Dhaka, 8 September 2025 – Over 100 young climate activists in Bangladesh have launched a powerful climate charter with 26 demands to ensure their voices are heard at the upcoming COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil. The charter was unveiled at the closing ceremony of the three-day “Bangladesh Youth COP 2025,” held from 6 to 8 September at a hotel in Dhaka. Organized by Brighters and ActionAid Bangladesh, the event focused on the theme “The Role of Youth for Just Transition.”

The conference brought together youth, climate experts, policymakers, and diplomats to discuss critical issues like climate justice, gender equality, environmental protection, and youth involvement in policymaking. The youth charter outlines demands for stronger climate action, fair funding, and inclusive policies to tackle Bangladesh’s climate challenges.

Key Discussions and Voices

On the final day, three panel discussions explored climate justice and just transition. Nazmul Ahsan from ActionAid Bangladesh led a session on gender equality, social justice, and climate finance, with experts like Mostafizur Rahman from the Embassy of Sweden, Khabirul Kamal from VSO Bangladesh, and Professor Hamidul Haque from United International University.

A mock climate negotiation, led by Advocate M. Hafizul Islam Khan, allowed youth to practice policy discussions. Another session, moderated by Advocate Manzoor Al Matin, focused on including youth demands in political party manifestos, with representatives from various parties sharing their views.

Closing Ceremony Highlights

The closing session, “From Dialogue to Movement,” featured a puppet show spreading the message of climate justice. Moderated by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, the session emphasized youth’s role in shaping climate policies. Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus of BRAC University, criticized global leaders for dodging responsibility on climate compensation, saying, “Weak coordination and lack of accountability are our biggest hurdles. Youth must think globally but act locally.”

Farah Kabir urged political parties to prioritize youth voices, saying, “Bangladesh’s history shows youth lead the way. Political parties must use their ideas meaningfully.” Fariha Ami, a young activist, added, “We’ve shown youth can shape policies if given a chance. We want to change the narrative.”

International guests, like Mitchell Lee from the Singapore High Commission, expressed interest in sharing climate resilience strategies with Bangladesh. Edwin Koekkoek from the European Union Delegation praised youth-driven initiatives like the European Green Deal and called for ambitious climate targets to keep global warming below 1.5°C.

Youth Demands for COP30

The youth charter includes 26 demands, focusing on:

• Climate Justice: Ensuring fair compensation for climate damage and involving youth in policymaking.
• Gender Equality: Prioritizing women and marginalized groups in climate policies and disaster response.
• Environmental Protection: Promoting sustainable practices and protecting ecosystems like mangroves.
• Climate Finance: Allocating funds for youth-led adaptation and green projects.
• Adaptation and Mitigation: Supporting climate-resilient farming, green jobs, and renewable energy.

Youth called for at least 3% of the national budget to be allocated to the climate sector, as demanded by Mominul Islam from the Nationalist Democratic Movement. SM Saif Mustafiz from the National Citizens’ Party highlighted the need to change mindsets, saying, “Youth under 30 must be at the policy table for Bangladesh to progress.”

Israfil Khasru from the Bangladesh Jatiya Party stressed raising climate awareness nationwide, while Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami emphasized matching words with actions. Saidur Rahman from Brighters urged local governments to involve youth in planning and funding decisions.

Pre-Conference Efforts

Before the main event, youth held 35 focus group discussions, 24 key informant interviews, and four regional Youth COPs in Barguna, Sunamganj, Lalmonirhat, and Bandarban to understand climate impacts in coastal, haor, drought-prone, and hilly areas. These efforts shaped the “Youth Position” for COP30, finalized through discussions with activists, journalists, and experts.

A Movement for Change

The Bangladesh Youth COP 2025 ended with the youth presenting their “Declaration of Demands for Just Transition” to policymakers and diplomats. The event sent a clear message: Bangladeshi youth are ready to lead the fight for climate justice, demanding a stronger role in global and local solutions.