Youth in Khulna have recently pledged to tackle climate change in an event organized by JAAGO Foundation Trust under its Nobodoy Project.

The stakeholder dialogue titled "Youth Dialogue: What Do Youth Think About Tackling Climate Change?" was held at Chalna Municipality in Khulna, where participants wrote three promises to address climate change and displayed them on a “Promise Wall.” They also collectively took an oath to protect the environment.

The Senior Manager of the Project Implementation Team at JAAGO Foundation Trust, Iftikhar Ul Karim, led the participants in the oath-taking ceremony with the following pledge: "I pledge to protect Bangladesh from the threats of climate change. I will play an active role and inspire others. I will contribute to leading our country toward a sustainable and safe future. I am committed to acting as a guardian of the environment."

During his speech, he stated: "JAAGO Foundation works nationwide with youth to drive development initiatives. The southern region of Bangladesh, particularly Khulna, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; and while developed nations preserve their forests and import wood from countries like ours, we lack awareness of the harmful effects of deforestation - so it is crucial to recognize the importance of preserving forests in combating climate change.”

Ratan Kumar Adhikari, Regional Manager of Khulna Zone at HEED Bangladesh, said: "Thirty to forty years ago, this region was rich in resources, such as sweet sap from date trees and large fish in the canals - however, due to the effects of climate change, these resources are now scarce. We are responsible for this change, and it is our youth who must step forward to address this and take effective action."

Senior journalist Sheikh Didarul Alam also spoke at the event, sharing his professional experiences of working on climate change issues: "Government-led social service initiatives and climate change projects need to be implemented with sincerity and accountability by officials. To contribute to the country's development, we must change our mindset and perspective."

The event also featured speeches by Kali Pada Mistry, Head Teacher of Par-Joynagar Government Primary School; Md Azizul Haque, Operations Manager of the Nobo Jatra Project at World Vision Bangladesh; and Md Saiful Alam, District Coordinator of YouthNet. Representatives from youth organizations, Nobodoy project participants, and climate youth leaders also shared their insights.