The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Bangladesh 2026 brought together young people, climate experts, civil society representatives, policymakers and other stakeholders to strengthen youth voices and meaningful participation in climate action ahead of COP31.
Waterkeepers Bangladesh, along with other organisers, participated in organising the two-day conference, held on 30 September and 1 October 2026 at the Bangladesh National Parliament and Bangla Academy, Dhaka.
The inaugural day featured participation from a range of climate, environmental, development and youth-focused stakeholders. Among the speakers were Sharif Jamil, Coordinator, Waterkeepers Bangladesh; Roufa Khanum, Deputy Director, Center for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER), BRAC University; Mrityunjoy Das, Deputy Chief of Party, NABAPALLAB, CARE Bangladesh; Prof. Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumdar, Dean, Faculty of Science, Stamford University Bangladesh; Antonio Franco Garcia, Chief of Field Service, UNICEF Bangladesh; Tabith Awal, President, Bangladesh Football Federation; and Prof. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), University of Dhaka.
The first day also featured a High-Level Roundtable on Reviewing the Country Youth Position & National Youth Statement (NYS), bringing together experts and representatives from climate, development, environmental and youth-focused organisations. The programme continued with a COP Simulation, facilitated by the Climate Policy Negotiation Fellows, providing participants with an opportunity for practical engagement with climate negotiation processes.
The second and final day featured a range of sessions, including a Gamified Workshop, High-Level Roundtable, and a People’s Plenary on “From People’s Voices to the COP31 Climate Justice Agenda.” Discussions also focused on climate communication, climate education, technology, climate finance, Loss and Damage, and the challenges faced by climate-vulnerable communities.
The conference concluded with the Closing Session and Hand Over of the National Youth Statement (NYS). Dr. Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended the session as the Chief Guest, while Nurul Islam Moni, Chief Whip of Parliament, attended as the Guest of Honor.
Sharif Jamil, Coordinator, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, participated as the Special Guest alongside Dr. Mohammad Monirul Hasan, Head of Policy, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Bangladesh; Ishrat Shabnam, Country Director, Practical Action; Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University; and Ms. Rana Flowers, Country Representative, UNICEF Bangladesh.
Through dialogue, knowledge-sharing, practical engagement and youth-led discussions, LCOY Bangladesh 2026 provided an important platform for young people to exchange perspectives, build solidarity and bring their priorities into broader climate discussions ahead of COP31.
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