Antalya:State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shaikh Faridul Islam, underscored the importance of youth participation in climate policy and decision-making during a sideline event at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event titled 'Youth Engagement From Participation to Power' was organized by the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust (BCCT) at the Bangladesh Pavilion within the 'Blue Zone' of the conference. The state minister emphasized that youth involvement must extend beyond formal representation to active participation in policy formulation, planning, and monitoring activities.
Dr. Fahmida Khanam, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Dr. Md. Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, also addressed the event. Dr. Parvez called for fostering skills and leadership among youth at both national and international levels.
Kazi Rownakul Islam, Managing Director of BCCT, delivered the welcome remarks, while Professor Mohammad Nurunnabi moderated the session. The BCCT announced a strategic action plan for 2026-2030 aimed at mobilizing 32,000 youth volunteers to engage in climate initiatives across Bangladesh.
Additionally, the event saw the release of a policy paper titled "Youth Engagement Across 30 COPs," which includes recommendations for enhancing youth participation in climate initiatives and education. Senior officials, international representatives, and youth delegates attended the event.