Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) recently kicked off the “Environment & Changing Climate 2025” conference in partnership with the COLOCAL project. This event took place on November 20, 2025, in the IUB auditorium. The theme of this year’s conference is “Global Strategies and Local Actions,” focusing on community-based approaches to tackle urgent environmental issues.
Dr. K A Rabbani, Dean of the School of Environment and Life Sciences, opened the ceremony with welcome remarks. He emphasized the importance of local efforts in climate action. Following him, IUB’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor M Tamim, spoke about the university’s growing involvement in climate change research and training.
Dr. Shahpar Selim, a Programme Officer at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, shared her reflections on the progress of climate research in Bangladesh. She introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. A Atiq Rahman, an influential environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize co-recipient. Dr. Rahman highlighted the critical role of gender equity in climate action and honored the late Professor Dr. Saleemul Huq for his pivotal contributions to climate discourse in Bangladesh.
Dr. Faisal Kabir from icddr,b also delivered a keynote on grassroots adaptation efforts. He discussed the successful Local Service Providers (LSP) model, which has proven effective in local communities.
The first day featured climate-themed performances, including a potgaan from the Khulna-based theater group Rupantar, focusing on gender equity, and climate songs from the Muiz Mahfuz Band.
The day concluded with an alumni roundtable from IUB’s Department of Environmental Science and Management. Graduates discussed career opportunities in climate change and the challenges posed by dwindling global funding.
The conference aims to inspire action and collaboration, with the second day set for presentations on new research and discussions promoting interdisciplinary learning and community involvement. According to the UN, climate-related events are increasing, making these discussions ever more urgent.
For more insights into climate-related issues, check trusted sources like the United Nations or World Resources Institute.
