German cultural organization Goethe-Institut Bangladesh has recently launched its second edition of the Science Film Festival, virtually taking place in Bangladesh which has already earned its recognition as a celebration of science communication in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Demonstrating this year's theme “Science can be fun” - the festival is aiming to present scientific issues accessibly and entertainingly to a great number of audiences in 30 countries from October 01 till December 20. Like all other major festivals and festivities this year, the second edition is taking place virtually with a total of 24 films to the audience of early learners to university students. With this year’s theme of ‘Sustainable Development Goals’, the 2020 festival is in global partnership between the Goethe-Institut and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). According to the institution, the festival promotes science literacy and facilitates awareness of contemporary scientific, technological and environmental issues through international films with accompanying educational activities, in cooperation with local partners. The inaugural ceremony of the festival was recently held on Zoom, chaired by Goethe-Institut Bangladesh Director Dr Kirsten Hackenbroch. United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) Dr Samiya A Selim joined the ceremony as special guests, along with a number of science enthusiasts, teachers, environmentalists, scientists and students.

As part of a global partnership between Goethe-Institut and the UN Environment Programme, the UN in Bangladesh are co-hosting the Festival with Goethe’s other Bangladesh-based partners including JAAGO Foundation, Teach for Bangladesh, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD at ULAB), PASCH-Schools: Partners for the Future, South Point School & College, Oxford International School (OIS), Maple Leaf International School, European Standard School (ESS) and Mastermind International School.

Teachers, students and the interested audiences can register at https://www.goethe.de/ins/bd/en/kul/prj/ssf.html for free virtual participation via its VIMEO platform where the films are either available in English or with English sub-titles, and five films for younger learners are also available with Bengali subtitles.

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