The Department of Environment and Development Studies (EDS) of United International University (UIU) and the Environment, Development and Sustainability Club (EDS Club) jointly organized the “Youth Symposium on Environment, Development & Sustainability” yesterday at the UIU Campus, United City, Madani Avenue, Dhaka-1212.
Mr. Ulrich Klepmann, Head of Development Cooperation, German Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh was present as the Chief Guest. Mr. Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications, UNDP, Bangladesh and Dr. Haseeb Md. Irfanullah, Visiting Research Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh were present as the Special Guest in the program. The welcome speech was delivered by Dr. Shantanu Saha, Head, Department of Environment and Development Studies (EDS), UIU and the vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Dr. Hamidul Huq, Dean of SoHSS, UIU in the ceremony.
In the symposium, a session on careers in development sector and a workshop on policy and governance were conducted by Ms. Kingbadanti Sabir, Youth Portfolio Lead, Friendship; Ms. Sumaiya Binte Selim Sudha, Youth & Gender Program Manager, ICCCAD, Mr. Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Founder, Footsteps NGO and Forbes 30 Under 30, Mr. Shah Adnan Mahmood, Country Director, GeoCal, Ms. Anika Karim, Climate Change Program Director, Bonhishikha-Unlearn Gender; Mr. Sharif Jamil, Coordinator, Waterkeepers Bangladesh; and Ms. Esrat Karim, Founder and Executive Director, Amal Foundation.
The day-long symposium was organized as a youth-focused academic platform aimed at strengthening youth engagement on sustainability, climate justice, development, governance, and policy discourse. The event featured interactive workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, and dialogues focused on bridging academic learning and practical experience in the development sector.
The guests and speakers at the program highlighted the importance of sustainable consumption, environmental protection, career paths, and youth responsibility in addressing the current environmental challenges. They emphasized the important role of the youth generation and educational institutions in raising awareness and bringing about meaningful change towards a sustainable future.
Faculty Members, Officials, Students, environmental experts, participants and distinguished guests were present in the program.