Amidst rising climate challenges, young people from across Khulna division gathered for a day-long Youth Forum on Climate Change and Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH). Organized under the Youth Catalyst Project of SERAC-Bangladesh, supported by UNFPA and funded by Sida, the forum created a vital space for youth to share experiences, challenges, and solutions that will shape a national white paper on climate-sensitive SRH services.
More than 50 youth representatives from coastal, flood-prone, and erosion-affected communities joined the dialogue. Through interactive group discussions and structured questionnaires, they shared how extreme weather events, salinity intrusion, and displacement are disrupting access to SRH services.
SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh noted “Youth participation in policymaking remains limited. If their voices are integrated, they can drive real, practical solutions for climate and health.”
“Climate change is increasing the spread of new infections, directly affecting healthcare. Ensuring access for adolescents is now more urgent than ever,” said Mohammad Abul Kalam, Divisional Director, DGFP-Khulna.
The young participants’ insights will be translated into policy recommendations aimed at ensuring inclusive, climate-adaptive SRH services. These inputs will directly feed into national-level advocacy to make youth perspectives central in shaping the country’s health and climate policies.
The event was attended by SM Shaikat, Executive Director, SERAC-Bangladesh; Mohammad Abul Kalam, Divisional Director, DGFP-Khulna; Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, Civil Surgeon Health Education Officer, Civil Surgeon Office; Md. Sadiqul Islam, Director, Department of Environment, Khulna; Suraiya Siddiqua, Deputy Director, DWA Khulna; Sadhan Kumar Das, District Public Health Nurse, DGNM Khulna; Md. Akib Uddin, Deputy Director, DGFP-Khulna; Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director of Program, SERAC-Bangladesh; Shahina Yasmin, Program Lead; Md. Nazmul Hasan, Innovation and Youth Specialist; Md. Omar Faruk Khan, Finance and Admin Coordinator; Kamran Mia, Network Officer; and Sumaiya Rahman, Project Officer.