To mark World Environment Day 2026, the Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN) organized a series of climate awareness sessions across seven educational institutions in Kurigram, one of Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable districts. The initiative reached students living on the frontlines of the climate crisis, including communities in char areas that face recurring floods, riverbank erosion, and other climate-related challenges.
The programme aimed to strengthen young people’s understanding of climate change, environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and the critical role youth can play in building resilient communities. Through interactive discussions, practical examples, and participatory learning activities, students explored how climate change is affecting their daily lives and what actions they can take to protect their environment.
The awareness sessions were conducted in the following educational institutions:
- Jadur Char Girls’ High School
- Jadur Char Degree College
- Sadakat Hossain High School
- Kodal Kati Girls’ High School
- Datbhanga Fulzan Basiria Dakhil Madrasah
- Datbhanga High School and College
- Shankar Madhabpur High School
The sessions were facilitated by Md. Rifat Al Mahmud Nur, Communication Executive of YOUCAN, who engaged students in conversations about local climate impacts, environmental stewardship, and youth-led solutions. Students actively participated in discussions on waste management, tree plantation, disaster risk reduction, and community-based climate action.
For many participants, the programme provided a valuable opportunity to connect global climate challenges with their own lived experiences. By encouraging critical thinking and local action, the sessions helped inspire a new generation of young climate advocates committed to creating positive change in their communities.
As climate impacts continue to intensify across Bangladesh, especially in vulnerable regions such as Kurigram, investing in climate education remains essential. Empowering young people with knowledge, skills, and leadership opportunities is key to building resilient communities capable of adapting to an uncertain future.
Through initiatives like these, YOUCAN continues its commitment to ensuring that climate awareness reaches those who need it most. By equipping young people with the tools to understand and address environmental challenges, the organization is helping nurture future climate leaders who can drive meaningful action at the local, national, and global levels.
Together, we are building a generation that is informed, empowered, and ready to lead the fight for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.