Climate activists have called for a greater investment in climate infrastructure of Bangladesh.
Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global, said: “Although youth and children may be more vulnerable to climate change, they also have the power to hold the world leaders responsible and accountable for taking the necessary measures to ensure that climate resilience is a top priority.”
He was speaking at a dialogue titled “Post COP-29: Taking Climate Action Forward with Media and Youth Climate Activists”.
The event was organized by Save the Children in Bangladesh to unite youth climate activists and the media at a hotel in Dhaka.
During the panel discussion, the youth climate activists highlighted their key negotiations during COP-29. One of them was ensuring effective climate financing for the less developed countries like Bangladesh.
Sohanur said: “We focused on climate finance at the previous COP, and the initial investment of $100 billion was increased to $300 billion with a focus on vulnerable populations.”
Regarding the next plan of action, another panelist, Kingbadanti Sabir said: “We have to start planning for the next COP in January. If we can continue that, we can get a good outcome by November.”
Md Mostak Hossain, humanitarian director of Save the Children in Bangladesh, said: “We have to reach the grassroots level to provide support to locals, who are the most affected. We have seen that early action needs to be tailored to the union level.”
Dhaka Tribune Chief Reporter Ali Asif Shawon stressed the importance of coordination between journalists and climate activists to bring important stories to people.
He said: “We need to move forward together for better climate resilience.”
Zinat Ara Afroze, campaign, communications and media director of Save the Children in Bangladesh’s Advocacy, said: “Through our Generation Hope Campaign, youth climate activists call for urgent action on the global climate and inequality crisis to create a safe, healthy and happy future for children and youth.”
According to Afroze, the media also plays an integral role in raising their voices across the national landscape and highlighting their potential to lead climate action.
“The youth activist played a tremendous role in circulating the message. It shows us the potential they have to enhance climate resilience,” said Afroze.
Journalists and climate activists joined the dialogue to promote youth and child-led voices in advocating for climate awareness and resilience.