PRAAN in collaboration with ActionAid Bangladesh, organized a thematic session on the first day of the Global SDG Youth Summit 2024, held at the Military Museum, Dhaka. Titled “Climate Action, Biodiversity Conservation, and Renewable Energy,” the session addressed Bangladesh’s severe climate challenges while emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in driving sustainable solutions.
The keynote presentation, delivered by PRAAN Programme Coordinator Umme Salma, was titled “What Will You Create to Transform Your Community and Our Planet?” It explored trends, challenges, and opportunities in climate action and renewable energy, underscoring the importance of grassroots empowerment, community resilience, and collective action. Her presentation highlighted how youth-led initiatives can bring innovative solutions to pressing social and environmental issues.
A discussion panel followed, featuring Mr. Hasan Mehedi Chief Executive of CLEAN; PRAAN Energy Innovation Fellows Ms. Sumiya Afrose (2023) and Mr. Salahuddin Sakib (2024); and ActionAid Programme Officer Obayedullah Al Emon. Ms. Helen Mashiyat Preoty from Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) facilitated the session.
The session explored the potential of Bangladesh’s youth—48% of the population is under 25—to lead transformative efforts in disaster management, urban redesign for climate-displaced populations, legal advocacy for climate refugees, and biodiversity conservation. Key initiatives discussed included low-cost disaster management technologies, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services, and forest conservation using climate-resilient species. The PRAAN Energy Innovation Fellows shared their journeys, highlighting how they identified solutions to address challenges within their communities and how they are now working to scale these ideas to create sustainable, positive impacts for the future.
Renewable energy emerged as a central theme, with a focus on training youth in clean technologies and supporting their projects to enable energy transitions. Speakers emphasized the need for innovation hubs, community engagement, and partnerships with local and global experts to foster sustainable development.
The session concluded with a call to action, encouraging young leaders to collaborate, leverage technology, and advocate for inclusivity, equity, and environmental justice. By investing in training, resources, and advocacy platforms, the youth of Bangladesh can champion scalable solutions, driving meaningful change and building a resilient, sustainable future for the nation.
