The Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) participated in the transformative COP29 side event, “Human Rights, International Solidarity, and Community Action in a Changing Climate Landscape,” in Baku’s COP29 Blue Zone. This gathering of global leaders, researchers, and climate activists focused on the challenges of climate change, emphasizing gender equity, youth involvement, and intergenerational justice.
Ms. Roufa Khanum, Assistant Director of C3ER, BRAC University, highlighted women and youth’s critical roles in climate action. She called for addressing social and economic inequities, empowering these groups through education and capacity building, and creating inclusive policies to enhance climate resilience and sustainability.
Other speakers provided key insights. Mr. Md Harun-Ur-Rashid, CEO of Light House Bangladesh, discussed the severe climate impacts on Bangladesh’s agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity, advocating for wetland conservation and the Chalan Beel Development Authority. Ms. Farzana Jhumu from Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF) connected human rights with water rights, stressing the need for intergenerational leadership. Mr. David Munene, Programs Manager of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA), reflected on the dire consequences of inadequate climate pledges in his country, urging more substantial adaptation and resilience efforts.
The event emphasized that empowering women, youth, and vulnerable populations must be central to climate strategies. C3ER expressed gratitude to all participants and stressed the need to transform these discussions into meaningful climate action for a sustainable and equitable future.
