Bangladeshi Climate Advocate Farzana Faruk Jhumu Joins UN Youth Advisory Group
Table of Contents
- Bangladeshi Climate Advocate Farzana Faruk Jhumu Joins UN Youth Advisory Group
Dhaka,Bangladesh – August 18,2025 – Farzana Faruk Jhumu has made history as the first Bangladeshi national selected for the United Nations’ Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. The appointment, announced today, underscores a growing international recognition of Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change and the vital role young leaders play in forging solutions.
From Local Activism to global Stage
Farzana’s journey began in 2018 with a commitment to social responsibility. Alongside friends, she co-founded Kathpencil, an association dedicated to advocating for children’s rights. “We established Kathpencil Pathshala,a school in a Mirpur slum,and quickly realized the profound impact climate change had on the lives of the children we served,” Farzana explained.
This realization propelled her into the climate movement, joining the Bangladesh chapter of ‘Fridays For Future’ and coordinating the MAPA (Most Affected People and Areas) program. Her dedication and strategic vision quickly distinguished her as a rising voice in the global climate dialog.
Did You Know? Bangladesh is consistently ranked among the most vulnerable nations to climate change impacts, facing threats from rising sea levels, cyclones, and flooding.
UN Youth Advisory Group: A Platform for Change
The UN Secretary-General established the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change in 2020 to ensure the perspectives of young people are integrated into the UN’s climate agenda. This third cohort, comprising 14 advisors, represents a significant expansion from the previous seven-member groups. The group serves for approximately one and a half to two years, providing crucial recommendations to shape UN policies and initiatives.
“I was prepared for this possibility,but the outpouring of support has been truly inspiring,” Farzana shared. “It’s a privilege to represent Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region on such a prominent global platform, and I recognize the immense responsibility that comes with it.”
Selection Process and criteria
The UN Climate Action team selects members based on nominations from climate organizations worldwide. There is no direct application process, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement and recognition within the climate community.
“My activism wasn’t driven by a desire for recognition, but by a simple belief that I could contribute to a solution,” Farzana noted.
A Multifaceted Background
Farzana’s academic background reflects her commitment to both technological innovation and environmental sustainability. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), completed in 2021, and a Master’s degree in Climate Change and Development from Self-reliant University, Bangladesh (IUB).
Currently, she is leading the ‘People’s Climate Diplomacy Program,’ an initiative designed to empower young climate advocates with the skills and resources needed to participate effectively in international climate negotiations.
from 2022 to 2024, Farzana served as a Youth Advocate at UNICEF, contributing to the influential ‘Children’s Climate Risk Index’ report. This report highlighted that nearly 10 million children in Bangladesh are directly affected by climate change, placing the nation among the top 10 most vulnerable countries globally.
Pro Tip: Understanding the intersection of climate change and children’s rights is crucial for developing effective and equitable climate policies.
Looking Ahead: COP-30 and Beyond
Farzana has actively participated in four Conference of the Parties (COP) events, and anticipates that ‘just transition’ will be a central theme at COP-30, scheduled to take place in Belém, brazil, from November 10-21, 2025. “Civil society organizations have proposed mechanisms to operationalize just transitions,and several governments have expressed support,” she stated. “I expect this to gain significant traction at COP-30.”
She also believes that 2025, as a reporting year for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, will receive considerable attention during the conference.
Farzana also expressed concerns about the pace of climate action within Bangladesh, despite a recent shift in government. “climate change isn’t an isolated issue; it exacerbates existing challenges like child marriage, healthcare access, and education,” she emphasized.”The government must prioritize this sector and actively engage the country’s passionate youth climate advocates.”
Key Milestones in Farzana faruk Jhumu’s Career
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Co-founded Kathpencil |
| 2021 | Graduated from MIST with a B.Sc.in Computer Science and Engineering |
| 2022-2024 | Served as a Youth Advocate at UNICEF |
| 2025 | Appointed to the UN Youth advisory Group on Climate Change |
“The climate crisis presents immense challenges, but also incredible opportunities for young people to lead the way,” Farzana concluded. ”Seeing so many young individuals entering the climate sector with hope and determination is truly inspiring. It’s about entrusting responsibility and leadership to the next generation.”
“For them [children], climate change is not a fancy term – it is a harsh reality. However, I see Bangladesh and its fight with climate change from a different angle as well. When it comes to climate adaptation, Bangladesh is truly a world champion, because we have no other option. The impacts are felt constantly across the country, so people have adopted a climate-resilient alternative lifestyle.I believe countries in the Global North can learn a lot from us.”
The Growing Influence of Youth in Climate Action
The inclusion of young leaders like Farzana Faruk Jhumu in global decision-making processes signifies a broader trend: the increasing recognition of youth as key stakeholders in addressing the climate crisis.Organizations like the UN are actively seeking to amplify youth voices, acknowledging their unique perspectives and innovative solutions. This shift reflects a growing understanding that enduring climate action requires intergenerational collaboration and a commitment to empowering future leaders. What role do you think youth can play in accelerating climate action in your community?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Farzana Faruk jhumu? Farzana Faruk Jhumu is a Bangladeshi climate activist and the first national representative appointed to the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.
- What is the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change? It’s a group of young leaders providing recommendations to the UN Secretary-General on climate action.
- What is kathpencil? Kathpencil is an organization co-founded by Farzana Faruk Jhumu dedicated to advocating for children’s rights.
- Why is Bangladesh notably vulnerable to climate change? bangladesh is highly susceptible to rising sea levels, cyclones, and flooding due to its geographical location and low-lying terrain.
- What is COP-30? COP-30 is the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, scheduled to be held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025.
We hope this story inspires you to learn more about climate action and the incredible work being done by young leaders around the world. Share this article with your network, leave a comment below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful coverage.
