The Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN) is honoured to support the upcoming Pre-COP31 National Dialogue, titled “Bangladesh at COP31: From National Priorities to Global Climate Action,” organized by Ajker Projonmo Forum (APF). Scheduled for 25 October 2026 at the LD Hall of the Bangladesh National Parliament in Dhaka, the dialogue will bring together distinguished policymakers, parliamentarians, government representatives, development partners, international organizations, climate experts, civil society representatives, and youth leaders to discuss Bangladesh’s climate priorities ahead of COP31.
The dialogue aims to strengthen national climate policy engagement, encourage cross-sectoral collaboration, and identify actionable pathways for translating Bangladesh’s climate commitments into meaningful outcomes for climate-vulnerable communities. By connecting national priorities with international climate negotiations, the initiative seeks to foster constructive discussion on how Bangladesh can advance its climate agenda and contribute to global climate action.
Bringing National Climate Priorities to the Global Stage
As a climate-vulnerable country, Bangladesh faces significant challenges associated with climate change, including rising sea levels, floods, cyclones, salinity intrusion, and the growing risks faced by vulnerable communities. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated national policies, international cooperation, accessible climate finance, and effective implementation of climate commitments.
Ahead of COP31, the Pre-COP31 National Dialogue will provide a platform for examining how Bangladesh’s domestic priorities can inform its engagement in international climate negotiations. Discussions are expected to emphasize the importance of translating policy commitments into practical outcomes, strengthening institutional coordination, and ensuring that the needs of vulnerable communities remain central to climate decision-making.
The dialogue also highlights the importance of connecting policymakers, development partners, civil society, and young people in a shared effort to advance climate resilience and sustainable development.
Distinguished Guests and Speakers
The dialogue will feature senior parliamentary leaders, government representatives, international development partners, and environmental policy experts.
Chief Guest
Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram, MP
Honourable Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament
Special Guests
- Nurul Islam Moni, MP — Chief Whip of the Bangladesh Parliament
- Dr. Saimum Parvez — Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change
- Md.Saiyed Bin Abdullah — Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Employment
- Dr. Susan Vize — Country Representative, UNESCO Bangladesh
- Ms. Sonali Dayaratne — Resident Representative a.i., UNDP Bangladesh
- Md.Shamsuddoha — Chief Executive, Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD)
Their participation is intended to bring diverse perspectives to the discussion, connecting parliamentary leadership, government priorities, international cooperation, research, and climate policy.
Moderator
Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas
Founder and Executive Director, Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN)
As moderator, Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas will facilitate the dialogue among participants, supporting discussion on Bangladesh’s national climate priorities and the pathways through which these priorities can contribute to international climate action.
Strengthening Youth Participation in Climate Policy
Meaningful youth participation is essential to building inclusive and forward-looking climate policies. Young people are not only among those affected by climate change; they are also important contributors to advocacy, research, innovation, public awareness, and community-based solutions.
The Pre-COP31 National Dialogue aims to highlight the role of youth in shaping national climate priorities and contributing to international climate discussions. By encouraging engagement between young leaders and decision-makers, the dialogue creates an opportunity to strengthen intergenerational collaboration and ensure that youth perspectives receive meaningful consideration in climate policy processes.
YOUCAN recognizes that youth engagement must extend beyond awareness and consultation. Young people need opportunities to contribute to policy discussions, communicate community priorities, participate in decision-making processes, and help develop practical solutions to environmental and climate challenges.
Through its support for this dialogue, YOUCAN reinforces its commitment to youth empowerment, climate advocacy, and inclusive policy engagement.
From National Priorities to Global Climate Action
International climate negotiations provide an important opportunity for countries to advance their priorities, strengthen cooperation, and work toward shared climate objectives. For Bangladesh, effective engagement in these processes is particularly important in addressing the needs of climate-vulnerable populations.
The dialogue will focus on the connection between national climate priorities and global climate action, encouraging participants to consider how policy discussions can support practical implementation. Key areas of relevance include climate resilience, adaptation, climate finance, international cooperation, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Bridging the gap between international commitments and local realities requires sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners, researchers, civil society organizations, and youth networks.
By bringing these stakeholders together ahead of COP31, the dialogue seeks to contribute to a more coordinated and inclusive approach to Bangladesh’s climate agenda.
YOUCAN’s Commitment to Climate Advocacy
The Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN) works to strengthen youth engagement in climate action, environmental advocacy, and policy dialogue. The organization recognizes the importance of creating platforms where young people can engage with decision-makers, share perspectives, and contribute to discussions on the policies shaping their future.
Supporting the Pre-COP31 National Dialogue reflects YOUCAN’s commitment to advancing constructive climate conversations and encouraging collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The initiative aligns with the broader need to ensure that climate policy discussions are informed by national priorities, community needs, scientific understanding, and the perspectives of younger generations.
YOUCAN believes that effective climate action requires more than commitments alone. It demands cooperation, accountability, meaningful participation, and practical approaches that respond to the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
Through initiatives such as this dialogue, YOUCAN seeks to support efforts to connect national policy priorities with international climate action and promote a more inclusive approach to climate governance.
Event Details
Event: Pre-COP31 National Dialogue
Theme: Bangladesh at COP31: From National Priorities to Global Climate Action
Date: 25 October 2026
Time: 3:00 PM–6:00 PM
Venue: LD Hall, Bangladesh National Parliament, Dhaka
Organized by: Ajker Projonmo Forum (APF)
Supported by: Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN)
Moderator: Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas, Founder and Executive Director, YOUCAN
Advancing a Shared Vision for Bangladesh’s Climate Future
The Pre-COP31 National Dialogue represents an opportunity to strengthen connections between national climate priorities and the global climate agenda. By bringing together policymakers, government representatives, development partners, climate experts, civil society, and youth leaders, the initiative seeks to encourage constructive dialogue and collaborative action ahead of COP31.
For Bangladesh, the challenge is not only to articulate ambitious climate priorities but also to translate them into policies and actions that deliver tangible benefits for vulnerable communities.
Through its support for this initiative, YOUCAN reaffirms its commitment to youth participation, inclusive climate governance, and collaborative action toward a resilient and sustainable future.
From national priorities to global climate action, Bangladesh’s climate future requires collaboration, meaningful youth participation, and a shared commitment to turning dialogue into action.