LCOY Bangladesh 2026 Opens at the National Parliament to Amplify Youth Voices in Climate Action

The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Bangladesh 2026 commenced on 30 September 2026 at the Bangladesh National Parliament in Dhaka. The conference brought together young people, climate experts, policymakers, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders to strengthen youth engagement in climate action and national climate policymaking. OAB Foundation participated as a co-organizer of LCOY Bangladesh 2026, joining other youth organizations and partners in supporting a national platform where young people could exchange ideas, review climate priorities, and contribute to shaping Bangladesh’s youth climate agenda ahead of COP31. The inaugural session featured distinguished speakers from climate research, development organizations, environmental advocacy, international development, sports leadership, and academia. Speakers included Roufa Khanum, Deputy Director of C3ER at BRAC University; Mrityunjoy Das, Deputy Chief of Party of NABAPALLAB at CARE Bangladesh; Professor Kamruzzaman Majumdar, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Stamford University Bangladesh; Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh; Antonio Franco Garcia, Chief of Field Service at UNICEF Bangladesh; Tabith Awal, President of the Bangladesh Football Federation; and Professor Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka. The programme continued with a high-level roundtable discussion on reviewing the Country Youth Position and National Youth Statement (NYS). The session brought together experts and representatives from climate, development, environmental, and youth-focused organizations to review and refine national youth demands and recommendations. A key feature of the day was a COP Simulation conducted by the Climate Policy Negotiation Fellows. The simulation provided young participants with practical exposure to the language, procedures, and negotiation strategies used in international climate negotiations. This interactive experience helped connect policy discussions with the practical realities of global climate diplomacy. The closing session was attended by Jahrat Adib Chowdhury MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. He highlighted the importance of meaningful youth participation in climate policymaking and global climate diplomacy. LCOY Bangladesh 2026 provided an important platform for young people to contribute their perspectives, strengthen their understanding of climate policy, and engage with stakeholders working on climate and sustainable development. Through dialogue, knowledge sharing, policy discussions, and practical learning, the conference supported efforts to ensure that youth priorities are reflected in Bangladesh’s climate action and international engagement. As a co-organizer, OAB Foundation remains committed to advancing youth leadership, climate justice, inclusive policy advocacy, and meaningful youth participation in national and global climate processes.