The Youth Climate Hackathon, a collaborative initiative of YPSA and the British Council, kicked off in YPSA HRDC Campus, Sitakunda, Chattogram at March 10, 2024, marking a significant stride in engaging youth in climate action. Organized under the flagship project “Building Agency of Youth in Climate Action, where 900 youths are trained with youth leadership and climate literacy knowledge and taken 96 Social Action initiatives. The hackathon aims to recognized the innovative social actions to combat the repercussions of climate change, particularly in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Khagrachari districts.
The Hackathon was inaugurated by K M Rafiqul Islam, UNO of Sitakunda, Chattogram, alongside Md. Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive of YPSA, was the chairperson of the program. Distinguished honorable guests including Prof. Dr. M. K. MD. Ziaul Hyder from the Department of Chemistry, CUET, Tamim Mostafa, Senior program manager, the British Council Bangladesh, Tasnima Dilshad from IFESCU, Istiaq Ahmad Chowdhury from IMS, CU, and Dr. Prabal Barua from KM4D, YPSA graced the occasion, underscoring the significance of youth-led climate action. Keynote speeches was given by Md. Abdus Sabur, Youth Focal, YPSA. Afra Nawar Rahman, Youth Coordinator, YPSA-CYD delivered her valuable opinion. The program was hosted and facilated by Setar Rudra, Program Officer of this project.
Led by YPSA, in partnership with youth-led organizations Shopno o Agami, Humanity Welfare Association, and YASID, the hackathon endeavors to empower young leaders to address climate challenges and foster resilience within their communities.
The hackathon aimed to recognize and showcase significant social action, as well as youth-led initiatives combating climate change, among 76 applications. After meticulous evaluation by the jury board, the top 22 ideas earned the opportunity to showcase their initiatives. Subsequently, the final jury board nominated the top 10 Social Action Initiatives for awards. These initiatives include: Tree Thrive and Plastic Revive; Eco-Friendly Lifestyle for a Greener Tomorrow; Conservation of Butterflies for Biodiversity and Climate; Green Harmony; Cli-doc; Eco-Roof; No Relief, Need Sustainable Embankment; Beach Cleaning and Awareness through Music; Awareness for Climate Change and Protecting Landslide; Cycling for Climate Justice.
Fatin Mahmud Nihal, Ismail Hosan Maharaj, Dipa Rudra, Rafi Ahmed, Partha Sarkar, Neu Mogini, Fowzia Khanom, Raihanul Islam, Digonta Barua, and Shariar Morshed Sifat were awarded with a crest and certificate in recognition of their enthusiastic initiatives as the leaders of their teams.
“With the Youth Climate Hackathon, we are harnessing the creativity and passion of young leaders to drive tangible solutions and foster resilience within our communities,” stated Md Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive of YPSA.
Through this platform, YPSA aims to amplify the voices of youth, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to building a sustainable and resilient future. The hackathon is poised to catalyze transformative action, recognizing the outstanding contributions of youth leaders towards climate resilience. By nurturing innovation and collaboration, the event sets the stage for a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
