Going Global

UNYSAB National Youth Summit on Climate Change

Taha

A delegate receives an award. Courtesy: UNYSAB	Delegates prepare for a simulated United Nations summit.

It has been a year since the world leaders came together in Copenhagen last December. Sadly so far, he conference has not been able to meet its expectations. The climate change issue has been one of the most complex challenges of current times. As much as the world has advanced in technological terms, there is yet to be any viable or even permanent solution to this formidable situation.

Bangladesh has been on the receiving end of the dangerous effects of climate change. Keeping this in mind, United Nations Youth and Students Association of Bangladesh (UNYSA, Bangladesh) organised a summit titled “Our ideas to counter climate change.” The Dhaka University FBS auditorium welcomed students from over 20 universities from different parts of Bangladesh. Delegates from Nepal and Sri Lanka also participated in the summit.

The day began early with front desk registration, which was followed by hearty welcoming speeches from distinguished guests. The ice breaking session has always stood out from all of UNYSA, Bangladesh programmes, and this time there was no exception. Farzana Rezwana, an expert from Dhaka University Geography and Environmental Science Department and Professor Dr. Nurul Amin, Chair of Environmental Science Department of North South University discussed various aspects of climate change. They mentioned where and what the problems are and how they can be negotiated with.

A simulated United Nations Summit, called a Model United Nations was the next segment. They not only discussed the probable solutions but also argued on innovative possibilities and approaches that can be followed. Model United Nations was packed with exciting debates that held everyone's attention.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Muniruzzaman,Pro-Vice-Chancellor Of Jahangirnagar University, Dr Kazi Ali Reza, Officer in charge, United Nations Information Centre, Hafizul Rahman Molla from the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management of Bangladesh, Zahid Shafique from BATB and K.M. Zakir Hassan Titas, honourable Vice President of UNYSA, Bangladesh were present at the ending ceremony and their credible speeches added more accomplishment to the daylong summit. Certificates and awards were distributed among the delegates. Nazm-Us-Sadat from LCLS got the best delegate award of the summit. Fahim, a participant of National Youth Summit (NYS) expressed his gratitude and mentioned how such programmes play a significant role in the minds of young people.

Yet another successful event by UNYSA, Bangladesh concluded on December 12. A warm appreciation goes out to all the members of UNYSA, Bangladesh and the proud sponsors of NYS 2010.

(The writer is an Executive member of UNYSAB)