Photo: Courtesy
Daffodil International University (DIU) has participated in the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to fight against climate change. With global temperatures hitting record highs, and extreme weather events affecting people around the globe, COP29 has brought together leaders from governments, business and civil society to advance concrete solutions to the defining issue of our time.
The conference, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, commenced on November 11 and will continue until November 22, 2024. Representing DIU at this prestigious global platform were Dr. Mohamed Emran Hossain, Associate Professor, Department of Development Studies, and Member of the Board of Trustees of DIU; Ms. Samiha Khan, Senior Lecturer; Department of Development Studies and Fatima Tuj Juhra Sadia, student representative of DIU. As representatives of Bangladesh and DIU, they pledged their commitment to addressing the climate crisis and fostering collaboration for sustainable development.
DIU has already prioritized environmental challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within its educational initiatives. Through hands-on learning and practical curriculum design, the university empowers students to actively contribute to achieve the SDGs. Additionally, DIU focuses on research in critical areas such as renewable energy, climate resilience, health, business, and engineering. In 2023, the university published 1,139 Scopus-indexed research papers, positioning itself as the top private university and second overall in Bangladesh for research output. DIU is also raising climate awareness on campus and within local communities by promoting renewable energy solutions and conducting various environmental campaigns.
On the first day of the conference, Ms. Samiha Khan delivered a speech during the session titled “EcoCash Global Trade Hub - Towards Sustainable Living Community”. She stated, “The climate crisis is having severe impacts in Bangladesh and across the globe. To address this, our university is conducting various activities to raise awareness among young students while also preserving the environment around our campus. In response to environmental disasters and natural calamities nationwide, we are actively engaging students in campaigns and initiatives aimed at sustainable development. Our awareness initiatives are not limited to the campus alone; we aim to make these efforts a habit at both local and international levels, advancing practical solutions to combat environmental degradation.”
The United Nations expects COP29 to deliver realistic solutions for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change. Additionally, updated national climate action plans, aligned with the Paris Agreement, will be presented at the conference and are expected to be implemented by early 2025.
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