Ignite Global Foundation hosts Youth Climate Summit 2026

The Ignite Youth Climate Summit 2026 took place in Dhaka on Wednesday, 4 February, uniting young climate activists, researchers, policymakers, and development professionals to bolster youth leadership and accelerate climate action in Bangladesh.

Organised by the Ignite Global Foundation (IGF), the day-long summit sought to foster youth leadership, raise awareness about climate change, and equip participants with practical skills to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 150 participants from more than 42 institutions attended, representing students, volunteers, and social entrepreneurs from across Bangladesh.

The programme commenced with an inaugural address by IGF Founder and Chairman Muhammad Jahirul Islam, who said the summit aimed to ensure meaningful youth participation in climate policymaking and action.
"Young people are no longer merely beneficiaries of climate policies—they are now key drivers of change," he said, highlighting IGF's ongoing work in education, youth development, and environmental advocacy.

A 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; Musarrat Zaman, Assistant Professor at Bangladesh University of Professionals; Md Atiqur Rahman Mollick, environmental specialist; and Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, President of Footsteps Bangladesh.

Speakers discussed climate-induced loss and damage, disaster risk reduction, adaptation financing, urban planning, waste management, internal migration, and green economic growth, with an emphasis on aligning national efforts with COP30 targets.

Speaking at the session, Md Shamsuddoha said effective climate action depends on the extent to which scientific research informs policymaking. He noted that weak coordination between scientific communities and policymakers, along with short-term, revenue-driven approaches, often hampers the implementation of science-based solutions.
"Political leadership must become more responsive to environmental concerns, and youth voices can play a vital role in this process," he added.

Musarrat Zaman encouraged young participants to engage more in local, research-based initiatives to enhance climate resilience.

In a separate session on climate communication and policy advocacy, Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications at UNDP Bangladesh, emphasised the role of storytelling in influencing policy decisions. He said climate impacts should be communicated through real-life experiences of affected communities—not merely statistics—to build public support and people-centred policymaking.
"Young advocates must learn to turn data into compelling narratives that influence policy," he said.

An interactive climate game session led by Amir Hamza highlighted nature-based solutions and innovative youth engagement. Ataur Rahman Miton, Chief Executive of Bikoshito Bangladesh Foundation and former country director of Hunger Free World, stressed the importance of individual responsibility in driving collective climate action.
"Every small step taken by young people contributes to meaningful change," he said.

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

The organisers said the summit created a platform for meaningful dialogue between youth and experts, strengthening youth participation in climate policy and advocacy. The event concluded with remarks by IGF Executive Member Fazle Munim Sayket, who urged participants to remain committed to youth-led climate action.

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 active in education, youth development, and disaster resilience. The organisation has engaged in climate action and environmental conservation across Bangladesh through initiatives such as cleanliness drives, tree plantation programmes, and environmental awareness campaigns. IGF also implements Green Climate Fund–based initiatives and promotes sustainable agriculture, food security, and livelihood-focused programmes for climate-affected communities.

The Ignite Youth Climate Summit 2026 took place in Dhaka on Wednesday, 4 February, uniting young climate activists, researchers, policymakers, and development professionals to bolster youth leadership and accelerate climate action in Bangladesh.

Organised by the Ignite Global Foundation (IGF), the day-long summit sought to foster youth leadership, raise awareness about climate change, and equip participants with practical skills to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 150 participants from more than 42 institutions attended, representing students, volunteers, and social entrepreneurs from across Bangladesh.

The programme commenced with an inaugural address by IGF Founder and Chairman Muhammad Jahirul Islam, who said the summit aimed to ensure meaningful youth participation in climate policymaking and action.
"Young people are no longer merely beneficiaries of climate policies—they are now key drivers of change," he said, highlighting IGF's ongoing work in education, youth development, and environmental advocacy.

A 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; Musarrat Zaman, Assistant Professor at Bangladesh University of Professionals; Md Atiqur Rahman Mollick, environmental specialist; and Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, President of Footsteps Bangladesh.

Speakers discussed climate-induced loss and damage, disaster risk reduction, adaptation financing, urban planning, waste management, internal migration, and green economic growth, with an emphasis on aligning national efforts with COP30 targets.

Speaking at the session, Md Shamsuddoha said effective climate action depends on the extent to which scientific research informs policymaking. He noted that weak coordination between scientific communities and policymakers, along with short-term, revenue-driven approaches, often hampers the implementation of science-based solutions.
"Political leadership must become more responsive to environmental concerns, and youth voices can play a vital role in this process," he added.

Musarrat Zaman encouraged young participants to engage more in local, research-based initiatives to enhance climate resilience.

In a separate session on climate communication and policy advocacy, Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications at UNDP Bangladesh, emphasised the role of storytelling in influencing policy decisions. He said climate impacts should be communicated through real-life experiences of affected communities—not merely statistics—to build public support and people-centred policymaking.
"Young advocates must learn to turn data into compelling narratives that influence policy," he said.

An interactive climate game session led by Amir Hamza highlighted nature-based solutions and innovative youth engagement. Ataur Rahman Miton, Chief Executive of Bikoshito Bangladesh Foundation and former country director of Hunger Free World, stressed the importance of individual responsibility in driving collective climate action.
"Every small step taken by young people contributes to meaningful change," he said.

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

The organisers said the summit created a platform for meaningful dialogue between youth and experts, strengthening youth participation in climate policy and advocacy. The event concluded with remarks by IGF Executive Member Fazle Munim Sayket, who urged participants to remain committed to youth-led climate action.

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 active in education, youth development, and disaster resilience. The organisation has engaged in climate action and environmental conservation across Bangladesh through initiatives such as cleanliness drives, tree plantation programmes, and environmental awareness campaigns. IGF also implements Green Climate Fund–based initiatives and promotes sustainable agriculture, food security, and livelihood-focused programmes for climate-affected communities.