Farzana becomes first Bangladeshi to join UN youth panel on climate change

The group intends to provides practical advice and diverse perspectives from the global youth climate movement to drive action on policy objectives

Bangladeshi climate justice activist Farzana Faruk Jhumu has become the first Bangladeshi youth to be named as a member of the United Nations' Third Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.

According to a statement issued by the agency, the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change provides practical, outcome-oriented advice and diverse perspectives from the global youth climate movement to drive action on climate policy objectives.

Convened under the UN’s Youth 2030 strategy and Our Common Agenda, the group serves as a vital mechanism for the secretary-general to engage directly with young people on climate-related issues, it said.

It recognises youth not only as a group disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, but as essential actors, innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers driving change at every level, the statement read.

The third cohort of the Youth Advisory Group began its term on Aug 12.

In response to the concerning global trend of shrinking civic space that is putting young activists at risk and hindering meaningful youth engagement, the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change has been expanded from seven to 14 members.

The group was selected from a broad pool of candidates nominated by respected youth and climate-focused civil society organisations. It includes representatives from across all regions of the world, with a variety of identities, experiences, perspectives, and expertise.

According to the UN statement, Farzana is co-founder of Kaathpencil, an initiative working to ensure children’s rights, gender equality and to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.

Her journey into activism began in her first year of university when she co-founded the organisation.

Through her interactions with children from climate-affected districts, her focus shifted towards understanding and addressing their suffering. This led her to join Fridays For Future and coordinate actively with Fridays for Future MAPA (Most Affected People and Areas).

She currently works as a programme coordinator with the People’s Climate Diplomacy Program, a youth-led initiative equipping young climate advocates with tools, training, and support to engage meaningfully in global climate negotiations.

“I’m honoured to be appointed by the UN Secretary-General as his Youth Advisors on Climate Change. This declaration on Youth Day means more than a position,” Farzana wrote on social media following the appointment.

“The position also holds significance as this is the only Youth Advisory Group under the UN Secretary General; that makes me the first Bangladeshi youth advisor to the UN Secretary General. I will put my energy and dedication for my mandate to continue strengthening the bridge with the UN and youth movement, which my previous cohorts have built.”