Sadia Jahan Rothi: A leading voice for climate justice and youth empowerment
The Mt Kenya Times 
Sadia Jahan Rothi
By: Anila Bukhari
Sadia Jahan Rothi is an inspiring environmental and climate activist from Bangladesh whose dedication to climate justice, sustainability, and youth empowerment has positioned her among the emerging leaders shaping the future of global climate action. With over seven years of experience in climate education, advocacy, policy analysis, and youth engagement, she has devoted her life to addressing environmental challenges while ensuring that young people are meaningfully included in decision-making processes at local, national, regional, and international levels.
Her journey into climate activism began in 2018 when she joined the youth-led organization Eco-Network Global. The turning point came when she witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities living in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Seeing families struggle against rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation deeply influenced her perspective and motivated her to take action. Rather than remaining a passive observer, Sadia committed herself to becoming a voice for those most affected by the climate crisis.
Through her involvement with Eco-Network Global, Sadia steadily developed her leadership skills and expanded her influence within the environmental movement. Her dedication, strategic thinking, and passion for sustainable development eventually led her to serve as Director of the organization. In this role, she has worked tirelessly to educate young people, promote climate awareness, and advocate for stronger environmental policies. Her leadership has helped create opportunities for youth to actively participate in climate discussions and contribute to solutions that address environmental challenges.
Beyond her national contributions, Sadia has played an active role in global climate governance through her engagement with YOUNGO, the official Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Through this platform, she has collaborated with young climate leaders from around the world to advocate for meaningful youth inclusion in climate negotiations and policy development. Her work reflects a strong belief that young people are not merely future stakeholders but essential partners in creating sustainable solutions today.
Recognized for her commitment to climate resilience and adaptation, Sadia was selected as a Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Youth Fellow. This prestigious opportunity enabled her to work alongside global experts and policymakers focused on addressing the challenges faced by climate-vulnerable nations. Her contributions have emphasized the importance of equitable climate action and the need to amplify the voices of communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental crises.
Adding to her impressive portfolio of achievements, Sadia served as Youth Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA). In this capacity, she provided valuable insights on youth perspectives regarding climate adaptation and resilience-building strategies. Her advisory role reinforced her reputation as a trusted advocate for youth engagement and highlighted her ability to bridge the gap between young activists and high-level decision-makers.
Sadia’s influence extends across numerous international forums and United Nations platforms. She has represented youth voices at some of the world’s most significant climate and development conferences. Among her notable engagements, she attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) as a Party Delegate, contributing to critical discussions surrounding climate mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development. She also participated in COP28 and COP27, demonstrating her consistent commitment to global climate negotiations.
Her international experience further includes participation in the Asia Pacific Dialogue for Human Rights 75, the 79th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), and the UN Water Conference 2023. Through these platforms, Sadia has engaged with policymakers, diplomats, academics, and civil society leaders, advocating for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and intergenerational equity.
Sadia’s remarkable contributions have earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades. In 2022, she received the prestigious Inspiring Women Volunteer Award, honoring her exceptional service to society and her efforts in promoting sustainable development. The award was jointly presented by UN Women, United Nations Volunteers (UNV), Plan International, ActionAid Bangladesh, and VSO, highlighting the significance of her impact across multiple sectors.
The Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) also recognized her outstanding commitment to combating climate change by presenting her with the Senate Award. This honor reflected her dedication to creating positive environmental change and acknowledged her leadership within Bangladesh’s growing climate movement.
In addition to her advocacy work, Sadia has demonstrated excellence in innovation and problem-solving through her success in various climate-related competitions. In 2019, she emerged as the Champion of Climathon, an internationally recognized climate innovation competition supported by EIT Climate-KIC. Her achievement showcased her ability to develop practical and impactful solutions for addressing climate challenges.
Continuing her record of success, she won Solve-A-Thon in 2022, a renewable energy-focused competition organized by the World Bank Bangladesh. This accomplishment underscored her commitment to promoting clean energy solutions and highlighted her capacity to contribute innovative ideas to the transition toward a more sustainable future.
Throughout her career, Sadia Jahan Rothi has remained steadfast in her mission to create a more equitable and climate-resilient world. Her work is driven by the conviction that climate action must be inclusive, collaborative, and centered on the needs of vulnerable communities. By combining grassroots activism with international advocacy, she has successfully amplified youth voices and influenced conversations on environmental policy and sustainable development.
As a leader, advocate, and changemaker, Sadia continues to inspire countless young people to engage in climate action and become active participants in shaping a sustainable future. Her journey demonstrates the transformative power of dedication, empathy, and leadership in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Through her unwavering commitment to environmental justice and youth empowerment, she stands as a powerful example of how one individual can make a meaningful difference on both national and global stages.
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