As global leaders gather for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP29 in Baku, a powerful dialogue on climate change is emerging among young leaders, policymakers and climate advocates. In a significant pre-COP29 roundtable titled ‘Youth as Agents of Change’, young climate activists from Bangladesh joined representatives from the European Union, Sweden and other Team Europe members to share insights, propose concrete actions, and demand urgent progress on climate policies. Bangladesh’s Youth Voice for Climate Action Bangladeshi youth leaders brought a compelling voice to the COP29 preparatory discussion, highlighting the climate challenges their country faces and the actions needed to address them. With Bangladesh among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, young leaders focused on key areas, including climate adaptation, financing and transitioning away from fossil fuels. UN climate talks to focus on money to help poor nations cut carbon pollution At the roundtable, youth delegates made several recommendations. These included enhancing nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to set more ambitious emissions targets and devising long-term strategies for sustainable energy. “We want a future where our communities are resilient, where our voices shape national policies, and where our climate adaptation measures are strong enough to withstand the challenges ahead,” said Rina Ahmed, a Bangladeshi youth activist and delegate at the event. Climate Change: An Urgent Crisis “The year 2023 was officially the warmest year on record,” notes climate scientist Dr. Mohammad Rahman, emphasising that rising temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions have reached critical levels. “Climate change isn’t just warming temperatures; it’s intensifying droughts, increasing floods, causing biodiversity loss, and worsening storms globally. These effects are compounded in countries like Bangladesh,” he adds. Adaptation, Mitigation and Support The roundtable outlined two major avenues for climate action: Climate Adaptation – Preparing communities to face climate impacts. For Bangladesh, this involves building infrastructure like seawalls and developing agricultural practices that withstand extreme weather. Climate Mitigation – Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including renewable energy adoption, improving energy efficiency, and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. As these young leaders emphasized, a comprehensive approach combining adaptation and mitigation is critical. Echoing this sentiment, Maya Svensson, Swedish climate ambassador, stated, “Our support for climate adaptation must meet the urgency of this moment. International cooperation is essential to secure the future of countries facing severe climate impacts.” Team Europe’s Role A key topic discussed was the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), expected to take effect in 2026. This initiative will apply carbon pricing to imports from countries with less stringent climate policies, aiming to reduce carbon leakage and encourage global climate action. “CBAM will play a crucial role in holding countries accountable for their emissions and in fostering a level playing field in the global market,” said Margareta Nilsson, European Union climate advisor. Beyond COP29 As the climate conversation continues, organizations are encouraged to pursue both emissions reductions and climate-positive initiatives. For instance, climate-positive efforts aim not only to achieve carbon neutrality but to remove additional CO₂ from the atmosphere. Climate action remains crucial for sustainability leaders, including those in Bangladesh, where youth leaders’ initiatives are mobilizing local communities and inspiring international action. SGS, a global leader in environmental testing and certification, also emphasized the importance of comprehensive services for emission reduction, adaptation, and green energy transition. The company’s services range from GHG emissions consulting to carbon neutrality verification, supporting both private and public sector actors. A Global Movement with Youth at the Helm The COP29 roundtable underscored that youth engagement in climate action is not merely symbolic; it is essential to achieving a resilient and sustainable future. Bangladeshi youth climate leaders, in collaboration with Team Europe, are pushing for actionable strategies and accountability. Their message is clear: the time for transformative action is now. As COP29 unfolds in Baku, it remains evident that today’s youth are not only the most affected by climate change but also the fiercest advocates for change. The global community is listening, and it is this generation’s commitment and drive that may finally turn the tide on climate change