Experts urge unified political approach to tackle climate change at Youth COP 2025

Experts highlighted the urgent need for political parties to embrace a cohesive approach to climate change during the three-day Bangladesh Youth COP 2025, jointly organised by Brighters and ActionAid Bangladesh, which concluded yesterday at a Dhaka hotel.

The event brought together policymakers, climate experts, activists, and youth delegates to discuss urgent environmental issues and strategies to address climate impacts in Bangladesh.

Focusing on the importance of a common ground, Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus at BRAC University, said, "Before elections, party manifestos carry immense weight because they are bound to act on their promises. I don't want to see differences among parties on climate issues." 

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He noted that while global discussions focus on net-zero transitions, Bangladesh's greenhouse gas emissions are minimal, placing responsibility on developed nations. He also highlighted poor coordination between ministries and the need to evaluate project outcomes effectively.

Mohammad Azaz, administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, described ongoing ward-level land use planning to safeguard open spaces and water bodies. "Plans for 18 wards are complete; the remaining wards will follow the same approach," he said.

Azaz also pointed to urban ecological hotspots like Mohammadpur and Purbachal, emphasising limited access and protective measures to preserve these areas.

Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Jobayer, assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, highlighted citizen responsibility. "We need a corruption-free, equitable society. Environmental protection must begin locally before seeking donor support," he said.

Monira Sharmin, Joint Convenor of the National Citizen Party, called for youth delegates from across Bangladesh to represent local climate challenges and strengthen grassroots engagement.

Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, stressed that tackling climate impacts locally is vital for survival, underlining the urgent need for community-level mitigation measures.

Experts concluded that political collaboration, administrative planning, and active youth participation are essential to build a climate-resilient Bangladesh ready for the future.