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.