with support from ActionAid, CARE Bangladesh, UNICEF Bangladesh, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
Organizers confirmed that the submitted declaration will serve as the foundational framework for presenting the demands of Bangladeshi youth—focusing on climate justice, loss and damage compensation, adaptation, green jobs, and policy inclusion—at the upcoming COP summit.
