The Department of Environment and Development Studies (EDS) of United International University (UIU), in collaboration with the Environment, Development and Sustainability Club (EDS Club), organised the “Youth Symposium on Environment, Development and Sustainability” yesterday at the UIU campus, United City, Madani Avenue, Dhaka-1212.

Mr Ulrich Klepmann, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Dhaka, attended as the Chief Guest. Mr Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications at UNDP Bangladesh, and Dr Haseeb Md Irfanullah, Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, were present as Special Guests. The welcome speech was delivered by Dr Shantanu Saha, Head of the Department of Environment and Development Studies, and the vote of thanks was given by Prof Dr Hamidul Huq, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at UIU.

The symposium included a session on careers in the development sector and a workshop on policy and governance. Sessions were led by Ms Kingbadanti Sabir, Youth Portfolio Lead at Friendship; Ms Sumaiya Binte Selim Sudha, Youth and Gender Program Manager at ICCCAD; Mr Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Founder of Footsteps NGO and Forbes 30 Under 30; Mr Shah Adnan Mahmood, Country Director of GeoCal; Ms Anika Karim, Climate Change Program Director at Bonhishikha-Unlearn Gender; Mr Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh; and Ms Esrat Karim, Founder and Executive Director of Amal Foundation.

The day-long symposium served as a youth-focused academic platform to strengthen engagement in sustainability, climate justice, development, governance, and policy discourse. The event featured interactive workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, and dialogues aimed at bridging academic learning with practical experience in the development sector.

Guests and speakers highlighted the importance of sustainable consumption, environmental protection, career pathways, and youth responsibility in tackling current environmental challenges. They emphasised the role of young people and educational institutions in raising awareness and driving meaningful change towards a sustainable future.

Faculty members, officials, students, environmental experts, participants, and distinguished guests attended the programme.