
United news24 Desk ::
Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, Vice Chancellor of Khulna University, has emphasized the importance of youth leadership in advancing climate movement for coastal protection and ensuring Bangladesh’s active position in global climate negotiations. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Khulna Climate Youth Forum on Climate Crisis, he remarked, “Bangladesh’s voice in global climate negotiations must reflect the strength, resilience, and innovation of its people. The future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. Empowering our youth to lead climate advocacy is not just an investment in their potential but a necessity for our survival.”
The forum, held on Thursday at the Journalist Liakat Ali Auditorium, Khulna University, focused on climate justice, the preservation of the Sundarbans, and addressing the escalating issue of climate-induced migration.
Jointly organized by Nature Conservation Management (NACOM) and YouthNet Global, with support from the Climate Ambitions Support Alliance (CASA) and the UK Government, the event aimed to prepare Bangladeshi negotiators to advocate effectively for climate justice under the UNFCCC framework.
Prominent speakers included Professor Dr. Md. Golam Hossain, Dean of the Life Science School; Professor Dr. Md. Mujibor Rahman, Head of the Environmental Science Discipline; and Professor Dr. Md. Nazmus Sadath, Director of Student Affairs, Khulna University. Dr. S.M. Munjurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director of NACOM, chaired the forum.
The discussions highlighted the critical challenges facing the Sundarbans, which is under severe threat from rising salinity and climate change. As a vital natural shield against cyclones and rising sea levels, the Sundarbans’ degradation poses significant risks to communities and ecosystems. The forum also addressed the pressing issue of climate-induced migration, which has displaced thousands of vulnerable people in Bangladesh.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, delivered a keynote presentation, stressing the need for youth-driven advocacy to protect the Sundarbans and support displaced communities. He called for increased youth engagement in international climate negotiations to ensure equitable and sustainable solutions for Bangladesh.

Participants reflected on key outcomes from COP29, including discussions on loss and damage, adaptation financing, just transition, and the global stocktake of climate actions. The forum proposed recommendations to strengthen Bangladesh’s preparation for COP30, with a focus on addressing climate migration and preserving critical ecosystems like the Sundarbans.
The forum concluded with a united call to action, urging youth to take a central role in advancing climate justice, fostering resilience, and shaping sustainable policies to safeguard the country’s future.