A vibrant flash mob was held here in the city on Thursday afternoon, bringing youth voices to the forefront of the global climate conversation ahead of the COP-30 conference in Brazil.
Organised jointly by the JAAGO Foundation and Towards Sustainability Youth Foundation, the event took place in front of Gallamari Linear Park. It was part of JAAGO Foundation's nationwide campaign titled 'Voice of Climate: Our Climate, Our Future'.
The initiative aimed to spotlight local climate issues and demands through the creative expression of young people, urging behavioural change and connecting grassroots concerns to international climate platforms.
Youth participants used performances, placards, and innovative messaging to highlight the climate crisis, local environmental challenges, and potential community-driven solutions. The flash mob drew enthusiastic responses from attendees and passersby alike.
Karina Siddika, organising secretary of the Towards Sustainability Youth Foundation, said, "Voices from coastal and remote areas of Bangladesh, who are among the most affected by climate change, often remain unheard globally. This flash mob was a way to bring their stories and concerns to the attention of international policymakers."
Abdur Rahman Nasim, a Development Studies student at Khulna University and Poli Sarkar from North Western University, echoed the sentiment, saying, "Youth participation and awareness are crucial in tackling the climate crisis. Initiatives like this can significantly advance the environmental movement in Bangladesh."
The 'Voice of Climate' campaign spans all eight divisions of Bangladesh and involves 16 youth-led organisations. In addition to the flash mobs, over 112 educational videos on climate change and behaviour change are being developed to raise awareness and inspire action.
One of the campaign's key elements is the creation of a 'Climate Capsule' -- a collection of youth demands and messages that will be presented to Bangladesh's official delegation at COP-30.
The initiative is supported by Gildan, a leading apparel manufacturer, and ActionAid Bangladesh, which is acting as the campaign's knowledge partner.
SMS/NSA
