Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 2, 2026 (BSS)- Highlighting the importance of the Divisional 
Youth Festival, speakers unanimously said it is urgent to bring the voices of 
the people most affected by climate change to the decision-making level.

Because climate change is not only affecting the environment, it is also 
deepening existing social and gender inequalities.

Therefore, to ensure climate justice and gender equality, the knowledge, 
innovative power and leadership of the youth must be utilized.
 
Without the effective participation and initiative of the youth, sustainable 
climate justice and gender equality cannot be ensured.

Administrative officials and other stakeholders made these things while 
speaking at the closing ceremony of the divisional 'Tarunya Utshab' on 
climate justice and gender equality at the auditorium of New Government 
Degree College, Rajshahi this afternoon.

Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam addressed the event as the chief 
guest, saying government initiatives alone are not enough to deal with the 
impacts of climate change. 

The knowledge, innovation, creativity and social responsibility of the youth 
must be effectively integrated.

The new generation must not only become aware of environmental and climate 
issues but also identify problems in their respective areas and lead in 
solving them.
 
He further said climate adaptation and sustainable development are not 
possible without the participation of women. If equal participation of women 
and youth is ensured at all levels of family, society and the state, it will 
be possible to build a just and climate-resilient society.
 
The civic organisation DASCOH Foundation and Barendrabhumi Social Development 
Organisation jointly organised the festival.
 
The closing ceremony of the festival, organised under the theme "Sustainable 
climate justice and gender equality will be ensured through the advancement 
of youth initiatives", was presided over by Professor Dr. Shikha Sarker, 
Principal of New Government Degree College.

District Coordinator Madan Das presented the main article from Rajshahi. 
Deputy Director of Rajshahi Department of Women's Affairs Israt Jahan, Vice-
Principal of the college Prof. Motiur Rahman, Executive Director of BSDO 
Abdur Rouf, Fund Management Expert Aziza Asfin and Deputy Director of Wave 
Foundation Kaniz Fatema spoke at the event.
 
Earlier on Tuesday, quiz and extempore speech competitions on climate, gender 
equality, education, history and various contemporary issues were held with 
the participation of about two hundred students of the college.
On the closing day, a panel discussion was held with young climate champions 
from Rajshahi and Naogaon districts.

In it, various youth-led initiatives on climate and gender equality in 
Charghat, Tanore, Godagari, Mahadevpur, Manda and Sapahar upazilas were 
highlighted.

In addition, the festival featured an 'Idea Competition', wall magazine 
exhibition, and Gambhira performances on climate change and women's 
development.

Later, prizes were distributed among the winners of the quiz, extempore 
speech and idea competitions.
 
Under the leadership of Wave Foundation, a consortium of several development 
organisations is implementing the "Gender Equality Transforms Climate Action 
(GETCA)" project in five districts of Rajshahi and Barisal divisions.

This youth festival was organised as part of the project.