Empowering Indigenous Youth to Combat Climate Change in Bangladesh

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting communities worldwide. In Bangladesh, Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to its impacts due to their close relationship with the environment. Indigenous youth in Bangladesh are at the forefront of addressing the climate challenges that directly impact their communities. From shifting weather patterns to the loss of traditional livelihoods, they face unique struggles that threaten their way of life. 

To better understand these issues and develop practical solutions, they are actively engaging in research. Through training in both qualitative and quantitative methods—such as conducting surveys and interviews— they are equipping themselves with the tools to analyse the impacts of climate change and explore strategies for adaptation. As Indigenous youth in Bangladesh research climate change, they are gaining valuable insights into the environmental issues affecting their communities. Conducted by UNESCO in partnership with Maleya Foundation, this initiative empowers young researchers to explore the unique climate challenges faced by Indigenous communities and develop solutions rooted in their cultural and environmental knowledge.

A Milestone in Youth-Led Climate Action

On 25 February 2025, a significant milestone was achieved with the successful launch of an indigenous youth-led research project on climate change in Bangladesh. This groundbreaking initiative empowered indigenous youth from the Marma, Chakma, Mro, Tripura, and Tanchangya communities to explore and mitigate the impacts of climate change within their communities. The project commenced with a comprehensive workshop, where participants received training on essential research methodologies, ethical considerations, and the art of formulating research questions. This training equipped the youth with the necessary skills to conduct meaningful and impactful research. This initiative not only fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility but also underscored the importance of indigenous knowledge in addressing climate change.

Voices of Change: Youth Perspectives

Swe Ning Rong from the Marma community views research as a means to deepen her understanding, stating, "Undertaking research will help me gain a deeper understanding of how our community addresses climate change, and I'll be able to share that knowledge to benefit everyone." For Adri Chakma of the Chakma community, the focus is on protecting village typical forests in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. "These forests are vital resources for everyone, but deforestation and economic development are harming them. We'll encourage our youth to take initiatives to preserve these forests, which will also help villagers conserve their traditions and culture," he explains. Meanwhile, Sajib Talukder from the Tanchangya community is researching biodiversity loss caused by human activities such as stone collection and tree cutting. "We want to assess the before-and-aftereffects on our environment," he shares. Through these research efforts, Indigenous youth are not only documenting the impacts of climate change but also driving solutions to protect their land, culture, and future.           

A Pathway to Sustainable Solutions

The UNESCO Chairs developed the Youth as Researchers (YAR) methodology in collaboration with the National University of Ireland, Galway, and Penn State University in the United States. The focus of the method is to enable young people to participate in research and enhance their capacities throughout the process. YAR has been implemented in various projects worldwide, equipping youth with the tools to conduct meaningful research and advocate for change. By integrating this methodology into the Indigenous youth-led climate research project in Bangladesh, UNESCO and the Maleya Foundation are fostering a new generation of informed and engaged youth leaders. These young researchers are not only documenting the impacts of climate change on their communities but also using their findings to advocate for sustainable solutions. Through YAR, Indigenous youth are gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape policies, protect their environment, and safeguard their cultural heritage for future generations.

This project stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring Indigenous youth to take a leading role in climate action. By amplifying their voices, we are not just acknowledging their wisdom but inviting them to shape the narrative surrounding climate change on a global scale. These young researchers are not merely participants; they are visionaries crafting sustainable solutions that are intricately woven into the fabric of their cultures and environments. 

The launch of this initiative represents a groundbreaking step toward a future where inclusivity and respect for diverse voices guide our response to climate challenges. Together, we are cultivating a movement that honors the rich heritage of indigenous peoples, ensuring that their experiences and insights are at the forefront of climate change mitigation. Let this be the beginning of a transformative journey—one filled with innovation, respect, and a shared commitment to protecting our planet for generations to come.