Marking World Nature Conservation Day Tuesday, an online seminar titled “Children and Youth in Climate Change and Post COVID-19 Recovery Plans” was held to announce the initiative, said a press release. 

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Standing Committee President Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP said, “Climate change is not only a development challenge; it is also an existential threat. To confront the threat, the new and young generation has to take the lead”.  

He mentioned that the draft eighth five years plan has already focused on green economy, green bill, circular economy and converting to renewable energy completely by 2050.

He also highlighted the interrelation of Covid-19 and climate change for green recovery, saying “COVID-19 response has to be packaged with green recovery to ensure maximum utilization of our resources.”    

Save the Children ,Bangladesh Country Director Onno van Manen highlighted that the voice of the young generation is equally important as the experienced ones in these sectors. 

“It will take the voice and energy of the next generation and the willingness of the older generation to listen and take action to address the climate emergency," he said. 

Focusing on the necessity for investment in youth, ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir said, "We don’t always have to look to the North for solutions. We can foster our youth's innovation and research with proper support."

The programme was also attended by Dr Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Director (Environment and Climate Change), PKSF, and two youth representatives, Hira Moni and Shohanur Rahman, YouthNet for Climate Justice.