Young people from across Bangladesh gathered at the 'Climate Hope Bangladesh 2025' summit in Dhaka, demonstrating a renewed commitment to confronting the climate crisis through innovation, resilience, and leadership.
Held at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the two-day event brought together over 1,000 youth who engaged in creative competitions, including the National Climate Science Olympiad, a photography contest, and a climate hackathon. The summit was organised by YouthNet Global, BUET Environment Watch, and Global Youth Changemakers.
The participants stressed that they are not simply highlighting the challenges of climate change, but are actively searching for sustainable solutions. The organisers emphasised that the youth of Bangladesh, a country highly vulnerable to climate impacts, are transforming the narrative from one of despair to one of hope.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Saturday, A.K.M. Sohel, Chief of the UN Wing at the Economic Relations Division (ERD), said, "The active youth of today will build a safer world for tomorrow. Their innovative thinking and leadership are indispensable."
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global and Champion of the Generation Hope Campaign of Save the Children, noted, "Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. Together, we are rewriting the story of Bangladesh’s future with hope, innovation, and climate justice at its core."
Distinguished guests included Edwin Koekkoek, First Counsellor for Energy and Climate Action at the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh; Nayoka Martinez Backstrom, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden; and Professor Dr. Mofizur Rahman, Moderator of BUET Environment Watch.
At the close of the summit, 103 winners from 600 contestants were awarded certificates and crests across 13 categories. The awards ceremony was filled with excitement and pride as the youth pledged to lead Bangladesh’s climate movement into a more resilient and sustainable future.
“We are not here just to talk about problems. We are here to create solutions,” said one of the winners, Jaifa Rahman Ruhi from Viqarunnisa Noon School, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the gathering.
