Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a participatory discussion here today highlighted the importance of youth and women's participation in climate action.

They also expressed their commitment to advancing them in this work to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change in the region, particularly the vast Barind tract.

Teachers, students and development activists made these observations while addressing the opening day’s discussion of a two-day ‘Youth Festival on Climate Justice and Gender Equality’ in the auditorium of New Govt. Degree College, Rajshahi.

The Youth Festival was organized as part of the Gender Equality Transforms Climate Action (GETCA) project, implemented by the consortium members Barendrabhumi Samaj Unnayan Sangstha (BSDO) and DASCOH Foundation, under the leadership of the national-level NGO WAVE Foundation.

The event partner is New Govt. Degree College. On the first day of the festival today, there were quiz and extempore speech competitions with the participation of college students.
 
The two-day Youth Festival was inaugurated by Dr. Shikha Sarker, Principal of Rajshahi New Govt. Degree College.

At that time, among others present were the Vice-Principal of New Govt. Degree College Professor Matiur Rahman, Professor Rashed Karim, Associate Professor A.K.M. Nuruzzaman, GETCA Project Focal and Deputy Director of WAVE Foundation Kaniz Fatema, Chief Executive Officer of DASCOH Foundation Akramul Haque and District Coordinator Madan Das.
 
After the discussion meeting, a lively quiz and extempore speech competition was held. About two hundred students participated in the program.

On the second day of the event tomorrow (Wednesday), there will be a panel discussion on climate change, youth activity presentations, Rajshahi's traditional Gambhira performance and a prize distribution ceremony.
 
It is mentionable that under the leadership of WAVE Foundation, in partnership with BSDO, DASCOH Foundation, Jago Nari and NNS, the Gender Equality Transforms Climate Action (GETCA) project is being implemented in Rajshahi and Naogaon districts of Rajshahi Division under the Citizenship: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF).