Bangladeshi children have called on the decision-makers to take steps to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, to spend more on education, training and green economy and to protect children from the impacts of climate change.
They sounded the alarm on climate change and called for urgent action at a historic Children's Climate Summit, hosted by the Unicef, on Friday.
The virtual summit culminated in the adoption of a Children's Climate Declaration, which was presented to national leaders in the spirit of intergenerational solidarity.
The summit brought together 300 'child parliamentarians' representing all constituencies in Bangladesh to debate climate issues, policies and actions to safeguard their future.
Over one million children were engaged in preparations for the Children's Climate Summit as part of the Unicef Generation Parliament digital platform, which connects children to policies and decisions that impact their future.
The summit was chaired by President of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights Shamsul Hoque Tuku, and was attended by child climate activists, parliamentarians and climate stakeholders from across the country, as well as by the government, civil society and the development community.
"Our country is on the front line of climate change. Sea level rise, erosion, pollution and extreme weather jeopardise our survival, wellbeing and future. Children must be consulted on policies and decisions that impact our future. There is no time to lose," said Ridwana Islam, 15, a child parliamentarian from Dhaka.
"The climate emergency requires bold leadership as we battle against the clock. We must look to children and young people for inspiration, courage and vision. The Unicef works to facilitate Bangladeshi children to be part of a societal decision-making process on climate change-related issues as they directly impact their future," said Tomoo Hozumi, Unicef Representative in Bangladesh.
"Today children have taught us that our youngest citizens should play key role in shaping climate policy. It will be my pleasure if I could make a commitment to the Children's Climate Declaration in the near future in parliament," said Deputy Speaker of Parliament Fazle Rabbi Miah.
