Bangladesh to work with UNICEF to engage youth in climate adaptation: Syeda Rizwana Hasan
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Bangladesh, stressed the need for coordinated climate adaptation, youth involvement, and accountability.
She emphasized that youth should participate in building and overseeing water-related projects, including those organized by the Water Development Board.
She added. Focus should be given to advanced safe technologies and practical alternatives to incineration Incineration for managing sewage and medical waste.
The Advisor discussed these issues with a delegation led by UNICEF Bangladesh Country Representative Rana Flowers at her office on July 1, 2025.
The meeting emphasized the need for joint efforts by both countries to strengthen the response to the climate crisis through education, social sectors, and youth engagement.
The meeting highlighted the adverse impacts of climate change on children and adolescents, such as floods, malnutrition and disruption of the education system, and said that UNICEF is committed to putting youth at the center of climate solutions.
She suggested expanding youth consultation meetings in various districts and establishing a structured way for youth to regularly communicate with the ministry.
UNICEF suggested creating a joint documentary series to raise environmental awareness among children and youth by incorporating eco-friendly messages.
The advisor approved the proposal, suggesting it could be part of the school curriculum through teacher training and student capacity building.
UNICEF and the Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change agreed to create a joint action plan focused on environmental education and local climate initiatives during their meeting.
The plan will also include waste recycling, waste segregation, and youth-led emergency preparedness activities. The Ministry of Environment and UNICEF are optimistic about enhancing cooperation to promote climate-friendly leadership and speed up the country’s sustainable development.
