Dhaka, 7 September 2025 – Young people in Bangladesh have raised their voices ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil. At a roundtable dialogue in Dhaka, organized by Brighter Society of Bangladesh and ActionAid Bangladesh at Global Platform Bangladesh, youth representatives, journalists, and experts came together to demand a stronger role for youth in global climate policies.

Bangladesh is one of the countries hit hardest by climate change, facing floods, cyclones, and rising sea levels. The youth at the event emphasized that their voices must shape global decisions. They called for direct funding for renewable energy, sustainable farming, women’s health, and compensation for climate damage.

Youth as Solution Providers
Raufa Khanam, Assistant Director of the Center for Climate Change and Environmental Research, said, “Our youth are not just victims of climate change; they are key to finding solutions. Their ideas must be part of policymaking.”

Investigative journalist Md Ibrahim Khalilullah stressed, “Climate conferences like COP30 must show the real struggles of Bangladesh. Funds for damage and compensation should reach the most affected communities directly.”

Global Recognition for Bangladeshi Youth
Nguyen Viet Linh from Vietnam’s University of Forestry praised Bangladesh’s youth, saying, “The leadership shown by Bangladeshi youth is an example for the world.”

Youth from Bangladesh and other countries shared specific demands for COP30, including:

• More youth involvement in renewable energy and green jobs.
• Increased funding for water management, farming, and housing in vulnerable areas.
• Women-friendly healthcare and greater roles for women in disaster management.
• Easy access to compensation funds for marginalized communities.
• Protection of ecosystems like mangroves and mountain forests.
• Inclusion of indigenous knowledge in climate solutions.

A Call for Action
Saidur Rahman Siam, founder of Brighter Society of Bangladesh, said, “As a country at high risk from climate change, Bangladesh must take a bold stand at COP30. Our youth are ready to lead and be heard.”

The event saw participation from local and international figures, including Nazmul Ahsan from ActionAid Bangladesh, senior journalists Habibur Rahman and Borhanul Ashekin, and youth leaders like Sadia Jahan Rathi, Raihan Noman Nurunnabi, and Ahsan Rony.

Key Demands for COP30
The youth outlined clear demands, focusing on:

1. Adaptation: Training youth, especially women, for disaster management, climate-resilient farming, and local governance. Ensuring safe drinking water in coastal and hilly areas through rainwater harvesting and salinity control. Promoting green jobs and climate-resilient shelters.
2. Just Transition: Supporting young entrepreneurs with green farming and business training. Protecting vulnerable groups during disasters and addressing displacement caused by climate change.
3. Mitigation: Reducing river and environmental pollution and investing in projects to restore ecosystems.
4. Climate Finance: Allocating national and local budgets for youth-led green projects and local adaptation efforts.

The youth made it clear that they are not just victims but active partners ready to tackle the climate crisis. Their message is a call for the world to listen and act.