Sohanur Rahman ::
Youth must play a vital role in climate protection and nature conservation, speakers emphasized at a youth forum held on Sunday in Cox’s Bazar. 
The event, titled “Mobilisation of Youth: Reflection on COP29 and Expectations for COP30,” was organized by Nature Conservation Management (NACOM) and YouthNet Global, with support from the Climate Ambition Support Alliance (CASA) and the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The forum brought together youth leaders, environmental activists, and climate experts to reflect on COP29 outcomes and discuss expectations for COP30. Participants engaged in an interactive session on the role of youth in climate negotiations, agricultural concerns in climate policy, and the need for policies supporting communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.The “Strengthening the Negotiators” initiative aims to ensure Bangladesh’s voices are effectively represented in global climate negotiations.
Mollah Rezaul Karim, Conservator of Forests for Chittagong Circle, emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions and youth involvement in climate action. “Youth must take the lead in climate protection and nature conservation. Only through youth-inclusive climate action can we effectively tackle the climate crisis,” he declared.
Under the “Empowering Bangladeshi Stakeholders in UNFCCC Negotiations” project, the forum reviewed key COP29 UN climate conference’s outcomes, including progress in climate financing and adaptation. However, participants called for stronger commitments at COP30, particularly in climate justice, support for developing countries, and gender-responsive climate action.
Dr. SM Munjurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director of NACOM, emphasized the necessity of prioritizing youth voices in climate decision-making. “Youth voices are essential in every decision related to climate change,” he declared, underscoring the need for their active involvement in shaping solutions for a sustainable future.
As the guest of honor, Dr. ASM Marjan Nur, Adviser for Climate and Environment at the British High Commission in Dhaka, stressed the need to empower youth in climate negotiations, saying, “The future of climate policy depends on empowering the youth generation to shape it.” He further emphasized, “Their involvement is essential to ensure that climate decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities most affected by the crisis.”
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, highlighted the critical role of youth in climate negotiations. “The lack of progress at COP29 represents a failure to protect future generations,” Rahman said. “Youth must be at the forefront of climate negotiations and action to ensure policies reflect the urgency of the climate crisis.” He emphasized Bangladesh’s youth as key to shaping the country’s climate actions, stating, “They are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but the active agents of today, pushing for bold and transformative policies through active engagement in negotiations.”
The event concluded with a call to action, urging youth across Bangladesh to engage in climate discussions and advocate for climate justice to address climate change and protect vulnerable communities and just transition.

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