Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan held a meeting today with a high-level delegation from UNICEF Bangladesh, led by Country Representative Rana Flowers. Photo: PID

DHAKA, July 1, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasised the urgent need for accountability, coordination, and youth involvement in climate adaptation efforts across Bangladesh. 

Stressing the importance of engaging youth in national development, she proposed that young representatives be included in monitoring mechanisms for infrastructure and water-related projects implemented by the Water Development Board and others.

The environment adviser also called for practical solutions to issues like fecal sludge management and medical waste disposal, including the use of safer alternatives such as microwave treatment instead of incineration.

She made these remarks during a meeting with a high-level UNICEF Bangladesh delegation, led by Country Representative Rana Flowers. 

The meeting was held at the Bangladesh Secretariat here, a ministry press release said. 

During the meeting, they focused on strengthening joint action in tackling the climate crisis through education, youth engagement, and integrated social sector approaches.

Highlighting the growing risks climate change poses to children and adolescents-such as floods, undernutrition, and disrupted education, Rana Flowers reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to placing young people at the heart of climate solutions. 

She proposed expanding youth consultations across districts to gather insights from the grassroots and foster ownership. 

She further suggested creating a structured mechanism for regular youth engagement with the ministry, particularly on issues of climate resilience and water resource management.

To raise awareness, the UNICEF team proposed a collaborative documentary series tailored for schools, spotlighting key environmental messages voiced by children. 

The adviser welcomed the initiative, recommending its integration into school curricula, alongside teacher training and student capacity-building.

Both parties agreed to develop a joint roadmap for youth-focused environmental education and localized climate actions. This would include recycling initiatives, waste segregation programs, and student-led emergency preparedness drills.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Secretary; Peter Georg L. Maes, Chief of WASH, UNICEF Bangladesh; Franco Garcia, Chief of Field Services, UNICEF Bangladesh; and Valentina Spinedi, Programme Specialist - Climate, UNICEF Bangladesh.

The ministry and UNICEF expressed strong optimism about deepening this collaboration to empower the next generation of climate leaders and drive forward Bangladesh's sustainable development agenda.