Organised by Ignite Global Foundation (IGF), the day-long summit aimed to promote youth participation in climate policymaking, raise awareness on climate challenges, and equip participants with practical skills aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More than 150 participants from over 42 institutions attended the event, including students, volunteers, and social entrepreneurs from across the country.

The programme opened with an inaugural address by Muhammad Jahirul Islam, founder and chairman of IGF, who emphasised the need for meaningful youth engagement in climate governance. He said young people are no longer only beneficiaries of climate policies but are increasingly acting as drivers of change, highlighting IGF’s ongoing work in education, youth development, and environmental advocacy.

A key highlight of the summit was a panel discussion titled “Resilient Bangladesh: Youth Innovation and Climate Action.” The session featured Md Shamsuddoha, chief executive of the Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD); Musarrat Zaman, assistant professor at the Bangladesh University of Professionals; environmental specialist Md Atiqur Rahman Mollick; and Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, president of Footsteps Bangladesh. The speakers discussed climate-induced loss and damage, disaster risk reduction, adaptation financing, urban planning, waste management, internal migration, and green economic growth, with reference to national priorities and COP30 targets.

Speaking at the session, Md Shamsuddoha noted that weak coordination between scientific communities and policymakers often limits the implementation of research-based solutions. He stressed that organised and politically aware youth movements could help bridge this gap and push for long-term environmental reforms.

Musarrat Zaman encouraged young participants to engage more actively in local and research-based initiatives to address climate risks and resilience challenges.

In a separate session on climate communication and policy advocacy, Md Abdul Quayyum, head of communications at UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of ethical storytelling in influencing policy decisions. He said climate impacts should be communicated through lived experiences of affected communities rather than statistics alone to foster inclusive, people-centred decision-making.

An interactive climate game session led by Amir Hamza focused on nature-based solutions and innovative approaches to youth engagement. Ataur Rahman Miton, chief executive of Bikoshito Bangladesh Foundation, underscored the importance of individual responsibility in driving collective climate action.

During the thematic talk session, industry experts A H M Hasinul Quddus and Fazle Munim Sayket discussed corporate responsibility, sustainable business practices, and opportunities for green entrepreneurship. A fitness and wellness session conducted by B Proshad Das, Mr World Bangladesh 2024, explored the link between physical health, environmental awareness, and sustainable lifestyles.

Organisers said the summit provided a platform for meaningful dialogue between youth and experts and strengthened youth participation in climate advocacy. The programme concluded with a closing address by IGF Executive Member Fazle Munim Sayket, who urged participants to remain committed to youth-led climate initiatives.

The event was supported by The Business Standard as media partner, TBS Graduate as youth engagement partner, Keeron as knowledge partner, and Matribhumi City as co-sponsor.

Founded in 2016, Ignite Global Foundation has been working in education, youth development, disaster resilience, and climate action across Bangladesh. The organisation is engaged in initiatives including environmental awareness campaigns, tree plantation drives, climate-resilient agriculture, and community-based programmes supported by Green Climate Fund frameworks.