Young Climate Action Network - YOUCAN

Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak 🌙✨

On this blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, Young Climate Action Network extends warm wishes to everyone celebrating around the world. Eid-ul-Adha reminds us of the values of sacrifice, compassion, gratitude, and unity that inspire stronger communities and a more caring world.

May this joyous occasion bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. Let us continue to move forward together with kindness, responsibility, and hope for a better future.

Eid Mubarak!

Young Climate Action Network - YOUCAN’s Deputy Executive Director, Rashed Jia Rana participated in the Employers’ Capacity Building Workshop on “Just Transition: Positioning Just Transition as a Driver of Competitiveness, Productivity and Market Access for Enterprises in Bangladesh,” jointly organized by the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation and the International Labour Organization in Dhaka on 19 May 2026.

As an organization that has been working on just energy transition for the past two years, YOUCAN sees this conversation as a continuation of the work already happening on the ground where energy systems, jobs, and climate responsibility are increasingly connected. The shift toward a low-carbon economy is not a distant policy idea; it is already reshaping how industries think about competitiveness, productivity, and access to markets.

The workshop created space for employers and stakeholders to discuss what “just transition” means in practice for Bangladesh’s evolving economy, especially under global sustainability pressures. YOUCAN’s engagement reflects our commitment to ensuring that youth perspectives remain part of these transitions, particularly in shaping pathways that are fair, inclusive, and future-ready.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIODIVERSITY 2026 🌿

Nature is not just part of our planet, it is the foundation of our survival. From forests and rivers to oceans and wildlife, biodiversity keeps ecosystems alive and communities resilient.

This International Day for Biodiversity, YOUCAN calls on young people across Bangladesh and beyond to protect the beauty, balance, and future of our planet through action, awareness, and collective responsibility.

Together, let’s build a future where people and nature thrive side by side.

🌍 Young Climate Action Network - YOUCAN proudly participated in the Master Training of Trainers on Environment, Climate and Renewable Energy for Bangladesh, organized by The Earth Society under the Youth for CARE project from 17–20 May 2026.

The 4-day intensive training brought together 10 youth organizations from 5 divisions across Bangladesh to strengthen youth leadership, climate knowledge, renewable energy awareness, facilitation skills, digital engagement, and collective action for a just and sustainable future.

The training created an inspiring space for collaboration, learning, and youth-driven solutions toward a climate-resilient and fossil-free Bangladesh.

🏆 Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN) has proudly emerged as the Champion of the Inter-Hub National Debate Championship 2026 for the second consecutive year!

Organized by Global Platform Bangladesh in collaboration with Ruqayyah Bitarka Angan, University of Dhaka, the championship brought together passionate young leaders from across the country to engage in critical discussions on climate justice, education reform, democracy, gender equality, child rights, and social inclusion.

After an intense Grand Finale in Dhaka, YOUCAN secured the championship title once again, reflecting our continued commitment to youth empowerment, policy engagement, critical thinking, and transformative leadership for a more inclusive and sustainable future. 💚

A significant national dialogue on pathways toward a just energy transition away from fossil fuels was held in Dhaka under the title “From Santa Marta to Bangladesh: Assessing Pathways to Transitioning away From Fossil Fuels.”

The discussion was jointly organized by Waterkeepers Bangladesh,longside Young Climate Action Network - YOUCAN and 10 like-minded organizations, bringing together policymakers, researchers, climate advocates, youth leaders, farmers’ representatives, and civil society actors to address Bangladesh’s transition toward a sustainable and renewable energy future.

The session was chaired by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, while Md. Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment Bangladesh, attended as the Chief Guest. Distinguished speakers included Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh; Shafiqul Alam, Lead Analyst at IEEFA Bangladesh; and Badrul Alam, President of Bangladesh Krishok Federation, among others.

Speakers emphasized that Bangladesh must urgently develop a practical and inclusive roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels while ensuring climate justice and sustainable economic development. Key recommendations from the discussion included:

• Increasing investment in renewable energy initiatives
• Ensuring dedicated incentives for renewable energy in the upcoming national budget
• Securing adequate climate finance for developing countries
• Guaranteeing meaningful participation of women, youth, workers, and local communities in just transition processes
• Withdrawing taxes and duties imposed on solar energy equipment
• Phasing out the expansion of coal-based power generation
• Adopting renewable energy-centered national development strategies ahead of COP31

The dialogue highlighted the urgent need for Bangladesh to accelerate a people-centered, equitable, and climate-resilient energy transition in line with global climate commitments and national sustainability goals.

A multi-stakeholder dialogue titled “From Santa Marta to Bangladesh: Dialogue on Assessing Pathways to Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” will be held in Dhaka, bringing together youth, civil society, researchers, and policy actors to engage on just transition pathways and their relevance to Bangladesh.

The dialogue builds on the outcomes of the Santa Marta process on fossil fuel transition, translating global discussions into national and regional contexts. It aims to strengthen shared understanding on equitable energy transition, policy alignment, and implementation pathways in climate-vulnerable settings.

The forum will serve as a platform for reflection, exchange, and collective recommendations on how fossil fuel transition can be advanced in a manner that is just, inclusive, and responsive to development realities.

In yesterday’s Kaler Kantho report, an interview was published focusing on the current condition of waste management, wet markets, and public toilets in Dhaka.

In the interview, Yudhishtir Chandra Biswas, Founder and Executive Director of Young Climate Action Network - YOUCAN, highlighted that improper waste management is no longer only an environmental concern, it is directly linked with urban public health, climate resilience, and biodiversity loss. He stressed that the lack of source-level waste segregation is making the entire system inefficient, limiting opportunities for recycling and composting.

He further noted that the unhygienic conditions in wet markets and public toilets are increasing the risks of waterborne diseases, dengue, and other infectious illnesses, posing a serious public health challenge for urban areas. He emphasized that without effective monitoring, modern waste processing systems, and strong citizen participation, the situation cannot be sustainably addressed.

Also interviewed, Dr. Abu Jamil Faisal, President-elect of the Public Health Association of Bangladesh, raised concerns over the growing public health risks linked to poor sanitation, including the increased spread of waterborne diseases and dengue.

👇Full report can be read in the link in the comments.

Proud Moment for Team YOUCAN 🎉

Young Climate Action Network is proud to announce that our team has advanced to the finals of the Inter-hub National Debate Championship 2026.

This achievement reflects the dedication, critical thinking, and passion of our young leaders who continue to represent the values of dialogue, collaboration, and impactful change.

Congratulations to:

Farhan Sadique
Gazi Sadia Islam Munia
Abrar Tanzim
MD Inzamamul Haque Ayon

Your hard work and commitment inspire us all. Wishing the team the very best for the finals!

Under the banner “No Future Without Nature: Global Climate Strike 2026”, young climate activists gathered at Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka, while thousands more joined in solidarity from 27 districts across Bangladesh.

Organized by 20+ youth-led organizations and supported by ActionAid Bangladesh, along with Global Platform Bangladesh Young Climate Action Network - YOUCAN brought together a unified demand: a complete and a just transition now.

YOUCAN stood in coordination with the movement, helping mobilize youth voices, strengthen district solidarity, and push forward a clear message climate justice is not negotiable, and renewable energy is not optional.

From creative protest to collective resistance, the message was simple: No future without nature. No justice without action.