United International University (UIU) hosted the Youth Symposium on Environment, Development & Sustainability on 20 May 2026 at its campus on Madani Avenue, Dhaka, organizers said in a press release. The event was jointly arranged by the Department of Environment and Development Studies (EDS) and the Environment, Development and Sustainability Club (EDS Club) to engage students and young professionals on sustainability, climate justice, and policy issues.
Ulrich Klepmann, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Dhaka, attended as chief guest, while Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications at UNDP Bangladesh, and Dr Haseeb Md Irfanullah, Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for Sustainable Development, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, were special guests, the statement said. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Shantanu Saha, Head of EDS at UIU, and the vote of thanks was given by Prof Dr Hamidul Huq, Dean of SoHSS, UIU.
The day-long programme featured workshops and panel discussions on careers in the development sector, policy, governance, climate action, and sustainability, said the press release. Speakers included Kingbadanti Sabir, Youth Portfolio Lead at Friendship; Sumaiya Binte Selim Sudha, Youth and Gender Program Manager at ICCCAD; Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Founder of Footsteps NGO and Forbes 30 Under 30; Shah Adnan Mahmood, Country Director of GeoCal; Anika Karim, Climate Change Program Director at Bonhishikha‑Unlearn Gender; Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh; and Esrat Karim, Founder and Executive Director of Amal Foundation.
The symposium provided a youth-focused academic platform to strengthen engagement with sustainable consumption, environmental protection, governance, and policy discourse. Participants explored practical applications for academic learning and emphasised the importance of youth leadership and responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
Faculty members, officials, students, environmental experts, and distinguished guests attended, highlighting UIU’s commitment to promoting sustainability awareness and preparing young professionals to contribute effectively to development and climate action initiatives.
