Bangladesh’s climate response will fall short unless girls and young people are placed at the centre of policymaking and adaptation efforts, speakers said on Wednesday, arguing that building climate resilience requires investing in youth leadership as much as physical infrastructure.
The call came at a seminar on “Girls’ and Youth-led Climate Action,” organised jointly by Plan International Bangladesh, the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Bangladesh Youth Coalition (BYC) to mark World Environment Day.
Speakers said climate adaptation should no longer be viewed solely through embankments, cyclone shelters and other infrastructure projects, but must also focus on empowering communities -- particularly adolescent girls and young people -- to participate in environmental decision-making and locally led climate solutions.
Addressing the seminar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mohammad Navid Shafiullah said Bangladesh’s climate resilience depends on equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to contribute to national climate action.
“Climate adaptation is no longer only about infrastructure; it is about empowering people, strengthening institutions and nurturing leadership,” he said, adding that today’s young people, especially adolescent girls, will shape Bangladesh’s climate-resilient future.
Kabita Bose, country director of Plan International Bangladesh, said girls and young people are among those most affected by climate change but are also leading innovative solutions within their communities.
She stressed the need to invest in girls’ leadership and ensure their meaningful participation in climate policymaking.
The seminar also highlighted youth-led research on renewable energy, climate education, digital environmental monitoring and locally led adaptation.
Participants, including government officials, academics, diplomats and development partners, concluded with a commitment to strengthen collaboration and create greater opportunities for girls and young people to influence Bangladesh’s climate policies and environmental governance.