Environment Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury urges youth to play role in advocating climate justice

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the government will involve young people, specially women, in combating climate change and promoting equitable solutions for affected communities. 

The minister also recognised the potential of young people as powerful agents of change, calling on them to play an active role in advocating for climate justice and holding leaders accountable. 

"Our youth have a vital role to play in shaping policies and driving initiatives that protect our planet and its people, he said while delivering Professor Dr. Saleemul Huq Memorial Public Lecture on "Promoting Climate Justice: Roles of Courts and Youth" on the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) campus in Dhaka.

Paying tributes to the late renowned climate scientist and advocate for climate justice Professor Dr. Saleemul Huq, Minister Saber Hossain said the time for action is now. 

"We must leverage the passion of our youth to drive meaningful change and secure a just and sustainable future for all. 

He described Bangladesh as a country of solutions, built by its youth, believing that the youth of Bangladesh should express their views on the impacts of climate change and gain firsthand experience. "Their involvement is essential for a prosperous and resilient future."

The environment minister emphasised the importance of investing in the younger generation. 

He said topics such as environment, biodiversity, and climate change will be included to textbooks to prepare children for the future. 

He stressed avoiding mistakes while also listening to the input of young people. "The goal is to make them partners in the process and have them audit climate actions," Saber Hossain said.

Professor Dr Cesar Rodriguez -Garavito, Professor, New York University School of Law, USA spoke on promoting climate justice through litigation on the occasion. 

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Nojibur Rahman, Vice Chancellor, Independent University Professor Dr Tanweer Hasan, eminent water expert Professor Dr Ainun Nishat, BELA Executive Director Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Sadiq Huq, Director of ICCCAD and Son of late Professor Dr. Salimul Haque, also spoke.

The lecture was also attended by university faculty, students, policymakers, and climate activists, who engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the topics raised by Minister Chowdhury.

The event concluded with a call to action for all attendees to continue working toward a more just and sustainable world. The memory of Professor Dr. Saleemul Huq served as an inspiring reminder of the urgency of the global fight against climate change.