The first ever debate competition evolving climate justice in the country, The Climate Debate 2023 ended after a successful run for four months with the motto 'Make Noise, Raise Voice'.

Beyond Candid, a youth-led platform organised the debate tournament, in collaboration with Global Platform Bangladesh.

Bangladesh being the 7th most climate vulnerable country in the world, younger generation of the country is inevitably going to suffer the most due to climate change.

The untimely rain, scorching heat, recurrence of floods and storms, emergence of internally displaced climate refugees are already creating health hazards, causing unemployment and poverty, posing threats to women and children.

Therefore, it is high time that the young generation of the country start voicing their rights and advocating for the country in the global negotiation table, and to enhance climate knowledge, negotiation skills in climate decisions and establish climate leadership of from the young people.

Beyond Candid and Global Platform Bangladesh initiated the debate tournament aiming to help young people comprehend the climate negotiation process in the local, national, regional and international level through logical argument on various topics throughout the debate series.

The Climate Debate 2023 has brought the grand participation of about 100 debaters from 16 universities across Dhaka city.

Apart from the debate itself, it has been able to create opportunities for the young people to share their opinion, logic, up-scale knowledge and learn experiences through the series of arguments.

The entire competition took place in several rounds gravitating the motions around the fundamental aspects of climate change. Climate debate topics were carefully chosen based on their relevance to climate change, potential for generating differing viewpoints, and their impact on society, policy, or the environment.

During the campaign, all team members exhibited spontaneity. The propositions focused on four main priorities: Adaptation, Mitigation, Loss and Damage, and Climate Resilience.

These aspects offered practical knowledge and educational value while engaging the audience and reflecting emerging trends. The key focus was on providing balanced arguments and addressing global implications, ensuring the debates promote insightful and informed discussions.

All the rounds have been promoted both online and offline together to spread the messages and disseminate knowledge on a larger scale.

Gradually, 16 teams competed in the first stage, and eight teams proceeded to the quarter-finals. Then, in subsequent rounds, the semi-finals and finals, four and two teams secured their positions respectively.

The two finalist teams were Kabi Nazrul Government College and Daffodil International University. The grand finale took place on August 10 on the eve of International Youth Day 2023 at the GPB premises.

Almost 200 young people, climate activists, young leaders, climate professionals were resent to witness the final of this tournament. The final debate focused on the importance of green transition and green skills for the future generation and a sustainable world.

Adjudicators of the final debate were Nazmul Ahsan, Manager, Young People, ActionAid Bangladesh; Arif Siddiki, Coordinator of the Youth Hub and Mobilisation, ActionAid Bangladesh; Kaniz Fatema from Capacity Development and Innviation team followed by the renowned female Climate Activist Jannatul Mawa. The moderator of the final debate was Md Masud Parvez, Founder of Beyond Candid.

After a hard argumentative oral fight between both teams, Daffodil International University won the title of Champion followed by the Runner Up title by Kabi Nazrul Government College. Speaker of the tournament was given to a debater from Bangladesh University.

The organisers from Beyond Candid and GPB said they believe, this year it has created a space where debaters, activists, young people, from all over Dhaka could gather under the same roof to understand climate negotiation process, develop climate leadership, increase communication skills and overall knowledge on climate change.

As the campaign draws to a close, Beyond Candid and Global Platform remain resolute in their mission.

Their intention to continue organising such impactful programmes reflects their dedication to being a catalyst for change.

By encouraging informed decision-making and promoting sustainable practices, both organisations aim to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond this campaign.