PRESS RELEASE:
Climathon, a hackathon addressing regional climate challenges, took place on the 16th-17th of February
2024, and conducted bringing together Bangladesh’s brightest minds in climate advocacy, sustainable
entrepreneurship, academia, and policymaking. GenLab, the eminent social think and do tank, proudly has
taken the lead as the core country curator of Climathon Dhaka, an integral part of the global initiative
launched by EIT Climate-KIC—a prominent entity within the European Union dedicated to combating
climate change through innovation.
The pressing issue of climate change has been a matter of grave importance throughout the ages. In
accordance with solving this global issue, the very impactful initiative of Climathon has once again lifted
its curtains with the help and support of Gen Lab.
This two day event brought together the brilliant young minds, ageing from 18-30, together in a thorough
discussion of the climate world where, throughout the course of the event the participants went through
many workshops and sessions which helped them prepare a sustainable business model. After that they
crafted their pitch and presented. The most impactful ideas went through rigorous evaluation by a jury
panel. This year, the theme of the Climathon suggested focusing on ‘Climate Readiness: Creating a
Sustainable and Resilient Dhaka’ to Design a Future-Ready, Sustainable City.
The participants had numerous sessions including a Deep Dive Session with Domain Experts, where they
had a chance to directly interact with the climate experts from the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) during a knowledge session. Followed by a Policy Dialogue which circled around
fostering Youth-Driven Innovation to Strengthen Dhaka’s Climate-Ready Future. Having honourable
speakers present like Ainun Nishat, the former Vice chancellor of BRAC university present.There was a
thoughtful discussion about how climate variability affects livelihoods, agriculture, and sea level rise, with
a focus on the need for informed action. Mubin Sadman Khan, Deputy Editor of the Business Standard was
also present as a fellow speaker.
Gen lab, organised the hackathon, in partnership with The Daily Star, Keeron and GAIN ( Global Alliance
for Improved Nutrition) with the sole idea of promoting a greener and safer Dhaka with the help of the
youths of the city.
Edwin Koekkoek, Team leader, Green Inclusive Development, Delegation of the European Union to
Bangladesh was also present and spoke about the EU Climate Policies In Terms of Mitigation And
Adaptation.
In the closing ceremony, Nayoka Martinez Bäckström, First Secretary (Environment and Climate Change)
& Deputy Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh was present and she mentioned “The
Embassy of Sweden prioritises climate in every form of diplomacy and we push forward the capacity of
young people.” She further added “Look at the secondary and tertiary sectors when you formalise your
future.” Ms Astrid Herdis Jacobsen, Green Growth Specialist, UNDP Bangladesh being present as a guest
too mentioned “We know that cities are more prone to climate hazards but they are also the hotspots for
solutions.” Afterwards, the top three ideas were awarded with crests and the winning idea was awarded
with a boot camp offered by crowd solve.
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