Published: 01 June 2024
Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has won the TIB-DUDS Debating Competition 2024 on the theme “Youth Perspective: Earth & Climate.” East West University was the runner-up.
The two-day competition, organized by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS), aimed to engage university students in climate issues, including governance, financing, mitigation, and adaptation. A total of 32 universities participated.
The final round debated the effectiveness of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with the opposition team winning by highlighting the GCF's shortcomings and the need for greater accountability from governments and polluting developed countries.
Judges of the final debate emphasized the importance of climate discussions extending beyond debating circles to parliaments, policy dialogues, and everyday conversations. They encouraged young debaters to enhance their skills through research and communication for their future careers.
Professor Dr. S M Shameem Reza, DUDS moderator, discussed climate anxiety affecting everyone, not just those in coastal areas. He emphasized that debating fosters a better understanding of global issues and expressed hope that students' voices would be heard on international platforms.
At the closing ceremony, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman addressed corruption in climate change, referencing TIB's recent report on GCF's bias against developing countries. He stressed the importance of youth leadership in climate change efforts and committed TIB to ongoing engagement in climate-related debates.
Chief Moderator of DUDS, Professor Dr. Mahbuba Nasreen, highlighted the reality of climate-induced disasters and urged focus on GCF and global climate bodies. She advocated for including climate change topics in children's education. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, A. S. M. Maksud Kamal, underscored the shared responsibility of saving the planet. He criticized global climate financing bodies for conflicts of interest and lack of emphasis on loss and damage. He noted the direct correlation between climate change and public health, particularly its impact on youth, and thanked TIB for organizing the event.
This year's competition featured 32 teams from various universities, including Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, University of Chittagong, Rajshahi University, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Majibur Rahman Maritime University, South East University, East West University, Comilla University, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Daffodil International University, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Kazi Nazrul Govt. College, Bangladesh Textile University, Stamford University, Jahangirnagar University, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Bangladesh Agriculture University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Sher-E-Bangla Agriculture University, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University, Barishal University, Premier University, National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka College, Jagannath University, Sir Salimullah Medical College, United International University, Govt. Bangla College, Tejgaon College, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, and Rajshahi College.
As climate change continues to pose global challenges, TIB's initiative aimed to raise awareness among the youth about climate governance. The event facilitated meaningful discussions on climate funding and challenges faced by countries like Bangladesh, with TIB planning to continue such engagements to foster youth involvement in anti-corruption and policy dialogues.
