The environment and climate change ministry on Tuesday held a high-level consultation session with young climate leaders for discussing Bangladesh’s stance in the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan.

The consultation session was held at CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital, with support from the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) of BRAC University.

The talks sought to ensure the country's voice reflects the urgent concerns of its youth at the UN summit during 11-22 November.

The session was chaired by Additional Secretary Iqbal Abdullah Harun and moderated by Deputy Secretary Dharitri Kumar Sarkar.

Environment ministry’s Joint Secretary Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury also joined the dialogue, sharing insights on Bangladesh’s commitment to the climate agenda.

As the consultation underscored the Bangladesh government’s commitment to youth inclusion, it marked a milestone in aligning national climate policy with the vision of its youth leaders.

It serves as a significant step in empowering Bangladesh’s young voices to shape the global climate agenda at COP29, said speakers.

Shawkat Ali Mirza, director of climate change and international convention at the Department of Environment, presented Bangladesh’s COP29 position.

He highlighted key themes, including adaptation, finance, loss and damage, mitigation, Article 6, and equitable energy transition, emphasising Bangladesh’s role in advocating for climate justice and resilient development.

Young climate activist Sohanur Rahman said that investments in youth-led climate action and equitable transition are vital for the future of the country.

“Let us not just hear the voices of young people but empower them with a seat at every decision-making table, shaping a resilient and just world,” he said.