While climate change is affecting everyone, especially the vulnerable communities, they said, engaging youth voice in bringing changes in this regard is urgently needed.
The experts came up with the remarks while speaking during a panel discussion on ‘Taking Youth Voice to Global Platforms: Role of Government, Development Partners and Media’ at Stamford University, Bangladesh.
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohsin said youths are the key change-makers, said a press release.
While the government is working on raising voice in global platform about climate change, youths must bring their demands on this issue to the government, he said.
Project Manager, IBFCR Project, UNDP Ranjit Kumar Chakraborty said resource and proper implementation of policies and strategies are needed to fight climate change. “For this, youth participation is a must.”
Programme Director, Oxfam in Bangladesh MB Akhter said climate change is increasing the challenge of reducing hunger and poverty for Bangladesh to a greater extent. The youth need to be more aware about the climate change issues in this regard.
Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh Farah Kabir said youths have the opportunity to raise their voice through social networks as their voice is needed to move regarding national policies forward.
Youths can also work for sustainable consumption, she added.
The panel discussion was part of a daylong conference ‘Dhaka Climate Talk 2018’ where youth activists, policymakers, NGOs, academicians, media and civil society came together to exchange experiences, showcase best practices, raise awareness and foster cooperation.