Farzana Jhumu: Bangladeshi Climate Change Youth Advisor UN
Farzana Faruk Jhumu Joins UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
Farzana Faruk Jhumu has been appointed too the United Nations’ third youth advisory group on climate change, becoming the frist Bangladeshi among 14 global advisors. This appointment underscores the growing influence of youth voices in shaping international climate policy.
Farzana’s journey began in 2018 with the founding of ‘Camphencil’, an organization dedicated to children’s rights. Witnessing the direct impact of climate change on children in a Mirpur slum led her to join the Bangladesh chapter of ‘Fridays For Future’ and coordinate the MAPA (Most Affected People and Areas) programme.
The UN Youth Advisory Group was established in 2020 to ensure the UN’s agenda aligns with the global climate movement. This third cohort, comprising 14 advisors (increased from seven in previous cohorts), will serve for approximately one and a half to two years, providing crucial recommendations to the UN Secretary-General and influencing the agendas of various UN bodies.
“I was mentally prepared, yet the huge flow of good wishes and congratulations has left me both inspired and overwhelmed,” Farzana shared.”I feel very proud,as this gives me the opportunity to represent my country – and even the whole south Asian region – on a global stage like the UN. At the same time, I see it as a huge duty.”
Selection for the group is nomination-based, with the UN Climate Action team reviewing candidates put forward by climate organizations worldwide.
“For them [children] climate change is not a fancy term – it is a harsh reality. However,I see Bangladesh and its fight with climate change from a different angle as well. When it comes to climate adaptation, Bangladesh is truly a world champion, because we have no other option. The impacts are felt constantly across the country, so people have adopted a climate-resilient alternative lifestyle. I believe countries in the Global North can learn a lot from us.”
Farzana Faruk Jhumu
A graduate of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Farzana furthered her education with a master’s in Climate Change and Advancement from Autonomous University, Bangladesh (IUB).She currently leads the ‘People’s Climate Diplomacy Program’, empowering young advocates to participate in global climate negotiations.
previously, as a Youth Advocate at UNICEF (2022-2024), Farzana contributed to the ‘Children’s Climate Risk Index’ report, which highlighted that nearly 10 million children in Bangladesh are directly affected by climate change, placing the country among the top 10 most vulnerable nations.