The Youth Policy Forum (YPF) organized a seminar on “Commonwealth Youth in Climate Action” with the British High Commission in Dhaka on 28 March.

The event briefly outlined the outcomes of COP26; highlighted the role of young people in innovating and participating in climate action; and the way forward to make Bangladesh greener and more sustainable, reads a press release.

The conference brought together policy makers from various political parties, activists, negotiators and, above all, young people. This is the second flagship program YPF has helped launch as part of its climate-focused roadmap and climate advocacy.

Arfan Uzzaman, UN FAO Climate Change MRV Expert, presented the recent findings of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report. He stressed that food security, living standards and governance were vital structural pillars that should be strengthened by climate change prone countries around the world. He also stressed that Bangladesh should strengthen water security and become more resilient to even more powerful natural cyclones and droughts.

A panel of young activists also highlighted their youth outreach strategy. Fayaz Anam of Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative highlighted how the Olympiads and scholarship programs have helped over 10,000 students receive climate change awareness training. Sohanur Rahman of YouthNet for Climate Justice urged and insisted on holding wealthy nations accountable for their significant contributions to climate change. In the same panel, Nurul Huda Ashrafi of the JAAGO Foundation explained that the aim was to connect with young people, create awareness, connect with social leaders and make people understand how climate change affects everything. the world.

In addition, Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid, discussed the influence of women in building stronger climate change resilience programs. She explained how rural women are at the forefront of climate change and how they are the real agents of change.

Senior politicians like Tabith Awal, Tanvir MP Shakil Joy and Shameem MP Haider Patwari also spoke at the conference.