The British Council has introduced the first-ever “GREAT Talk” sessions in Bangladesh to discuss and explore discourse aimed at tackling the pressing challenges of climate change.
The sessions were part of a series that started in India on August 24 and closed in Bangladesh on Thursday.
“GREAT Talk” is a lecture series that celebrates UK professionals from diverse areas, including technology, arts, film, scientists, science communicators, environment, design and creative industries, sports, space, and politics.
It is a part of the GREAT Campaign, the UK government's initiative to promote the UK internationally as a GREAT place to visit, study, and do business.
In Bangladesh, the GREAT Talk sessions were held at the North South University and the British Council's auditorium in Dhaka.
The speaker at the event was Professor Alison Greig, Director of Education for Sustainability at Anglia Ruskin University.
She emphasized the impact of climate change, what can be done, how it can be done, and ways to prepare the younger generation, especially those affected most, to address and manage the world they will inherit.
The topics were crucial for the current times when South Asia is witnessing record-breaking temperatures with Bangladesh being one of the worst affected countries in South Asia due to the climate crisis.
“Climate change is clearly an issue close to the hearts of the people I met in Bangladesh. My talk was intended to plant a seed in the minds of young people, to ask them to reflect on the contribution they can make to a sustainable world through their education and career,” she said.
David Knox, Cultural Engagement Director Bangladesh, British Council, said they would continue discussions with the government of Bangladesh on “greening education through our contribution through Climate Connections.”
Students, academicians and researchers, high-level government officials and representatives from NGOs and the private sector attended the program.