Daffodil International University (DIU), in collaboration with the Global Law Thinkers Society (GLTS), organized an important event titled “Pre-COP29 Group Discussion: Advancing Sustainable Living & Green Economy for Climate Action”.
The event took place on October 26, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Conference Room, Knowledge Tower, Daffodil Smart City (DSC), DIU. It brought together academics, representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), NGOs, government officials, and other stakeholders to discuss Bangladesh’s role and contributions to global climate action in preparation for the 29 th Conference of the Parties (COP29), scheduled for November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
With nearly 200 countries participating, COP29 serves as a pivotal platform for assessing global progress on climate goals, negotiating commitments, and fostering international cooperation to address climate change.
Dr. Mahfuza Parveen, Director of the Division of Research and Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management (ESDM) at DIU, delivered the keynote speech. She highlighted the importance of Bangladesh’s initiatives to a green economy and DIU’s role in climate action through its educational programs, research, and sustainability initiatives.
Dr. Parveen emphasized that DIU’s leadership in sustainability has been recognized globally through top rankings, including 1 st position among public and private universities in Bangladesh in the THE Impact Rankings 2024, top private university and 2 nd in Bangladesh in the QS World Sustainability Rankings 2024, and 1 st in Bangladesh and 200 th globally in the UI- Greenmetric Rankings 2023.
During the discussion, Dr. David Dowland, Registrar of BRAC University, expressed gratitude to GLTS and DIU for organizing an event that mobilizes youth engagement in climate action.
Raoman Smita, President of GLTS, shared her vision for advancing sustainable living and economic resilience. She discussed GLTS’s youth-driven advocacy and initiatives. She emphasized the need for coordinated action between Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), highlighting that climate finance should be regarded as a right, not a loan.
Subir Kumar Saha, Senior Coordinator of the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) Bangladesh, reflected on Bangladesh’s strengths in disaster management based on his experiences at COP28.
- M. Arafat, National Expert, Biomedical Waste Management, Consumer Awareness and Action, UNIDO highlighted the exploration of environmental awareness campaigns and waste management strategies in the educational institution of Bangladesh.
Muhammad Sharifur Rahman, Chairman, Country Director, Global Forum for Sustainable Rural Development drew on his experiences in Australia, describing clean city initiatives such as the “Don’t Trash My Home” campaign and advocated for adopting similar policies in Bangladesh. Responding to questions about DIU’s waste management, Dr. Mahfuza Parveen stressed that sustainable habits should be nurtured from a young age, and she highlighted DIU’s ongoing efforts in environmental consciousness and green initiatives.
Mr. Khalid Md. Bahauddin, Assistant Professor, FGS, DIU acknowledged the challenges Bangladesh faces in managing waste and praised DIU’s stringent waste management systems.
Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir from the Department of Civil Engineering, DIU discussed the resilience of Bangladeshi communities in the face of climate challenges and the need for innovative solutions and integrating climate-resilient crops in local farming calendars.
Through this event, DIU demonstrated its leadership in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development, aligning with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. By partnering with GLTS, an international network of changemakers committed to sustainability and justice, DIU is working to empower young leaders and contribute meaningfully to global climate action.
The Pre-COP29 discussion reaffirmed the need for collaborative efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable development, adapt to climate change, and mobilize climate finance. It highlighted DIU’s commitment to shaping the global climate agenda and ensuring Bangladesh’s active participation in addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
