Rajshahi: Speakers at a participatory discussion in Rajshahi underscored the critical role of youth and women in climate action, emphasizing their involvement to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change in the region, particularly the vast Barind tract. The discussion was part of the inaugural day of a two-day ‘Youth Festival on Climate Justice and Gender Equality,’ held at the New Govt. Degree College auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Youth Festival is a component of the Gender Equality Transforms Climate Action (GETCA) project, executed by consortium members Barendrabhumi Samaj Unnayan Sangstha (BSDO) and DASCOH Foundation, under the national-level NGO WAVE Foundation’s leadership. New Govt. Degree College partnered in the event, featuring activities such as quiz and extempore speech competitions with college students’ participation.
The festival was inaugurated by Dr. Shikha Sarker, Principal of Rajshahi New Govt. Degree College, with notable attendees including Vice-Principal Professor Matiur Rahman, Professor Rashed Karim, Associate Professor A.K.M. Nuruzzaman, GETCA Project Focal and Deputy Director of WAVE Foundation Kaniz Fatema, Chief Executive Officer of DASCOH Foundation Akramul Haque, and District Coordinator Madan Das. Approximately two hundred students actively participated in the program, which included a lively quiz and extempore speech competition.
The second day of the event will feature a panel discussion on climate change, youth activity presentations, Rajshahi’s traditional Gambhira performance, and a prize distribution ceremony. The GETCA project, led by the WAVE Foundation in collaboration with BSDO, DASCOH Foundation, Jago Nari, and NNS, is being implemented in the Rajshahi and Naogaon districts under the Citizenship: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF).